🇹🇿 Tanzania visa requirements

Most nationalities need a visa for Tanzania. Some get it on arrival, others must apply ahead.

Who Needs a Visa for Tanzania?

Let's cut to the chase on visas. US, UK, Canadian, Australian, and most EU passport holders will need to apply for a visa before arriving. You can do this online via the Tanzanian eVisa portal, or at a Tanzanian embassy or consulate in your home country. The eVisa is generally faster. For visa-on-arrival countries, this includes citizens of many African nations. You'll present your passport, pay the fee, and get your stamp. Finally, there are a few countries with visa-exempt agreements; check the official Tanzanian immigration website for the absolute latest list, as these can change.

How Long Can You Stay and What Are the Rules?

Your standard tourist visa for Tanzania typically grants you 30 days of stay. For those who applied for a longer-term visa, this can extend up to 90 days, but that's less common for a short trip. The biggest gotcha? Exit stamps. Make sure immigration officials properly stamp your passport when you leave. Without it, your next entry could be complicated. Also, remember that most tourist visas are single-entry. If you leave Tanzania and plan to return within the same visa period, you'll need a new visa and a new fee. Overstaying is not advisable. Penalties can include fines of $100 USD per day of overstay, and potentially detention or deportation. It’s not worth the risk.

Working Remotely on a Tourist Stamp

This is a grey area, and honestly, where most remote workers tread. Officially, a tourist visa is for tourism. It's not a work permit. Can you technically work on your laptop with a tourist stamp? Yes. Will anyone likely stop you? Probably not, especially in tourist hubs like Zanzibar or Arusha. However, it’s crucial to understand that if immigration or police officials were to inquire, you wouldn't have a legal basis to be working. Enforcement is inconsistent. Most people aren't bothered, but you're operating outside the defined rules. Don't expect to register a business or get a local tax ID on a tourist visa.

What's New with Tanzania Visas?

Tanzania rolled out its eVisa system a few years back, and it's become the standard for many nationalities needing to apply in advance. The fees are generally around $50 USD for most single-entry tourist visas, though this can vary slightly depending on your nationality and the type of visa. They've been working to streamline the process. Keep an eye on the official eVisa portal for any updates on processing times or fee adjustments. While there haven't been major policy overhauls in the last 12-18 months, minor adjustments to the application process or fee structures happen periodically. Always check the official government site just before you apply.