Tanzania grants visa-free entry to passport holders from approximately 50 countries, primarily in Africa, the Caribbean, and parts of Asia. Citizens of these nations can enter Tanzania without a visa and stay for up to 90 days. If your country is not on the visa-exempt list, you can apply for an eVisa online through the official portal.
Tanzania’s visa-free policy is part of regional agreements within the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), as well as bilateral treaties with individual nations. Knowing whether your nationality qualifies for visa-free entry saves you time and the $50 visa fee.
This guide lists every country whose citizens can enter Tanzania without a visa, explains the rules that apply, and covers what to do if your country is not on the list.
Who Can Enter Tanzania Without a Visa?
Tanzania allows visa-free entry to citizens of around 50 countries. The maximum stay is 90 days for most nationalities. This policy applies to ordinary passport holders – diplomatic and official passport holders from additional countries may also qualify under separate bilateral agreements.
The visa-exempt list includes nations from several regions:
- East African Community (EAC) member states
- Southern African Development Community (SADC) members
- Selected Caribbean nations
- A small number of Asian and Pacific Island countries
If you hold a passport from one of these countries, you do not need to apply for a visa before travelling. You simply present your valid passport at the port of entry and receive a stamp allowing a stay of up to 90 days.
For travellers who do need a visa, our Tanzania eVisa Complete Guide explains the full online application process.
Complete List of Tanzania Visa-Free Countries
The following table lists all countries whose citizens can enter Tanzania without a visa, grouped by region.
Africa
| Country | Maximum Stay |
|---|---|
| Angola | 90 days |
| Botswana | 90 days |
| Burundi | 90 days |
| Democratic Republic of Congo | 90 days |
| Eswatini | 90 days |
| Gambia | 90 days |
| Ghana | 90 days |
| Kenya | 90 days |
| Lesotho | 90 days |
| Madagascar | 90 days |
| Malawi | 90 days |
| Mauritius | 90 days |
| Mozambique | 90 days |
| Namibia | 90 days |
| Rwanda | 90 days |
| Seychelles | 90 days |
| South Africa | 90 days |
| South Sudan | 90 days |
| Uganda | 90 days |
| Zambia | 90 days |
| Zimbabwe | 90 days |
Caribbean
| Country | Maximum Stay |
|---|---|
| Antigua and Barbuda | 90 days |
| Bahamas | 90 days |
| Barbados | 90 days |
| Belize | 90 days |
| Dominica | 90 days |
| Grenada | 90 days |
| Guyana | 90 days |
| Jamaica | 90 days |
| Saint Kitts and Nevis | 90 days |
| Saint Lucia | 90 days |
| Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | 90 days |
| Trinidad and Tobago | 90 days |
Asia and Pacific
| Country | Maximum Stay |
|---|---|
| Brunei | 90 days |
| Cyprus | 90 days |
| Hong Kong | 90 days |
| Kiribati | 90 days |
| Macau | 90 days |
| Malaysia | 90 days |
| Malta | 90 days |
| Nauru | 90 days |
| Papua New Guinea | 90 days |
| Romania | 90 days |
| Samoa | 90 days |
| Singapore | 90 days |
| Solomon Islands | 90 days |
| Tonga | 90 days |
| Tuvalu | 90 days |
| Vanuatu | 90 days |
British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies
Holders of British Overseas Territories Citizen (BOTC) passports from the following territories also enjoy visa-free entry to Tanzania:
- Bermuda
- British Virgin Islands
- Cayman Islands
- Falkland Islands
- Gibraltar
- Montserrat
- St Helena
- Turks and Caicos Islands
Additionally, passport holders from Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man qualify for visa-free entry, as do residents of Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau, Norfolk Island, Christmas Island, and Cocos Islands.
Diplomatic and Official Passport Holders
Citizens of the following countries can enter Tanzania without a visa when travelling on diplomatic or official (service) passports, even though ordinary passport holders from these nations need a visa:
- Brazil
- China
- India
- South Korea
- Turkey
These exemptions are governed by bilateral agreements and apply only to the specific passport type. If you hold an ordinary passport from one of these countries, you must apply for a visa through the Tanzania visa application process.
Countries That Require a Referral Visa
At the other end of the spectrum, citizens of certain countries face additional requirements. Travellers from referral visa countries must obtain prior approval from the Commissioner General of Immigration before a visa can be issued. This applies both to eVisa applications and visa-on-arrival requests.
The referral visa countries are:
| Country | Region |
|---|---|
| Afghanistan | Asia |
| Bangladesh | Asia |
| Chad | Africa |
| Eritrea | Africa |
| Guinea | Africa |
| Guinea-Bissau | Africa |
| Iran | Middle East |
| Iraq | Middle East |
| Kyrgyzstan | Central Asia |
| Lebanon | Middle East |
| Mali | Africa |
| Mauritania | Africa |
| Niger | Africa |
| Nigeria | Africa |
| Pakistan | Asia |
| Palestine | Middle East |
| Senegal | Africa |
| Sierra Leone | Africa |
| Somalia | Africa |
| Syria | Middle East |
| Tajikistan | Central Asia |
| Turkmenistan | Central Asia |
| Uzbekistan | Central Asia |
| Yemen | Middle East |
If you are a citizen of a referral visa country, start your application well in advance. The referral process adds several weeks to the standard processing time.
