Cheapest Way to Apply for a Tanzania Visa

2. Visa on Arrival (VOA)

• Cost: $50 USD (single entry) | $100 USD (US citizens)
• Where: Major airports (Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar) and land borders
• Drawbacks: Long queues, payment only in cash (USD), risk of delays
• Why it’s not cheapest: Same base price, but potential extra costs (currency exchange fees, delays, airport hassle).

3. Tanzania Visa via Embassy/Consulate

• Cost: $50–$100 USD + service charges
• Drawbacks: Extra fees for mailing, in-person appointments, or courier services
• Why it’s expensive: Consular handling and possible additional admin charges.

Cheapest Way to Apply – Step-by-Step

To ensure you pay only the official visa fee with no hidden charges, follow these steps:

• Go to the Official eVisa Porta: Apply online, Avoid third-party websites charging extra “service fees.”
• Prepare Required Documents (scanned): Valid passport (6+ months remaining), Passport photo (digital copy), Flight itinerary (round-trip or onward ticket), Hotel booking or invitation letter
• Submit Application Online: Fill out personal details and upload documents.
• Pay the Official Fee: $50 USD (most travelers), $100 USD (US passport holders), Pay securely with Visa/MasterCard.
• Wait for Approval: Processing: 7–10 business days. Receive eVisa approval by email.
• Print & Carry: Present your printed eVisa and passport at Tanzanian entry points.

Money-Saving Tips for Tanzania Visa

• Apply online through the official portal only (avoid agencies charging $80–$120 extra).
• Book accommodation & flights early to get documents required for visa at low cost.
• Pay with a card that avoids foreign transaction fees.
• Print copies of your eVisa at home to avoid airport printing charges.
• If you need multiple trips, US citizens should use the $100 multiple-entry visa — it’s cheaper long-term.

---

FAQs – Cheapest Tanzania Visa Application

Q1: Can I apply for a Tanzania visa for free? No, all visas have a fee. The cheapest official fee is $50 USD.

Q2: Is visa on arrival cheaper than eVisa? No. Both cost the same, but eVisa saves money on delays and hidden expenses.

Q3: Are online agencies reliable for Tanzania visa? Some are, but they charge extra service fees ($30–$100 more). The cheapest option is always the official portal.

Q4: What’s the cheapest visa for US citizens? The multiple-entry visa ($100 USD, valid for 12 months) is cost-effective if you plan more than one trip.

5. Tanzania Visa Application Form

How to obtain Tanzania Visa Application Form: Fill out the official application on the Tanzania eVisa

Are you planning a trip to the stunning landscapes of Tanzania, from the Serengeti to the beaches of Zanzibar? Securing your visa is a crucial step, and understanding the required documents is key to a smooth application process. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the essential documents and explains how to obtain them, ensuring you're fully prepared for your journey.

• Completed Tanzania eVisa online application.
• Requires uploading documents in PDF/JPEG format.

6. Additional Documents (Depending on Visa Type)

How to obtain Additional Documents Request the document directly from the organization, employer, or institution hosting you in Tanzania.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Obtain a Tanzania Visa

Prepare Required Documents: Scan passport, passport photo, hotel booking, flight reservation, and invitation letter (if needed).

Apply Online: Fill out the form and upload documents.

Pay Visa Fee Online Standard tourist visa fee: $50 USD (some countries like the USA: $100 USD for multiple-entry). Pay with Visa/MasterCard.

Receive Confirmation Processing time: 2–7 business days. You’ll receive an eVisa approval email.

Print & Present on Arrival Carry a printed copy of your eVisa and supporting documents.

FAQs – Tanzania Visa Documents

• Marangu Route (5–6 days): Known as the Coca-Cola Route, with hut accommodations
• Machame Route (6–7 days): The Whiskey Route, scenic and popular with hikers
• Lemosho Route (7–8 days): Remote, beautiful, high success rate
• Rongai Route (6–7 days): Approaches from the north, quieter trail
• Northern Circuit (9 days): Longest route, best acclimatization & summit success

Shorter & Less Common Routes

• Q1: Do children need separate documents for a Tanzania visa? Yes, each traveler, including children, must have their own passport and visa.
• Q2: Do I need yellow fever vaccination proof? Yes, if traveling from or transiting through a yellow fever risk country, you must show a yellow fever certificate.
• Q3: Can I apply for a Tanzania visa on arrival? Yes, but it is recommended to apply online (eVisa) for faster entry at the airport or border.
• Q4: What if my hotel booking changes after applying? Minor changes are usually fine, but ensure you keep an updated reservation during travel.
• Q5: Can I apply without a return ticket? A return or onward ticket is strongly recommended. Immigration may refuse entry without proof of onward travel.

