Tanzania entry requirements for New Zealand 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
New Zealand passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Tanzania. As of 2026, you just show up at the airport, pay the fee, and get your visa at the immigration counter. No advance application needed.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), or Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ). Have $50 USD cash ready for a single-entry visa (up to 90 days) — exact change helps. The queue moves fast if you have a passport photo and your return ticket printed out.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your New Zealand passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your date of entry into Tanzania. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. Two blank pages are required for the visa sticker and entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration officers ask for proof of onward travel at the visa-on-arrival counter. Have a printed copy of your return flight or a bus/ferry ticket out of Tanzania. Without it, you may be refused entry or directed to buy a ticket on the spot. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have on hand | Carry a printed hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration occasionally asks where you're staying, especially if you're arriving without a pre-booked tour. A simple booking.com confirmation works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or credit card showing you can cover your stay. Immigration rarely asks for it, but if you're staying more than a few weeks, they may want to see you have at least $200 USD per week. Cash in USD is widely accepted. | Recommended |
Cash only — no cards accepted
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in US dollars cash. ATMs at the airport are unreliable and often out of order. Bring crisp, undamaged $50 bills — torn or marked notes may be refused.
Keep your return ticket handy
Immigration officers frequently ask to see proof of onward travel. Have a screenshot of your return or onward ticket on your phone. A printed copy is even better.
What happens at the border
1
Land at airport and follow signs
At Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), follow 'Visa on Arrival' signs after baggage claim. You'll see a counter with immigration officers.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be handed a small form. Fill in your passport details, flight info, and accommodation. Keep it simple — no need to overthink.
3
Pay the visa fee
Hand over $50 USD (single entry) in cash. They prefer exact change. You'll get a receipt.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will paste a full-page visa sticker into your passport. Check the dates and spelling before you walk away.
5
Proceed to immigration counters
Join the line for passport control. Show your passport with the new visa, your boarding pass, and your return ticket if asked. That's it — you're in.
Download Tanzania Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand 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
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$50 USD
Standard option for tourism; can be obtained on arrival or online.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity12 months
Cost$100 USD
Ideal for frequent travellers; allows multiple visits.
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months
Cost$100 USD
Requires invitation letter from Tanzanian company.
work visa
Class A Work Permit
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD per year
For skilled professionals with a job offer from a Tanzanian employer. Requires company sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Class C)
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD per year
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in Tanzania. Requires business registration and proof of investment.
student visa
Student Pass
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$200 USD per year
For enrolled students at recognized Tanzanian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in USD cash at port of entry for most nationalities. | $50 USD (exact amount, no currency conversion needed) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Available via Tanzania eVisa portal for convenience. | $50 USD (same as VoA, but pre-arranged online) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $100 USD |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official cap mentioned; avoid overstay. | $50 USD per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete visa documents20%
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
New Zealand passport holders transiting through Tanzania do not need a 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; certificate must be presented.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Tanzania, including urban areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers; avoid contact.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions, including cities. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended.
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
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Arusha
Arusha Regional Immigration Office
Boma Road, Arusha
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Popular for travellers on safari; services include visa extensions.
Practical information for NZ 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
Getting to Tanzania
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Tanzania — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
A single-entry tourist visa is $50 USD. You must pay in cash (US dollars). Bring exact change if possible. Multiple-entry visas cost $100 USD but are rarely issued on arrival — you'd need to apply in advance for that.
Yes, at all international airports (Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar) and most land borders (like Namanga from Kenya, or Tunduma from Zambia). However, some smaller land crossings may not have the facility — stick to major borders.
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. New Zealand is not a yellow fever country, so if you fly direct from NZ or via a non-endemic country, you don't need it. But if you're coming from Kenya, Uganda, or other African countries, you'll need the certificate.
The standard visa on arrival is valid for up to 90 days. The immigration officer will stamp the exact date you must leave. If you want to stay longer, you can apply for an extension at the Immigration Department in Dar es Salaam, but it's not guaranteed.
Yes, technically you can apply for an extension at the Immigration Services Department in Dar es Salaam. However, it's a bureaucratic process and not always approved. It's easier to plan your trip within the 90-day window.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and denied entry by Tanzanian immigration. There are no exceptions. Renew your passport before you travel.
No separate visa — Zanzibar is part of Tanzania. The same visa on arrival covers the mainland and Zanzibar. If you fly directly into Zanzibar Airport, you get the visa there.
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.