To enter Tanzania, including Zanzibar, Italian citizens must have a tourist visa. It is applied for online through the official Tanzanian immigration portal, costs 50 USD for a single entry, and allows a stay of up to 90 days. You’ll also need a passport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival and, starting October 1, 2026,mandatory health insurance costing 44 USD, which now applies to both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.
In short
- Visa: required, single-entry tourist visa, 50 USD, valid for up to 90 days
- Where to apply: online at visa.immigration.go.tz, at least 10 days before departure (preferably earlier)
- Zanzibar: There is no separate visa; the Tanzanian visa is valid for Zanzibar
- Passport: must be valid for at least 6 months and have at least one blank page
- Mandatory insurance: 44 USD per person; effective October 1, 2026, this requirement also applies to mainland Tanzania
- Visa on arrival: still possible for a single entry, but not recommended
How to Apply for a Tanzania Visa Online
The only official website for the e-visa is the Tanzanian Department of Immigration’s portal, visa.immigration.go.tz. The application process is in English and takes about half an hour to complete:
- Choose the type of visa: for a vacation or a safari, it’s theOrdinary Visa, the single-entry tourist visa;
- Fill out the form with your personal information, passport details, and travel information (dates, flights, first address in Tanzania);
- Upload the required documents (see below);
- Pay online with a credit card;
- Receive the approval notice via email and download the visa, which must be printed and carried with you along with your passport.
The portal recommends submitting your application at least 10 days before departure. In practice, it’s best to apply at least three or four weeks in advance, especially during peak season (July–September and the end-of-year holidays), when processing times may be longer. Many applications are approved within a few days, but there is no guaranteed processing time.
For those who prefer to complete the process in Italian, the Honorary Consulate of Tanzania in Milan offers a visa application assistance service for a fee; the total cost is higher than that of the government portal because it includes consular fees.
Beware of unofficial websites
. If you search for “Tanzania visa online” or “Zanzibar visa online,” you’ll find many websites that look official but are actually private agencies: they fill out the same application for you, charging fees that can run into tens or even hundreds of euros. They aren’t illegal, but they offer no advantage in terms of processing time, and in some cases have turned out to be outright scams. The official website address always ends in .go.tz.
How much does a visa for Tanzania cost?
| Visa Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single-Entry Tourist Visa (Ordinary Visa) | 50 USD | Vacation and safari visa; stay of up to 90 days |
| Multiple Entries | 100 USD | Reserved for certain nationalities, specifically U.S. citizens |
| Business | 250 USD | For business travelers with company documentation |
The fee is paid online in dollars by credit card; the bank will apply its own exchange rate. A tourist visa does not allow you to work or engage in paid or volunteer activities: there are specific visa categories for these purposes, and anyone found working on a tourist visa risks fines and deportation.
The visa is just one part of the trip: a complete breakdown—from park fees to flights—can be found in our guide to safari costs.
Documents required for a tourist visa
To apply online, you’ll need:
- A passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry and with at least one blank page; please upload a scan of the page containing your personal information;
- a recent colorpassport photo with a light background, in digital format;
- a round-tripairline ticket, or a ticket departing from Tanzania to another country;
- address of your first place of accommodation in Tanzania or your travel itinerary;
- a valid email address, where communications and the visa will be sent;
- a credit card for payment.
The portal specifies the file formats and sizes for uploads: blurry photos or files that are too large are among the most common causes of slowdowns. If you’re traveling with us, your booking confirmation and safari itinerary serve as your travel documents.
Documents for Zanzibar: Do You Need a Different Visa?
No. Zanzibar is part of the United Republic of Tanzania, and there is no separate visa for Zanzibar: the Tanzanian visa is valid for the entire country, including the islands of Unguja, Pemba, and Mafia. Some websites offer a “Zanzibar visa”; this is the same visa, simply marketed under a different name.
When arriving in Zanzibar from mainland Tanzania, you’ll still go through passport control, because the archipelago has its own autonomous government: keep your passport, visa, and insurance certificate handy. To enter Zanzibar, you’ll need:
- A passport valid for at least 6 months;
- a tourist visa for Tanzania;
- mandatory health insurance (see below);
- proof of yellow fever vaccination, only if you’re arriving from a high-risk country or have had a layover there of at least 12 hours.
If you’re still deciding where to stay on the island, you’ll find a comparison of the different coastal areas in the guide to where to go in Zanzibar.