What You Need Even If You Are Visa-Free
Visa-free entry does not mean you can arrive with no documentation. All travellers to Tanzania, including those from visa-exempt countries, must meet the following requirements:
- Valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity from the date of entry
- At least one blank page in your passport for the entry stamp
- Return or onward ticket showing you plan to leave within 90 days
- Proof of accommodation such as a hotel booking or invitation letter
- Yellow Fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from or transiting through a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission
For the full document checklist, see our guide on Tanzania eVisa Requirements.
Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirement
Tanzania requires a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate from travellers arriving from or transiting (for more than 12 hours) through countries where Yellow Fever is endemic. This includes most of sub-Saharan Africa and parts of South America.
Even if you are from a visa-free country, you will be denied entry without a valid Yellow Fever certificate if you have transited through a risk country. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel to ensure the certificate is valid.
Zanzibar Travel Insurance
Since 1 October 2024, all visitors to Zanzibar must purchase mandatory travel insurance through the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC). This requirement applies regardless of your nationality – whether you need a visa or not.
The insurance covers medical emergencies, personal accidents, and travel disruptions during your stay on Zanzibar. You can purchase it online before arrival or at the port of entry. For full details, see our Tanzania Travel Insurance guide.
How Long Can Visa-Free Visitors Stay?
The standard visa-free stay in Tanzania is 90 days (3 months). This applies to most nationalities on the exempt list. The 90-day period begins on the date you enter the country.
If you wish to stay longer than 90 days, you must apply for a visa extension at the immigration office in Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar. Extensions are granted for an additional 90 days and cost $50. You should apply before your initial 90-day period expires to avoid overstaying penalties.
Overstaying your permitted duration can result in fines, detention, or a ban on future entry to Tanzania. It is your responsibility to track your departure date and comply with immigration rules.
For information on extending your stay, read our Tanzania Visa Extension guide.
What If Your Country Is Not on the List?
If your nationality is not on the visa-exempt list, you need to obtain a visa before entering Tanzania. You have two options:
- Apply for an eVisa online through the official portal at visa.immigration.go.tz. The standard tourist visa costs $50 and takes approximately 10 working days to process.
- Obtain a visa on arrival at the airport or land border. The fee is the same ($50 for single entry), but you must pay in cash using US dollar notes dated 2006 or newer. Only $50 and $100 denominations are accepted at some ports of entry.
The online eVisa is the recommended option because it reduces waiting time at immigration and guarantees you have approval before you travel. The Tanzania eVisa Fee guide breaks down all costs by visa type.
Tanzania Visa-Free Countries: Key Takeaways
- Approximately 50 countries enjoy visa-free entry to Tanzania for up to 90 days
- The list includes most African nations, several Caribbean countries, and a handful of Asian and Pacific Island states
- British Overseas Territories Citizen passport holders also qualify
- Diplomatic passport holders from Brazil, China, India, South Korea, and Turkey are exempt
- Citizens of 24 referral visa countries need prior approval from the Commissioner General
- All visitors still need a valid passport, return ticket, and may need a Yellow Fever certificate
- Zanzibar requires mandatory travel insurance since October 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to visit Tanzania from the United States?
Yes. The United States is not on Tanzania’s visa-free list. US citizens must apply for an eVisa online at visa.immigration.go.tz or obtain a visa on arrival. The standard tourist visa costs $50.
Do UK citizens need a visa for Tanzania?
Yes. The United Kingdom is not on the visa-exempt list. UK passport holders must apply for an eVisa or get a visa on arrival. The fee is $50 for a single-entry tourist visa.
Can Indian citizens enter Tanzania without a visa?
Indian citizens with ordinary passports need a visa. However, holders of Indian diplomatic or official passports can enter Tanzania without a visa under a bilateral agreement.
How long can I stay in Tanzania without a visa?
If your country is on the visa-exempt list, you can stay for up to 90 days. After that, you must leave the country or apply for a visa extension at an immigration office.
Do I need a Yellow Fever certificate if I am from a visa-free country?
Yes, if you are arriving from or transiting through a country where Yellow Fever is endemic. This requirement applies to all travellers regardless of visa status.
Is Zanzibar included in the visa-free entry?
Yes. Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, so the same visa-free rules apply. However, since October 2024, all visitors to Zanzibar must purchase mandatory travel insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation.
Can I work in Tanzania if I am from a visa-free country?
No. Visa-free entry allows tourism, family visits, and short-term business activities only. To work in Tanzania, you need a Work Permit regardless of your nationality. See our guide on Tanzania Work Visa for details.
What passport validity do I need for Tanzania?
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Tanzania. You also need at least one blank page for the entry stamp.
