United States entry requirements for Tanzania passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa 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 a visa to enter the United States. You must apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa at the U.S. embassy in Dar es Salaam before you travel. As of 2026, there is no visa waiver or ESTA option for Tanzanian citizens.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| US visa application B-1/B-2 visitor visa | Apply for a nonimmigrant visa at the US embassy or consulate in your home country. Complete the DS-160 form online, pay the $185 fee, and schedule an interview — wait times can exceed 6 months in some countries. You must demonstrate strong ties to Tanzania and a clear purpose of visit.Apply for US visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for 6 months beyond your intended stay | Your Tanzanian passport must have at least two blank visa pages and be valid for 6 months after your planned departure from the US. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the US | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket showing you'll leave the US before your visa expires. A one-way ticket without a visa in hand will get you flagged — book a refundable onward ticket if your plans are flexible. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel confirmation or a letter from your US host with their address and phone number. CBP officers at primary inspection may ask where you're staying — not having an answer can lead to secondary screening. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements or sponsor letter | Carry recent bank statements showing at least $200 per day of your stay, or a notarized letter from a US sponsor. Officers want to see you can cover your expenses without working illegally — $3,000 for a two-week trip is a safe minimum. | Recommended |
Visa interview wait times are long
The U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam currently schedules interviews 2-4 months out. Apply as early as possible — don't wait until a month before your planned trip.
Visa approval is not guaranteed
Paying the fee and attending the interview does not mean you'll get the visa. The officer decides based on your ties to Tanzania. If denied, the fee is not refunded.
ESTA is not available for Tanzanian passport holders
Tanzania is not part of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. You cannot use the ESTA system. A full visa is required for any travel to the US, including tourism, business, or transit.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the DS-160 Form
Go to ceac.state.gov and fill out the online visa application. Upload a 2x2 inch photo with a white background. Save the barcode confirmation page — you'll need it for the interview.
2
Pay the Visa Fee
Pay the $185 MRV fee at a designated bank in Tanzania (usually CRDB or NMB) or online via the U.S. visa appointment system. Keep the receipt.
3
Schedule Your Interview
Log into the U.S. visa appointment system, select the U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam, and pick an available date. Current wait times are around 60-120 days.
4
Attend the Interview
Arrive at the embassy on Samora Avenue, Dar es Salaam, at least 15 minutes early. Bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, and supporting documents. The interview is short — usually 3-5 minutes. Answer honestly.
5
Wait for Passport Return
If approved, your passport will be stamped with the visa and returned via courier (DHL) within 5-10 business days. You'll get a tracking number.
6
Enter the US
At the US airport, go to the non-citizen queue. Hand over your passport with the visa. The CBP officer may ask about your trip, where you're staying, and how long you'll be there. They'll stamp your passport with your allowed stay (usually 6 months).
Download United States 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:
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years
Cost$185 USD (185 USD)
Standard visa for tourism or business visits; requires interview at US embassy.
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years
Cost$185 USD (185 USD)
Same as single entry but allows multiple trips within validity.
F-1 Student Visa
Max stayDuration of study + 60 days grace
ValidityDuration of academic program
Cost$185 USD (185 USD) + SEVIS fee $350 USD
For full-time students enrolled in US academic institutions.
H-1B Work Visa
Max stayUp to 3 years, extendable to 6
ValidityUp to 3 years initially
Cost$460 USD (460 USD) + other fees
For specialty occupations; requires employer sponsorship and lottery.
student visa
F-1 Student Visa
Duration of study + 60 days grace
$185 USD + SEVIS fee $350 USD
For full-time students at accredited US institutions. Requires admission to a school, proof of funds, and intent to return home after studies.
Apply work visa
H-1B Work Visa
Up to 3 years, extendable to 6
$460 USD + other fees (employer pays)
For specialty occupations requiring a bachelor's degree or higher. Employer must sponsor and file petition; subject to annual cap and lottery.
Apply investor visa
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa
Permanent residency (Green Card)
$1,050,000 USD minimum investment (or $800,000 in targeted areas)
For investors who create at least 10 full-time jobs for US workers. Requires substantial capital and a business plan.
Apply exchange visitor visa
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
Duration of program (typically 1–2 years)
$185 USD + program fees
For participants in approved exchange programs (e.g., work-and-travel, internship, research). Requires sponsorship from a designated organization.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)Standard nonimmigrant visa application fee for most applicants. | $185 USD (185 USD) |
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; validity up to 10 years for Tanzanian passport holders. | $185 USD (185 USD) |
| Visa extension (Form I-539)For extending B1/B2 stay beyond initial admission period; processing takes months. | $370 USD (370 USD) |
| Overstay fineOverstay may lead to fines, bars, or deportation; no fixed daily rate. | Varies; typically $0–$500 USD |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Weak home ties20%
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 States
Transit visa required
Tanzanian passport holders generally need a C-1 transit visa to transit through the US, even if not leaving the airport. However, if you have a valid US visa (e.g., B1/B2), you may transit without a separate transit visa.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without a separate transit visa.
- Citizens of certain countries may be eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (not applicable to Tanzania).
Transit hubsJohn F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) · Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) · Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Health & vaccines for United States
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa).
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (West Nile virus, dengue)Low risk
Rare but present in some regions; use insect repellent and avoid standing water.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Generally safe tap water, but travellers with sensitive stomachs should stick to bottled water.
Altitude sicknessLow risk
Only relevant for high-altitude destinations like Denver or mountain resorts; ascend gradually.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Washington, D.C.
USCIS Washington Field Office
2675 Prosperity Ave, Fairfax, VA 22031
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For extension applications (I-539) file by mail; no walk-in service for extensions.
New York
USCIS New York Field Office
26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Appointments required for most services; extensions filed by mail.
Practical information for TZ travellers
Country basics
CapitalWashington D.C.
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceForeign visitors may drive with a valid home-country licence for the duration of their stay. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyUS Dollar (USD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 USD
Time zone
Local timeAmerica/New_York
vs New York+0:00 (same timezone)
vs Los Angeles-3h from NY
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins + grounding pin)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.
Emergency numbers
Getting to United States
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United States — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
From start to finish, expect 2-4 months. The DS-160 takes about an hour to fill. Interview wait times at the Dar es Salaam embassy are currently 60-120 days. After approval, your passport is returned in 5-10 business days via DHL.
The visa application fee (MRV fee) is $185 USD, which is about 450,000 TZS at current exchange rates. This fee is non-refundable even if your visa is denied. There are no additional fees for the interview or visa stamp.
No. You must submit the DS-160 form online, but you are required to attend an in-person interview at the U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam. There is no way to skip the interview unless you are under 14 or over 79 years old.
You will be told the reason (usually under Section 214(b) — insufficient ties to Tanzania). You can reapply at any time, but you must pay the $185 fee again and schedule a new interview. There is no appeal process. It's best to wait until your situation changes (e.g., new job, stronger financial ties).
Yes, but you must apply for an extension with USCIS before your authorized stay expires. File Form I-539 online. The fee is $370. Extensions are not guaranteed — you need a good reason (medical, family emergency). Overstaying can get you banned from re-entering.
Yes. Tanzania is not part of the Visa Waiver Program, so you need a visa even for a layover. The C-1 transit visa is an option if you're just changing planes and staying in the airport. Apply the same way as a B-1/B-2 visa.
Bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation page, fee receipt, one 2x2 photo, and supporting documents: bank statements (last 3-6 months), employment letter, pay slips, property deeds, and a travel itinerary. The officer may not look at everything, but it's better to have it ready.
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.