๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ American passport โ†’ Tanzania

Do American citizens need a visa for Tanzania?

US passport holders enjoy strong access across Africa, though Tanzania and Ethiopia charge premium visa fees, and Ghana still requires an embassy visa.

e-VisaThe short answer

Yes โ€” apply for an e-visa online before flying to Tanzania.

Apply online before you fly. Approval typically takes a few working days. Print and carry the approval letter. US citizens pay a USD 100 reciprocity fee and receive a 12-month multiple-entry visa.

Stay length
12 months, multiple entry
Cost
USD 100
Processing
Up to 10 working days
Where to apply
Official e-visa portal
Apply at the official portal โ†’

What else you need

Common entry requirements that catch travelers out โ€” verify each before you fly.

Passport validity
Six months beyond entry
Blank pages
One blank page
Yellow fever
Required if arriving from a yellow fever country
Onward ticket
Often required

What to know about Tanzania. Tanzania's e-visa is recommended over visa on arrival to skip airport queues. Zanzibar uses the same Tanzania visa. The US 'reciprocity' fee makes Tanzania visibly more expensive for American travelers.

Notes for American travelers

Currency tip

Youโ€™ll likely pay Tanzania visa fees in USD or local currency, not USD. Bring clean, post-2009 USD notes in mixed denominations โ€” theyโ€™re the most useful currency for visas on arrival and border fees across Africa.

Health prep

Required if arriving from a yellow fever country Check the latest CDC/UK government travel health advice for Tanzania before you fly โ€” recommended vaccinations and antimalarial guidance change.

FAQ

Do American citizens need a visa for Tanzania?
Yes. American passport holders need a e-visa for Tanzania. US citizens pay a USD 100 reciprocity fee and receive a 12-month multiple-entry visa.
How much does a Tanzania visa cost for American citizens?
USD 100. Processing time is Up to 10 working days. Apply at https://eservices.immigration.go.tz.
How long can American citizens stay in Tanzania?
12 months, multiple entry is the standard tourist entry. Extensions are usually possible through the destination's immigration office; some countries allow border-hop renewals.
Can American citizens get a Tanzania visa on arrival?
Usually no โ€” apply for the e-visa online before travel. Some countries do offer visa-on-arrival as a backup.

Check another combination

Keep planning your Tanzania trip