The costs for a Tanzania visa differ slightly per nationality. Are you from Europe? Then the fee is 50 USD. Are you a US citizen? Then you need a multi-entry visa for the price of 100 USD. Both are valid for three months, but the multi-entry visa allows you to leave the country and come back again with the same visa within one year.

The amounts above apply when you purchase your visa online. If you apply for a visa upon arrival, it either costs 50 USD or 50 EUR (or 100 USD for the multi-entry visa), even though 50 EUR obviously does not equal 50 USD. You can either pay for your visa in cash or with a credit card – then the fee is 50 or 100 USD plus credit card fees. The choice is yours.

The Tanzanian government prefers you applying online, and truth be told, it does have its perks:

• The process is relatively easy, especially with the explanatory PDF you get when booking through us.
• You board your plane knowing your visa is arranged and paid for.
• Upon arrival, you only have to wait at one counter to get your visa stamped.

To apply for a visa online, you go to the official portal of the Tanzanian government. We advise you to NOT apply through any other website because they are either more expensive or scams. We know of several travellers who lost their money through these scams, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. The official portal is: https://visa.immigration.go.tz/.

When guests book with us, a guide will help them through the process. And our travel consultants are always available for advice, too. Even though we cannot apply for your visa, we can make everything works out. If you submit your visa application online, it can take up to two weeks before your visa is processed and approved. Make sure to have a printed or downloaded version of your visa when you embark on your journey. If you apply for a visa online, you only have to queue at the immigration counter to get your visa stamped in your passport. Then you collect your bags and you’re good to go. Easy!

If, for any reason, you can't or prefer not to apply online, you still have the option to get a visa upon arrival. Aside from a bit of typical African bureaucracy, the whole process is pretty straightforward: You’ll need to fill out an application form when you land at the airport (make sure to have a pen handy and the address of Tanzania Specialist along with your first lodge ready). Head over to the visa counter to submit your application. Next, go to a second counter to pay your visa fee, which you can do either in cash or with a credit card. Then, visit a third counter to get your visa stamped in your passport. Finally, grab your bags, and you’re all set to go. As you can see, if you opt for the visa on arrival, you’ll be standing in line three times, while applying online means just one queue when you touch down. So, going the traditional route might take a little longer. But hey, you’re in the land of “pole pole,” which means “slowly slowly” in Swahili, so you might as well embrace it. And just between us, these days, so many folks are applying online that the line for online applications is often much longer than the three lines for a visa on arrival. You might actually get through faster!

Nowadays, most people prefer to apply online. This way they can be sure to have the visa in their pocket before travelling. Which is understandable. If you decide to apply online, make sure to be prepared:

• Apply three to four weeks before your trip, in case your application gets denied. This will give you enough time to correct the mistakes and apply again.
• Have a credit card ready for your payment, or know how to make an international bank transfer.
• Have a digital passport-size picture, a picture of your passport’s biodata page (max. 300KB) and a PDF of your flight ticket (max. 1MB) ready.
• Make sure your passport is valid for six months upon return from Tanzania.
• If children travel with only one parent, you need a written document in English with the consent of the other parent for the trip, and then you have to upload this into the system.
• Make sure to have a pen at hand when arriving in Tanzania, because sometimes there is still a form they ask you to fill.

If you decide to be a bit adventurous and apply upon arrival*, don’t board the plane unprepared, either.

• Carry the amount needed for the fee in cash (USD/EUR), or use your credit card.
• No passport-size picture is needed.
• Have a pen at hand to fill in the application form, and the addresses of Tanzania Specialist and the first hotel you stay in.
• If children travel with only one parent, you need a written document in English with the consent of the other parent for the trip.

*Nationals of some countries need a so-called Referral Visa and are not allowed to apply upon arrival. So make sure to check that before you decide on how to apply. Also, applying for a visa upon arrival might not be possible any more in the future for anyone, so make sure to check the immigration guidelines before you leave to make sure that it’s still possible.

Embarking on an African safari to Tanzania is an adventure of a lifetime. But don’t forget to pack one of the most important things: travel insurance!

