FAQ

Yes. for entry into Tanzania, the best portal for Visa application is the Official Tanzania Immigration Services Website.

  • The cost of a tourist visa (for US citizens) is $100 USD and is valid for one year, and multi-entry.
  • The turn-around time is generally 6-10 business days, and you will be notified online via email.
  • You should apply at a minimum of 6 weeks prior to your travel.
  • Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of departure from Tanzania and has an unused page for visa application.


In addition to your visa and a valid passport, you will need to have the following:

  • A passport-sized photo – Many drug stores offer this service (good to carry a few extras with you)
  • Accommodation information (name of lodges or safari company)
  • A copy of your itinerary
  • A return ticket or evidence of onward travel (a photocopy of your flight booking is good)

Keep a paper copy of all of the above, including a copy of your bio page from your passport, in a folder that you can easily reference upon going through immigration. It is also recommended to take photos of all of the above and keep those in a folder on your phone.

Tanzania does not require any vaccines, however there are several (including boosters) that are recommended, such as:

  • Hepatitis A
  • Hepatitis B
  • Typhoid
  • Cholera
  • Rabies
  • Meningitis
  • Tetanus

Malaria pills, although not required, are recommended particularly if you will be visiting Zanzibar, other islands, or the coastal areas. Check with your doctor’s recommendation based on your health status. While not all mosquitoes carry Malaria, you should also take other measures to avoid mosquito bites, such as using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved clothing in the evenings and sleeping under mosquito nets when provided.

Consult your doctor or a travel health clinic at least 4 to 6 weeks before your trip to get the appropriate advice and vaccinations. Check the CDC website for current information and updates on the vaccines and medicines for Tanzania:

It is not required to show a COVID vaccination certificate or negative COVID test to enter Tanzania, however you may be asked for proof of vaccination. Make a copy of your Covid vaccine card and keep this in your folder as a preventative measure. This could be subject to change, however. Please feel free to contact our office if you have questions about current requirements.

  • Travel documents: passport, visa, travel insurance, vaccination certificate, etc.
  • Clothing: layering is best due to temperature swings from elevation changes, and time of year. Short and long-sleeved shirts, long pants, shorts, skirts, warm sweaters, rain jacket, scarf, hat, etc.
  • Shoes: hiking or tennis/walking shoes, flip flops (good for inside your tent), and sandals
  • Swim wear: swimsuit, sunscreen, etc. – many camps have swimming pools
  • Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant, etc.
  • Medicines: painkillers, anti-diarrhea pills, antihistamines, malaria pills, etc.
  • Insect repellent: spray or lotion
  • Wet wipes and hand sanitizer
  • Travel Converter and adapter plugs
  • Camera and battery charger
  • Binoculars and a small flashlight
  • Backpack or lightweight tote bag (good for carrying miscellaneous items while on your game drives)

For a comprehensive list, please view our PDF file.

When traveling to Tanzania, it is recommended that you have travel insurance in place. Travel insurance can cover you for unexpected events such as trip cancellations, medical expenses and hospital benefits, personal accident and liability, abandoning your trip, delayed departure, accommodation coverage, personal belongings and baggage, personal money, passport and travel documents, legal expenses and more.

There are different types of travel insurance policies available depending on your needs. It is also recommended to check with your health insurance provider to understand how your policy might cover you overseas in case of a medical emergency.

For emergency medical evacuation, look at AMREF and their short-term coverage.

Here is an insurance website that provides information for several different insurance companies, along with some good general information.

Like many countries, people that work in the service industry rely on tips to help to supplement their income. At the lodges and camps there is generally a communal tip box.