Tanzania Visa Requirements

Yes, US citizens need a visa to visit Tanzania. The easiest option is the e-Visa, applied for online through the official Tanzania Immigration website (visa.immigration.go.tz) before travel. Single-entry tourist visas cost approximately $50 USD and allow stays up to 90 days. Processing typically takes 3-10 business days, so apply at least two weeks before departure. Visa on arrival is also possible at major airports (Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar) and some land borders for the same fee, but advance e-Visa is recommended to avoid potential delays.

Yellow fever vaccination is required if arriving from a yellow fever endemic country and strongly recommended for all travelers visiting Tanzania. Carry your vaccination certificate (yellow card). Consult a travel medicine specialist 4-6 weeks before departure. Recommended vaccinations include Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and ensuring routine immunizations are current. Malaria is present throughout Tanzania, including in Zanzibar and on safari; antimalarial prophylaxis is essential. Use insect repellent with DEET, sleep under treated mosquito nets, and wear long sleeves and pants at dawn and dusk. Comprehensive travel health insurance covering medical evacuation is strongly advised.

Tanzania offers excellent wildlife viewing year-round, but optimal timing depends on your goals. The dry season (June-October) is generally best for wildlife spotting as animals gather around water sources and vegetation is sparse. The Great Migration (wildebeest crossing the Mara River) typically occurs July-October in the northern Serengeti. The short dry season (January-February) offers green landscapes, newborn animals, and fewer tourists; calving season in the southern Serengeti is January-March. The long rains (March-May) bring lower prices but some lodges close and roads become difficult. Zanzibar is best June-October and December-February; avoid heavy rains in April-May.

Tanzania safaris vary widely in price. Budget camping safaris start around $150-250 USD per person per day including park fees, transportation, meals, and basic accommodation. Mid-range safaris with comfortable lodges run $350-600 per day. Luxury tented camps and exclusive lodges can exceed $1,000 per day. Park entrance fees alone are significant (around $70 per day for Serengeti, $60 for Ngorongoro Crater). Independently arranged safaris booking guides separately can save money but require more planning. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro adds significant costs: $2,000-6,000+ depending on route and operator. Zanzibar adds beach time at various price points. Book with reputable, licensed operators.

Tanzania is generally safe for tourists who take normal precautions. Safari areas and Zanzibar's tourist zones are well-traveled and secure. In cities like Dar es Salaam and Arusha, be cautious of petty crime; don't walk alone at night, don't display valuables, and use reputable transportation. Zanzibar has occasional petty crime and isolated incidents; stick to tourist areas after dark. Use licensed tour operators for safaris; the Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB) and TATO maintain approved operator lists. Political demonstrations occasionally occur; avoid them. Local people are generally friendly and welcoming to visitors. Follow your guide's instructions on safari for wildlife safety.