Tanzania entry requirements for Ireland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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
Irish passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Tanzania. Pay in cash (USD) at the airport and receive a single-entry visa valid for up to 90 days. This has been the standard procedure for years and remains the same in 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a visa on arrival at Julius Nyerere (DAR), Kilimanjaro (JRO), and Zanzibar (ZNZ) airports. Pay $50 USD for single-entry (up to 90 days) or $100 USD for multiple-entry — bring exact cash in USD. Have your return ticket and hotel booking printed out; the visa officer will ask for both.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for 6 months beyond your stay | Your Irish passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your departure date from Tanzania. Airlines at Dublin and connecting hubs check this before boarding — no exceptions. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration officers at Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro airports always ask to see a confirmed onward ticket. Have a printed copy or the booking on your phone ready — they check this before issuing the visa. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Immigration will ask for your hotel reservation or a letter from your host in Tanzania. Have a printed copy of your booking confirmation — showing it on your phone works, but paper is smoother. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Officers occasionally ask how you'll support yourself during your stay. Carry at least $200 USD in cash or have a recent bank statement on your phone — they rarely check, but it's better to have it. | Recommended |
Cash only — no cards accepted
The visa on arrival counter only takes US dollars cash. There are ATMs after immigration, but you need cash to get through immigration first. Bring at least $50 in small bills.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
Irish passport holders rarely face issues getting a visa on arrival in Tanzania. The process takes 10–20 minutes at major airports. Just have your documents ready and cash in hand.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration
After landing at Julius Nyerere (Dar es Salaam), Kilimanjaro, or Zanzibar airports, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's usually a separate queue for visa-on-arrival applicants.
2
Fill out the arrival form
You'll be given a small white arrival card on the plane or at the counter. Fill in your passport details, flight number, and accommodation address. Keep it with your passport.
3
Pay the visa fee
At the visa counter, hand over your passport, arrival card, and cash (USD). The officer will process payment and issue a receipt. Single-entry visa costs $50 (as of 2026).
4
Receive visa sticker
The officer will place a full-page visa sticker in your passport, stamp it, and return it. Check the validity dates before walking away.
5
Proceed to passport control
Join the main passport control queue. Present your passport (now with visa), arrival card, and any supporting documents if asked. You'll be stamped in and can collect your luggage.
Download Tanzania Entry Checklist
PDF · Ireland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa single entry (pre-arranged)
Max stay90 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$50 USD
Apply online before travel.
Tourist visa multiple entry (1 year)
Max stay90 days per visit, non-extendable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$100 USD
Good for frequent travelers.
Business visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$50 USD
Requires invitation letter from Tanzanian company.
work visa
Class A Work Permit
2 years, renewable
~$600 USD per year
For skilled professionals with a job offer from a Tanzanian employer. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
investor visa
Investor's Pass (Class C)
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD per year
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in Tanzania. Requires proof of investment and business registration.
student visa
Student Pass
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$50 USD 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 per year
For retirees aged 50+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires health insurance and no local employment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, up to 90 days)Payable in cash (USD, EUR, GBP, or TZS) at entry airport. | $50 USD (or equivalent in local currency) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Can be applied online before travel. | $50 USD |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry, 1 year)Allows multiple entries within validity. | $100 USD |
| Overstay fineNo maximum cap stated; avoid overstaying. | $50 USD per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
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
Irish 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
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 (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella, flu)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 semi-urban areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travelers, especially in rural areas and during rainy seasons (March–May, November–December).
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
Tanzania Immigration Headquarters
Samora Avenue, Dar es Salaam
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
For visa extensions and residency permits.
Arusha
Arusha Regional Immigration Office
Boma Road, Arusha
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions for northern circuit travelers.
Practical information for IE 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
As of 2026, the single-entry visa on arrival costs $50 USD. You must pay in cash — US dollars only. 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 than 90 days, you'd need to leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
If you stay airside and don't pass through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you leave the transit area (e.g., to switch airports or take a domestic flight), you'll need a visa on arrival.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, most major land border crossings (e.g., Namanga from Kenya, or the border from Uganda) also issue visas on arrival. The process and fee are the same as at airports.
If you're arriving directly from Ireland, no. But if you've recently been in a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of South America or sub-Saharan Africa), you'll need to show a yellow fever certificate. Check current requirements before travel.
Contact the Irish Embassy in Dar es Salaam immediately. They can issue an emergency travel document. You'll also need a police report. The visa on arrival is tied to your passport, so a new passport means a new visa.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.