Do American citizens need a visa for Tanzania?
The official link goes to visa.immigration.go.tz. NUM isn’t a government agency or a visa service. Rules change, so confirm on the official site before you pay or travel.
Tanzania entry rules for American citizens.
| Verdict | e-Visa before you fly |
|---|---|
| Document | Tanzania e-Visa (multiple-entry visa; US citizens cannot get the single-entry ordinary visa) |
| Fee | USD 100 (multiple entry) |
| Stay | Up to 90 days (3 months) per visit |
| Validity | 12 months, multiple entry; max 90 days per visit |
| When to apply | Apply online before travel; official processing time up to 10 days (embassy rush service, 3 working days, USD 20 extra) |
| Checked | Verified on an official page · 2026-10-11 |
The rest of the trip for an American passport, from the arrival form to customs and travelling with children: Tanzania entry requirements.
Skip the form. $9.99 a traveller.
A NUM person files the Tanzania eVisa on visa.immigration.go.tz for everyone in your group. NUM’s fee is $9.99 plus the US$50 single entry (US$100 for US passports) government fee at cost. You answer any eligibility questions yourself, the decision goes to your own email, and your passport details are deleted the moment it’s filed. NUM isn’t the government and can’t promise approval.
The details for an American passport.
US passport holders visiting for tourism must apply for the USD 100 multiple-entry visa; they are not entitled to the USD 50 ordinary visa (immigration portal). US State Dept says US citizens can also get a tourist visa on arrival, but GOV.UK notes multiple-entry visas are not issued on arrival, so apply online before travel. Show a return/onward ticket on arrival. Mandatory Tanzanian government inbound travel insurance for all non-resident visitors, even if you hold your own policy: covers up to 92 days; buy it only for your first port of entry - National Insurance Corporation (NIC) if you land on the mainland first, Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC, visitzanzibar.go.tz) if you land in Zanzibar first - online beforehand or on arrival; entry can be refused without it. Zanzibar since 1 Oct 2024 (USD 44 per person per Tanzanian embassy notice); mainland since 1 Oct 2026 (NIC price not shown on official pages read; reported as USD 44). ZIC policies bought before 1 Oct 2026 also cover a mainland first entry.
How long it must be valid.
At least 6 months' validity from the date of arrival.
Recent changes in Tanzania.
- 2026-05-18 — Ebola screening introduced for arrivals from Uganda and DRC (screening for Uganda ended after WHO declared that outbreak over on 27 Aug 2026).
- 2026-09-04 — Insurance (Inbound Travel Insurance) Regulations, 2026 published.
- 2026-10-01 — Mandatory inbound travel insurance extended from Zanzibar to mainland Tanzania; NIC sells mainland policies, ZIC Zanzibar policies; buy for your first port of entry only.
The short answers.
Do American citizens need a visa for Tanzania?
Yes. American citizens apply online for the Tanzania e-Visa (multiple-entry visa; US citizens cannot get the single-entry ordinary visa) before travelling for stays of up to 90 days (3 months) per visit.
How much does it cost for American citizens?
USD 100 (multiple entry). Fees change, so confirm on the official site before you pay.
How long can American citizens stay in Tanzania?
Up to 90 days (3 months) per visit. Longer stays need a different visa.
When should American citizens apply?
Apply online before travel; official processing time up to 10 days (embassy rush service, 3 working days, USD 20 extra).
Where do American citizens apply?
On the official site, visa.immigration.go.tz. NUM links it and never charges for the link. If you’d rather not do the form, NUM can file it for you for $9.99 a traveller.
Does NUM issue Tanzania visas?
No. Only the government issues them. NUM explains the rule for your passport, links the official site, and can file the form for you where its desk covers it.