Sorting out your visa and entry paperwork ahead of time is one of the least exciting parts of planning a safari — and one of the easiest to get wrong at the last minute. Here’s what to know.

Do You Need a Visa?

Most nationalities require a visa to enter Tanzania, though requirements vary by country, so it’s worth checking your specific nationality’s requirements with the nearest Tanzanian embassy or official government visa portal before you travel. Many travelers are eligible for a visa on arrival or an e-visa applied for in advance online.

E-Visa vs Visa on Arrival

Applying for an e-visa in advance is generally the smoother option — you complete the paperwork and payment online before you fly, and arrive with an approval already in hand. Visa on arrival is available for eligible nationalities but can mean longer queues at the airport, especially during peak season.

Passport Validity

Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date, with at least one blank page for the visa stamp. This is a common trip-up — check the expiry date early, not the week before you fly.

Yellow Fever Certificate

If you’re arriving from, or have transited through, a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, you’ll need to show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate on entry. Requirements can change, so confirm the current list of affected countries before you travel.

Other Documents Worth Carrying

Printed and digital copies of your visa approval, travel insurance details, and your full itinerary. It’s also worth keeping a photo of your passport’s main page stored separately from the physical document, just in case.

Bottom Line

None of this is complicated, but it’s the kind of thing that causes real stress if left until the last minute. Sort your visa and vaccination requirements a few weeks out, and entry becomes the easiest part of the trip.

Not sure what applies to your nationality? Get in touch and we’ll point you toward the right official resources for your specific situation.