Tanzania entry requirements for Switzerland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Swiss passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Tanzania. Pay in cash (USD) at the airport or land border — no need to apply in advance. This applies in 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a single-entry tourist visa on arrival at Julius Nyerere (DAR), Kilimanjaro (JRO), and Zanzibar (ZNZ) airports. Pay $50 USD in cash (exact change preferred) — credit cards are not accepted at the visa counter. Have your passport photo and return ticket ready; the officer will ask for both before issuing the visa sticker.Visa info | Required |
| Valid passport Original passport with at least 6 months validity | Your Swiss passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Tanzania. The officer at the visa counter will check this before issuing the visa — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding in Zurich or turned away at the airport in Tanzania. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Tanzania | Immigration officers at Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro airports routinely ask to see a confirmed onward or return flight before they issue the visa on arrival. Have a printed or digital copy of your ticket ready — a booking confirmation email works, but a paid ticket is safer. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Tanzania. Officers rarely ask for it, but if they do and you don't have one, they may delay your visa processing or ask additional questions. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement showing sufficient funds | Have at least $200 USD in cash or a recent bank statement showing you can cover your stay. Immigration officers rarely check this for Swiss passport holders, but carrying cash is practical — ATMs in Tanzania are unreliable and charge high fees. | Recommended |
Cash only — no cards
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in US dollars cash. ATMs at the airport are often out of order or charge high fees. Bring crisp, undamaged $50 or $100 bills. Old, torn, or marked notes may be rejected.
Keep your return ticket handy
Immigration officers frequently ask to see your onward ticket. Have a screenshot on your phone or a printed copy. If you're flying out, a PDF of your e-ticket works.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration
At Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam), Kilimanjaro Airport, or Zanzibar Airport, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. Join the queue — it can take 20–60 minutes depending on flight arrivals.
2
Fill out the arrival form
You'll get a small form on the plane or at the counter. Fill in your personal details, flight number, and where you're staying. Keep your passport and pen handy.
3
Submit documents and pay
Hand over your passport, completed form, and return ticket (if asked). Pay the visa fee in USD cash. The officer will process your visa and paste the sticker into your passport.
4
Collect your passport and proceed
Once the visa is stamped, collect your passport. Double-check the validity dates and that your name is spelled correctly. Then head to baggage claim.
Download Tanzania Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa single entry (pre-arranged)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$50 USD (approx. CHF 45)
Apply online via eVisa; allows one entry.
Tourist visa multiple entry (1 year)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost$100 USD (approx. CHF 90)
Ideal for frequent visitors; must apply at embassy or online.
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months
Cost$100 USD (approx. CHF 90)
Requires invitation letter from Tanzanian company.
work visa
Class A Work Permit
2 years, renewable
$500–$1,000 USD (approx. CHF 450–900) depending on sector
For foreign employees with a job offer from a Tanzanian employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Labour Commissioner.
investor visa
Investor's Pass (Class C)
2 years, renewable
$1,000 USD (approx. CHF 900)
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in Tanzania. Allows residency and multiple entries.
student visa
Student Pass
Duration of studies, renewable annually
$50 USD (approx. CHF 45) per year
For enrolled students at recognized Tanzanian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
retirement visa
Retirement Residence Permit
2 years, renewable
$500 USD (approx. CHF 450) per year
For retirees aged 50+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (approx. $1,000/month). Allows residency but not work.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 90 days)Payable in USD, GBP, EUR, or Tanzanian shillings at the airport. | $50 USD (approx. CHF 45) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Can be obtained online via eVisa system before travel. | $50 USD (approx. CHF 45) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry, 1 year)Allows multiple entries within 1 year; max stay 90 days per entry. | $100 USD (approx. CHF 90) |
| Overstay fineNo maximum cap; overstay can lead to detention and deportation. | $50 USD per day (approx. CHF 45) |
| Stay extension (up to 90 days total)Apply at immigration office before current visa expires. | $50 USD (approx. CHF 45) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete visa application20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Tanzania
No transit visa needed
Swiss passport holders transiting through Tanzania (e.g., at Julius Nyerere International Airport) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or passing through immigration, a visa on arrival is required.
Transit hubsJulius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) · Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) · Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ)
Health & vaccines for Tanzania
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (or transiting >12 hours).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas and during rainy seasons.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur in urban and coastal areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice strict hygiene and drink bottled water.
Malaria risk: high
High risk nationwide, including urban areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and mosquito nets.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Dar es Salaam
Immigration Services Department - Dar es Salaam
Samora Avenue, P.O. Box 512, Dar es Salaam
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, visa, and fee.
Arusha
Immigration Office - Arusha
Boma Road, Arusha
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Popular for tourists on safari; extensions processed here.
Practical information for CH travellers
Country basics
CapitalDodoma
LanguageSwahili, English
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyTanzanian Shilling (TZS)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 2,577.66 TZS
Time zone
Local timeUTC+3
vs New York+8h (EST) / +7h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+11h (PST) / +10h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
D,GType D, G — US plugs do not fit. Bring a universal adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Do not drink tap water. Use sealed bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Tanzania — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Single entry: $50 USD. Multiple entry: $100 USD. You must pay in cash (US dollars). Bring exact change if possible — officers may not have change for large bills.
No. The visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave the country and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
You will be denied entry. Tanzania strictly enforces the 6-month validity rule. Renew your passport before you travel.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever (or have transited through one for more than 12 hours), you need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Switzerland is not a risk country, but if you've been in South America or sub-Saharan Africa recently, bring your certificate.
Yes. Major land border crossings like Namanga (from Kenya) and Sirari (from Kenya) also issue visas on arrival. The process is the same — cash in USD, passport, and return ticket.
Yes, Tanzania offers an e-visa. You can apply online at the official Tanzania immigration website. It costs about $50 USD and takes 3–10 business days. The visa on arrival is simpler and faster for most travellers.
Immigration may refuse entry. They want proof you'll leave. If you're overlanding out, show a bus or ferry booking. If you're unsure, book a refundable flight out and cancel later.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.