United Arab Emirates entry requirements for Tanzania passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
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
Tanzanian passport holders need an eVisa to enter the United Arab Emirates. You must apply online before you travel. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires careful attention to passport validity and supporting documents.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a UAE eVisa at smartservices.ica.gov.ae at least 3–5 working days before departure. The eVisa is single-entry and valid for 60 days from issue. Print two copies — one for the airline check-in counter and one for UAE immigration.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months | Your Tanzanian passport must have at least 6 months of validity beyond your intended departure date from the UAE. Airlines at Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar will refuse boarding if your passport expires sooner. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | UAE immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Budget airlines (Flydubai, Air Arabia) check this at check-in. Have a printed itinerary or e-ticket ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Immigration may ask for a hotel reservation or a letter from your UAE host (with their Emirates ID copy). If staying with friends or family, have their contact details and address written down. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or card for your stay | Carry at least 3,000 AED (approx. 800 USD) in cash or have a credit/debit card with a visible balance. UAE immigration rarely checks this for short visits, but it helps if asked. | Recommended |
Apply early
The eVisa can take up to a week to process. Don't leave it until the last minute — apply at least 10 days before your departure.
Passport validity is critical
If your passport expires within 6 months of your entry date, your eVisa will be rejected. Check your passport now and renew if needed.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the UAE's official smart services portal (smartservices.ica.gov.ae) and complete the eVisa application. You'll need to upload a passport-style photo and a copy of your passport data page. Processing usually takes 3 to 5 business days, but can be faster.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll receive the eVisa by email. Print a copy and save a digital version on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and upon arrival in the UAE.
3
Arrive at a UAE airport
At Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah airport, proceed to the immigration counter. Have your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will stamp your passport and you're in.
Download United Arab Emirates Entry Checklist
PDF · Tanzania 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 (30 days)
Max stay30 days, non-extendable
Validity60 days from issue
CostAED 350 (~$95 USD)
Standard eVisa; must apply online before travel.
Tourist visa multiple entry (30 days)
Max stay30 days per visit, total 60 days
Validity60 days from issue
CostAED 650 (~$177 USD)
Allows multiple entries; good for regional travel.
Long-term tourist visa (5 years, multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per visit, extendable
Validity5 years
CostAED 2,500 (~$681 USD)
Requires proof of funds (AED 10,000+ monthly income) and health insurance.
retirement visa
UAE Retirement Visa
5 years, renewable
AED 2,500 (~$681 USD) plus medical insurance
For retirees aged 55+ with monthly income of AED 15,000+ or savings of AED 1 million. Allows long-term stay without a sponsor.
digital nomad visa
UAE Virtual Work Program
1 year, renewable
AED 1,500 (~$408 USD) plus health insurance
For remote workers with proof of employment and minimum monthly income of AED 15,000. Allows living in UAE while working for overseas employer.
investor visa
UAE Investor Visa (Property)
2 years, renewable
AED 2,500 (~$681 USD) plus property investment of AED 1 million+
For property investors; requires ownership of a property worth at least AED 1 million. Can sponsor family.
work visa
UAE Employment Visa
2–3 years, renewable
Sponsored by employer; typical cost ~AED 5,000 (~$1,361 USD)
For those with a job offer from a UAE company. Employer handles visa process; includes residency permit.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry, 30 days)Standard tourist eVisa fee, non-refundable if rejected. | AED 350 (~$95 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry, 30 days)Allows multiple entries within 30 days from issue. | AED 650 (~$177 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged after visa expiry; no maximum cap mentioned. | AED 50 (~$14 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 United Arab Emirates
No transit visa needed
Tanzania passport holders transiting through UAE airports do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit (entering the country), a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 48h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid UAE residence visa or visa from certain countries may transit without visa.
Transit hubsDubai International Airport (DXB) · Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) · Sharjah International Airport (SHJ)
Health & vaccines for United Arab Emirates
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., Tanzania).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialCOVID-19Essential
Health risks
Heat-related illnessHigh risk
Extreme summer temperatures can cause heatstroke; stay hydrated and avoid midday sun.
Foodborne illnessModerate risk
Risk from street food or improperly handled food; choose reputable eateries.
Respiratory infectionsLow risk
Air conditioning and dust can aggravate respiratory conditions; mask if sensitive.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Immigration Office (ICP)
Al Falah Street, near Al Wahda Mall
Mon–Thu 07:30–14:30, Fri 07:30–12:00
For visa extension or status inquiries; bring passport and visa copy.
Dubai
General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA)
Al Jafiliya, near Al Jafiliya Metro Station
Mon–Thu 07:30–14:30, Fri 07:30–12:00
Main office for visa services; online appointments recommended.
Practical information for TZ travellers
Country basics
CapitalAbu Dhabi
LanguageArabic
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license not valid. Rent a car with IDP.
Money
CurrencyUAE Dirham (AED)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 3.67 AED
Time zone
Local timeUTC+4
vs New York+9h (EST) / +8h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+12h (PST) / +11h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
GType G (UK-style) — US plugs do not fit. Bring a UK/universal adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Technically safe but most residents use bottled due to taste.
Emergency numbers
Getting to United Arab Emirates
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United Arab Emirates — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Processing typically takes 3 to 5 business days, but can be faster. Apply at least a week before your travel date to be safe.
No, the eVisa for Tanzanian passport holders is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need a longer stay, you'll need to apply for a different visa type before travelling.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it's less, renew your passport before applying for the eVisa. The application will be rejected otherwise.
Yes, immigration officers may ask to see your return or onward ticket. Keep a printed copy or screenshot on your phone ready.
It's not always checked at entry, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in the UAE are high, and insurance can save you from huge bills if you get sick or injured.
No, Tanzanian passport holders need a visa even for transit. You must apply for an eVisa before travel, regardless of how short your stay is.
Rejections are rare but can happen if documents are incomplete or incorrect. Check the rejection reason, fix the issue, and reapply. You can also contact the UAE embassy or consulate for guidance.
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.