A good travel insurance plan provides peace of mind by covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen events. It’s essential to have a reliable safety net, especially in remote areas where access to medical facilities and other services can be limited. Comprehensive travel insurance lets you focus on the thrill of the safari, knowing that you’re protected against the unexpected.

Since 1 October 2024, you are obligated to obtain the Zanzibar Mandatory Travel Insurance, regardless of your own travel insurance. Each traveller needs to apply for this insurance in advance. After a payment of 44 USD per person, you receive a QR code to be shown upon arrival.

The basic coverage of this mandatory travel insurance includes the cost of emergency medical expenses, repatriation expenses (body and medical), personal accidents, baggage delays, baggage theft, baggage loss, legal expenses, and personal liabilities. To apply for Zanzibar’s Mandatory Travel Insurance, please visit https://inbound.visitzanzibar.go.tz/.

It is advisable to sign up for cancellation insurance. In some cases, only a portion of the cost is refunded if a long trip is cancelled. Please check this with your insurer to make sure you are properly insured.

In addition to standard vaccinations such as MMR and TDP, the CDC and WHO recommend vaccinations for Tanzania, such as Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and typhoid. Yellow fever and rabies vaccinations are also recommended depending on the traveller’s activities.

Tanzania yellow fever requirements can sometimes seem confusing, but we’re here to help! As a yellow fever-free country, Tanzania is safe to travel when it comes to steering clear of this virus.

• Passport:This is a no-brainer, but it can sometimes be tough to remember to pick up your passport on your way out of the door. Make a note about remembering your passport somewhere that you can be sure that you will see it, such as on the fridge or on the bathroom mirror. Also, make sure that your passport has a minimum validity of six months.
• Plane Ticket:Another obvious necessity, but again, it can be easy to forget them when you’re in a hurry.
• Visa:E-visas are recommended as they can be arranged in advance, and they can be useful when it comes to avoiding any potential issues with obtaining a physical visa once you get to Tanzania. However, if it is necessary, they are available upon arrival in the country.
• Travel Insurance:An insurance will keep you covered for issues that might pop up during your trip to Tanzania, such as cancellations, flight delays, evacuations, theft, or loss of property, and any necessary medical expenses.
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It’s best to be as prepared as possible when it comes to the money that you bring with you, so a mixture of debit or credit cards as well as cash is going to be your best bet. Even though dollars and euros are still used in the most touristic places, the only official currency is the Tanzanian shilling and should be used, especially for all your small expenses.

Clothing for a safari can be a bit of a puzzle, especially since Tanzania's weather can be quite unpredictable.

In Tanzania, you have both wet and dry seasons to consider. The dry spells typically run from January to February and again from June to October, while the wet seasons stretch from March to May and then from November to early December.

If you're heading out during the dry season, you probably won’t encounter much rain, but it’s wise to bring along a couple of jackets just in case. Light clothing is usually all you need. On the other hand, the wet seasons require you to pack heavier items like scarves and thicker jackets.

Regardless of when you visit, there are some essential clothing items you should definitely include in your packing list:

- Long-sleeved shirts

- Trousers

- Shorts

- Waterproof jacket

- T-shirts

- Socks

- Warm sweaters

- Swimsuits

- Hats

Overall, lightweight outfits in neutral colors are a smart choice for a safari, but don’t forget that layering is key!

A basic first aid kit will help you in case of any unexpected mishaps or illnesses during your safari.

From regular painkillers to medications to avoid sickness and diarrhea  you want to make sure that you are stocked up on the essentials. This way, you can continue to enjoy your trip even if you have to deal with any medical problems.

Some of these essentials include:

• Anti-bacterial medicines
• Anti-malaria medications
• Anti-diarrhea medications
• Plasters
• Gauze and bandages
• Adhesive tape
• Hand sanitizer
• Eye drops
• Nose spray

Even the smallest first aid kit will do, as long as you have the right tools for any cuts, bruises, or reactions that might occur!

Toiletries

When it comes to toiletries, simply bring the same kind of items you would bring to any other holiday, such as the following:

• Toothpaste
• Toothbrush
• Soap
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Mouthwash
• Deodorant
• Travel towels
• Hairbrush
• Lotions
• Feminine hygiene products (if necessary)

A safari is also a happy place for insects, so make sure you also bring some strong insect repellent in order to avoid being swarmed or bitten!

