🇹🇿 Tanzania visa for Americans

Most nationalities need a visa for Tanzania. US, UK, Canadian, Australian, and EU citizens can get a 30-day visa on arrival for $50 USD. Others might need to apply in advance.

Who gets a visa on arrival, and who needs to plan ahead?

For digital nomads based in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, or the EU, Tanzania offers a convenient visa on arrival at major entry points like Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR). It’s a 30-day tourist visa, costs $50 USD, and the process is usually straightforward. Just have your passport, a completed form, and the exact cash ready.

Citizens of a few neighbouring East African countries can enter visa-free for shorter periods. Everyone else, including passport holders from countries like China, India, or many Middle Eastern nations, must apply for a visa in advance through the Tanzanian embassy or consulate in their home country or via the online eVisa portal. Don't risk showing up without one if you fall into this category; it's a one-way ticket to being denied entry or facing significant hassle.

How long can you actually stay, and what happens if you overstay?

The standard tourist visa grants 30 days of stay, with options for single-entry and multiple-entry visas. A single-entry visa means once you leave Tanzania, even for a day trip to Zanzibar (which is part of Tanzania), you can't re-enter on the same visa. This is a common gotcha for nomads who might want to pop over to Kenya or Rwanda for a few days. If you plan on multiple entries, you'll need to specifically apply for and pay for a multiple-entry visa, which is significantly more expensive.

Overstaying your visa is not taken lightly. While enforcement can vary, penalties can include hefty fines. Expect to pay a daily fine, typically around $10 USD per day†, for each day you are in the country beyond your visa's expiry. In some cases, this can escalate to detention or deportation. Always ensure your visa is valid for your intended stay and keep track of your exit date. Getting your passport stamped upon departure is essential proof you left on time.

Working remotely on a tourist visa: what's the real story?

Tanzania doesn't currently have a specific digital nomad visa. Technically, working on a tourist visa is a grey area. The tourist visa is intended for leisure and tourism, not for employment or conducting business within Tanzania. However, enforcement of this rule for remote workers is generally lax, especially if you're not visibly working for a Tanzanian company or soliciting local business.

Most remote workers operate on their tourist visas without issue. The authorities are more concerned with formal employment or illegal business activities. If you're simply logging into your overseas company's systems or taking video calls, you're unlikely to face problems. Just don't try to set up a local business or get paid by a Tanzanian entity without the proper work permits, which are difficult to obtain on a tourist track. Be discreet and understand that, in a strict sense, it’s not officially sanctioned.

What's new with Tanzania's visas?

Tanzania has been moving towards a more streamlined eVisa system. The eVisa portal was launched to simplify the application process for those who need to apply in advance. While it's intended to speed things up, some users report mixed experiences, with processing times sometimes exceeding the initial estimates. It's wise to apply well in advance of your travel date, regardless of using the eVisa system.

There haven't been major shifts in visa-free entry for short stays in the last 12-18 months. The $50 fee for the 30-day visa on arrival for eligible nationalities has remained consistent. However, always check the official Tanzanian immigration website or your local embassy for the most current information before your trip, as regulations can change with little notice. Fees and requirements are subject to revision.