United States entry requirements for Tanzania passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 24, 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 must obtain a visa before traveling to the United States for any purpose, including tourism, business, or transit. There is no visa-on-arrival or electronic authorization option for Tanzanian citizens. The B1/B2 visitor visa application requires an in-person interview at the U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam. Plan ahead, as the process can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| US visaYou cannot enter the U.S. without an approved visa. Visitor visa (B1/B2) required | Tanzanian passport holders must obtain a nonimmigrant visa (e.g., B1/B2) from a U.S. embassy or consulate before traveling. Apply well in advance; an interview is typically required. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport's expiration date before booking anything. Valid for 6 months beyond stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe page must be blank on both sides, not just one. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for the U.S. entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketAirlines may deny boarding without proof of onward travel. Proof of departure | You must have a confirmed return or onward ticket to a country other than the U.S. before boarding your flight. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always asked, but good to have ready. Sufficient financial means | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay, such as bank statements or sponsor letters, if requested by a border officer. | Recommended |
| eVisa applicationDo not attempt to use an eVisa; it will not be accepted. Not available for Tanzanian citizens | Tanzanian citizens are not eligible for the U.S. eVisa program. You must apply for a full visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. | Not required |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival form. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for U.S. entry for Tanzanian citizens. | Not required |
No ESTA or eVisa for Tanzanians
Tanzanian citizens are not eligible for the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) or any eVisa system. You must apply for a full B1/B2 visa at the U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam. Do not attempt to travel without a visa — you'll be denied boarding and entry.
Interview wait times can be long
Appointment availability at the U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam can be limited, especially during peak travel seasons (summer and December). Check the State Department's website for current wait times and book your interview as soon as you have your DS-160 confirmation and fee receipt.
Overstaying is serious
If you stay beyond the date stamped on your I-94 arrival record, you risk being barred from future U.S. visas (3 or 10 years depending on the overstay length). Always keep track of your authorized stay and leave on time.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the DS-160 form online
Go to the U.S. Department of State's DS-160 website and fill out the form. You'll need your passport details, travel plans, and a digital photo. Save the confirmation page with the barcode — you'll need it for the next steps.
2
Pay the visa application fee
Pay the $185 MRV fee through the approved payment method (usually via the U.S. embassy's designated bank or online portal). Keep the receipt — you'll need the reference number to schedule your interview.
3
Schedule your interview
Use the U.S. Visa Information Service website or call center to book an appointment at the U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam. Wait times can be several weeks, so book as early as possible. You'll need your DS-160 confirmation number and fee receipt.
4
Attend the interview
Arrive at the embassy at least 15 minutes early. Bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, appointment letter, photo, and supporting documents. You'll go through security, have your fingerprints scanned, and answer questions about your trip and background. The officer will keep your passport if approved.
5
Receive your visa and travel
If approved, your passport with the visa will be returned via courier (usually within a week). Check the visa's validity and entry conditions. When you arrive in the U.S., present your passport to the CBP officer at the port of entry — they'll decide your length of stay (typically up to 6 months).
Download United States Entry Checklist
PDF · Tanzania Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 24, 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
The entire process — from DS-160 submission to visa in hand — typically takes 3 to 6 weeks, but it can be longer during peak seasons. Interview appointment wait times at the U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam vary; check the current wait time on the State Department's website. After approval, passport return usually takes 3–7 days.
The application fee (MRV fee) is $185 for a B1/B2 visitor visa. This is non-refundable, even if your visa is denied. There may be additional courier fees for passport delivery, but the embassy will inform you of those.
No. Tanzanian passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival. You must obtain a visa from a U.S. embassy or consulate before traveling. There is no electronic travel authorization (ESTA) option for Tanzanian citizens either — you need a full visa.
The visa itself is valid for multiple entries (often 10 years for B1/B2), but the actual length of stay is determined by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry. Typically, you'll be admitted for up to 6 months, but it's at the officer's discretion.
Yes. Even if you're only changing planes in the U.S., you must have a valid U.S. visa (or qualify for the Visa Waiver Program, which Tanzanians do not). There is no transit visa exemption for Tanzanian citizens. You'll go through immigration and customs at your first U.S. airport.
If denied, you'll receive a refusal letter under Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, usually for insufficient ties to Tanzania. You can reapply at any time, but you'll need to pay the fee again and demonstrate stronger ties (e.g., job, family, property). There's no appeal process, but you can schedule a new interview.
In rare cases, you can apply for an extension with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) using Form I-539, but it's not guaranteed and must be filed before your authorized stay expires. For most visitors, it's best to leave on time to avoid overstaying, which can jeopardize future visas.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 24, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.