Sun Protection

You also need to keep in mind that you are going to be outside for a long period of time whilst on safari, so protection from the sun is crucial. Besides sunscreen, bring some after-sun lotion as well.

Of course, you want to capture the moments you experience during your safari for eternity. Next to a phone, a camera should be on your list of essential items.

Don’t forget the charger for your camera (that goes for your phone too!) and spare batteries, as well as an extra memory card. Universal plug converters and binoculars are a must too!

Don’t forget to keep your electronics protected at all times, especially if you explore Tanzania during the rainy season. Some extra protective coverings or waterproof bags to keep them in might prove useful.

Make sure you store all your belongings safely in matching kinds of storage. This could include the following:

• Backpack
• Waterproof duffel bag
• Daypack
• Ziplock bags

This will make it easier to decipher your everyday items from your specific safari items.

Tanzania weather differs from region to region – but there is always a great time to travel in Tanzania! Weather in the coastal areas is the hottest and most humid, while the North and highlands of Tanzania are cooler because of altitude. The temperatures vary between 22°C and 31 °C throughout the year. During the night, the temperature in Tanzania drops to between 10°C and 22°C. The beaches of Zanzibar have a distinctively tropical climate, since it is located close to the Equator. 

Pack light when you travel to Tanzania, and only bring the most necessary. And should you forget something at home, you can probably get it there as well. Here are some extra essentials you can check off your list when packing for your vacation.

Documents, money, and other necessities

• Credit cards and ATM bank cards
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate, if necessary
• US dollars in large and small bills
• Passport
• Plane tickets
• Travel insurance policy
• Emergency contact numbers
• Safari itinerary
• Small torch or headlamp
• Camera, extra memory cards, batteries, and charger, if applicable
• Ziplock bags for toiletries, camera equipment, snacks, and so on

Everything for your wellbeing

• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Insect repellent
• Eye drops and extra contact lenses or spare glasses if necessary
• Anti-bacterial hand sanitizer
• Tissue paper and a small travel towel
• Personal toiletries

First aid kit

• Tylenol
• Anti-malaria pills
• Cold and allergy medicine
• Itch medication
• Plasters
• Stomach ache remedy
• Antibiotic cream
• Anti-diarrhoea medicine
• Prescription antibiotic for travellers’ diarrhoea
• Prescription medications

Yes, we can assist with booking international flights. However, these are not included in the price of our travel packages and are arranged on demand based on your preferred dates, departure airport, and airline. All internal flights within Tanzania are included in the package price and will be arranged for you as part of your itinerary.

If you need some help in finding suitable international flights, our team is happy to help.

You’re probably curious about the country you’ll soon be exploring. To help you get acquainted, we’ve gathered a few useful facts about Tanzania. From its currency and official languages to time zone and population here’s everything you need to know before your adventure begins.

The local currency is the Tanzanian shilling. And even though dollars and euros are still used in the most touristic places, the only official currency is the Tanzanian shilling and should be used, especially for all your small expenses.

There are over 100 different languages spoken in Tanzania. The official languages, however, are Swahili and English. You can expect all your Tanzania Specialist guides and hosts to speak English, but if you’re looking to learn a few words of Swahili before your trip.

Swahili is spoken by almost everyone. In the tourism sector, however, English is widely spoken by the majority of people.

The population of Tanzania is almost 60 million. One of Africa’s most ethnically diverse countries, around 125 different ethnic groups live in Tanzania, with more than 100 different languages spoken nationwide.

The Tanzanian people are well-known for their hospitality, often warmly welcoming tourists to experience their beautiful nature, wildlife and culture. If you really want to learn more about the country and its culture, be open and talk to the locals.

Tanzania is GMT +3. To put that into terms we all understand, check out the time difference from Tanzania to LA, New York, London and more below.

Los Angeles: -10 hours
New York: -7 hours
London: -3 hours
Berlin: -2 hours
Hong Kong: +5 hours
Tokyo: +6 hours
Sydney: +8 hours
Auckland: +10 hours