Tanzania entry requirements for Saudi Arabia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Saudi Arabian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Tanzania. Pay $50 USD in cash at major airports and border crossings for a single-entry visa valid up to 90 days. This policy is effective as of 2026.
Apply for Tanzania eVisaOfficial portal: Tanzania Immigration eVisa
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a single-entry visa on arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam), Kilimanjaro International Airport, or Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (Zanzibar). Cost is $50 USD (cash only, exact change preferred). Have a printed copy of your hotel booking and return ticket ready — officers at Dar es Salaam ask for both.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Valid passport | Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Airlines at Jeddah and Riyadh check this before boarding — they will deny boarding if your passport expires sooner. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Return or onward ticket | Immigration officers at Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a bus/ferry ticket to a neighboring country. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Proof of accommodation | Hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Tanzania. Officers at the visa-on-arrival counter ask for this — have a printed copy to speed things up. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Proof of funds | Carry at least $200 USD in cash or have a credit/debit card with a visible balance. Officers rarely ask, but if you look underprepared they may request proof. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
Visa on arrival fees must be paid in US dollars in cash. ATMs are available at airports, but bring enough USD to avoid delays.
Malaria risk is high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions below 1,800 meters. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use mosquito repellent and sleep under nets.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Immigration
At Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO), or Abeid Amani Karume Airport (ZNZ), follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. Queues can be 15–45 minutes depending on flight volume.
2
Present Documents
Hand over your passport (valid 6+ months), a passport photo, and $50 USD in cash. The officer will process your visa — typically takes 5–10 minutes.
3
Receive Visa and Enter
Once approved, you'll get a visa sticker in your passport. Proceed to baggage claim and customs. Keep your return ticket and accommodation details handy in case asked.
Download Tanzania Entry Checklist
PDF · Saudi Arabia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 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 date
Cost$50 USD (approx. 187.50 SAR)
Standard option for longer stays beyond visa-on-arrival.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity12 months from issue date
Cost$100 USD (approx. 375 SAR)
Ideal for frequent travelers; allows multiple entries within validity.
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$100 USD (approx. 375 SAR)
Requires invitation letter from Tanzanian company.
work visa
Class A Work Permit
2 years, renewable
~$600 USD (approx. 2,250 SAR) per year
For skilled professionals with a job offer from a Tanzanian employer. Requires contract, qualifications, and company sponsorship.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Class C)
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. 3,750 SAR) 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 (approx. 187.50 SAR) 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 cash (USD) upon arrival at major airports and border crossings. | $50 USD (approx. 187.50 SAR) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Can be obtained online via Tanzania eVisa portal before travel. | $50 USD (approx. 187.50 SAR) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for up to 12 months, allows multiple entries. | $100 USD (approx. 375 SAR) |
| Overstay fineNo maximum cap mentioned; avoid overstay to prevent penalties and future bans. | $50 USD per day (approx. 187.50 SAR/day) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete 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
Saudi Arabia passport holders transiting through Tanzania do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit or leaving the airport, a visa on arrival is required.
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 risk of yellow fever transmission; proof of vaccination (ICVP) may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Tanzania, including urban areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in fresh water lakes and rivers; avoid contact.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions below 1,800 meters. 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
Plot 1, Sam Nujoma Road, Dar es Salaam
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Arusha
Arusha Regional Immigration Office
Boma Road, Arusha
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Popular for travelers on safari; extensions processed here.
Practical information for SA 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 = 2,621.51 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
Yes, at major airports (DAR, JRO, ZNZ) and land borders like Namanga (from Kenya) and Tunduma (from Zambia). Smaller crossings may not offer visa on arrival — check ahead.
You can apply for a visa extension at the Tanzania Immigration Headquarters in Dar es Salaam or regional offices in Arusha, Zanzibar, or Mwanza. Extensions cost around $50 USD per day of overstay, but it's better to apply before your visa expires.
Only if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. If you've been in such a country within 6 days before arrival, you'll need proof of vaccination (ICVP). Otherwise, it's not required.
No. Visa on arrival fees must be paid in cash in US dollars. ATMs are available at airports, but bring enough USD to avoid hassle.
Overstay fines are $50 USD per day. There's no maximum cap, and overstaying can lead to future entry bans. Avoid it by extending your visa before it expires.
Tanzania is generally safe for tourists, but take standard precautions: avoid walking alone at night, keep valuables secure, and use registered taxis. Malaria is present — take prophylaxis and use mosquito repellent.
No. Working on a tourist visa is illegal and can result in deportation and a ban. You need a work permit (Class A Work Permit) sponsored by a Tanzanian employer.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.