Mandatory Health Insurance: What’s Changing Starting October 1, 2026
Starting in October 2024, all visitors to Zanzibar must purchase health insurance issued by the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC). As of October 1, 2026, this requirement has been extended to mainland Tanzania as well, with a policy issued by the National Insurance Corporation (NIC). The main rules:
- Cost: 44 USD per adult; reduced rates for children;
- Validity: up to 92 days, with multiple entries;
- One policy covers the entire trip: Purchase it from the insurance provider at your first point of entry—that is, the NIC if you arrive on the mainland (for example, at Kilimanjaro Airport), or the ZIC if you arrive directly in Zanzibar;
- Where to buy: online before departure on the official websites of the two companies, or upon arrival; it’s best to buy it beforehand to avoid lines;
- Coverage: emergency medical expenses, medical evacuation, and repatriation, with coverage limits and conditions as specified in the policy;
- It is mandatory even if you already have other travel insurance: without a certificate, you risk being denied entry into the country.
This policy has limited coverage and applies only to certain situations: comprehensive travel insurance, including high medical expenses, trip cancellation, and baggage coverage, is strongly recommended. Our trips also include AMREF Flying Doctors coverage for air evacuation during the safari.
Tanzania Visa on Arrival: Is It Still Possible?
Yes: at major airports and points of entry, including Kilimanjaro (JRO), Dar es Salaam (DAR), and Zanzibar (ZNZ), it is still possible to obtain a single-entry tourist visa upon arrival by paying 50 USD in cash, preferably with recent bills. Authorities may ask to see your return ticket.
However, this is an option to be used only in an emergency: the lines can be long, especially when several flights arrive at the same time, and approval is not guaranteed. In addition, some airlines ask to see your approved visa at check-in. We always recommend applying online before departure.
The Consulate of Tanzania in Italy
The Embassy of the United Republic of Tanzania in Rome no longer issues tourist visas in person: applications must be submitted online only. There is an honorary consulate in Milan that provides information and assistance in Italian regarding the application process, including for groups of travelers. For specific requests, such as visas for work, study, or volunteer work, it is advisable to contact the diplomatic missions directly before departing.
Other Entry Requirements
- Vaccinations: If you’re arriving from Italy, there are no mandatory vaccinations. A yellow fever certificate is required only for travelers arriving from a high-risk country, such as Kenya or Ethiopia, or who have had a layover of at least 12 hours in such a country. For a complete overview, see the vaccination guide for Tanzania and Zanzibar.
- Plastic bags: They are banned throughout the country; they may be confiscated upon arrival. Clear plastic bags for liquids required for airport security checks are permitted.
- Minors: Children must have their own passport and visa. If traveling with only one parent or without parents, it is advisable to bring a letter of consent from the other parent.
- Copies of documents: It’s a good idea to have a paper or digital copy of your passport, visa, and insurance, kept separate from the originals.
For an overview of the country’s laws, customs, and safety, see our guide “Is Tanzania Dangerous?”
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to travel to Tanzania and Zanzibar?
Yes, Italian citizens must have a tourist visa, which is valid for all of Tanzania, including Zanzibar. It can be applied for online through the official Tanzanian immigration portal and costs 50 USD for a single entry.
How far in advance should you apply for a visa?
The official website recommends applying at least 10 days before departure. During peak season, it’s best to submit your application three or four weeks in advance, as processing times may be longer.
Can you get a visa at the airport upon arrival?
Yes, you can still obtain a single-entry tourist visa upon arrival at major airports by paying 50 USD in cash. The lines can be long, and issuance is not guaranteed, so it’s best to apply online before you leave.
What documents are required for Zanzibar?
A passport valid for at least six months, a tourist visa for Tanzania, and mandatory health insurance. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required only if you are arriving from a high-risk country or have had a layover of at least 12 hours there.
Does the mandatory insurance apply only to Zanzibar?
No. As of October 1, 2026, it is also mandatory for mainland Tanzania. It costs 44 USD per adult, is valid for up to 92 days, and a single policy—purchased from the insurance company at your first point of entry—is sufficient for the entire trip.
If you book your trip with us, we’ll send you a timely reminder with a list of all the documents you’ll need to prepare, from your visa to your insurance. Do you already have dates in mind? Ask us for an itinerary, or check out our group departures to Tanzania.