Tanzania Visa Tourist, Business, Transit, Student

• Cheapest way to apply for Tanzania visa
• Tanzania visa cost 2025
• Tanzania eVisa application fee
• Tanzania visa on arrival vs eVisa
• Tanzania visa requirements and fees
• How much is Tanzania visa for US citizens
• Tanzania visa online cheapest method
• Official Tanzania visa application website
• Avoid Tanzania visa scams
• Tanzania visa application tips

FAQs – Mount Kilimanjaro Climb

• Q1: Do you need experience to climb Kilimanjaro? No technical climbing is required. Anyone with good fitness and determination can summit.
• Q2: How long does it take to climb Kilimanjaro? Between 5 to 9 days, depending on the route.
• Q3: Is climbing Kilimanjaro dangerous? It’s safe with professional guides, but altitude sickness is a risk. Choosing longer routes increases success.
• Q4: What is the success rate for Kilimanjaro climbs? Short routes (5–6 days): ~50–60% success. Longer routes (7–9 days): ~85–90% success.
• Q5: How much does a Kilimanjaro climb cost? Average: $1,800 – $3,500 depending on the route, service level, and number of days.

5. Tarangire National Park Tanzania | Safari, Wildlife & Tours

Discover Tarangire National Park in Tanzania, famous for elephants, baobab trees, and rich wildlife. Plan your Tarangire safari tours, lodges, and travel itineraries today.

Tarangire National Park – Tanzania’s Elephant Paradise

About Tarangire National Park: Located just two hours from Arusha, Tarangire National Park is one of Tanzania’s most beautiful safari destinations. Covering 2,850 km², it is renowned for its massive elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and seasonal migration of wildebeest and zebras.

Wildlife in Tarangire

Tarangire is a biodiversity hotspot, home to rare species and classic safari wildlife.

What Animals Can You See?

• Elephants – one of the largest populations in East Africa
• Lions & leopards – big cats often spotted near the river
• Wildebeest & zebras – seasonal migration herds
• Birds – over 550 species, including ostriches, hornbills & lovebirds
• Rare antelopes like fringe-eared oryx, gerenuk, and greater kudu

Landscape & Scenery

Tarangire is known for:

• Iconic baobab trees dotting the savannah
• The Tarangire River, a vital water source attracting wildlife in the dry season
• Rolling plains, acacia woodlands, and seasonal swamps

Safari Experiences in Tarangire

• Game Drives: Morning & evening drives for elephants, lions & giraffes
• Walking Safaris: Guided bush walks (available in some lodges)
• Night Game Drives: Spot nocturnal wildlife in private concessions
• Birdwatching Safaris: Perfect destination for avid birders

Lodges & Camps in Tarangire

• Luxury: Tarangire Treetops, Oliver’s Camp, Lemala Mpingo Rid
• Mid-range: Tarangire Safari Lodge, Maramboi Tented Camp
• Budget: Public campsites & affordable tented camps near the gate

Best Time to Visit Tarangire

• Dry Season (June–October): Best wildlife viewing, animals gather around the river
• Wet Season (Nov–May): Lush landscapes, fewer crowds, excellent birdwatching

Safari Itineraries Including Tarangire

Tarangire is often part of the Northern Circuit Safari:

Arusha → Tarangire → Lake Manyara → Ngorongoro Crater → Serengeti

• 3 Days: Tarangire only (short safari)
• 5 Days: Tarangire + Ngorongoro + Serengeti
• 7–8 Days: Full Northern Circuit

FAQs – Tarangire National Park

• Q1: Why is Tarangire National Park famous?
• For its large elephant herds, baobab trees, and seasonal wildlife migration.
• Q2: How far is Tarangire from Arusha? About 120 km (2 hours by road).
• Q3: What is the best time to visit Tarangire? The dry season (June–October) is best for game viewing.
• Q5: Is Tarangire part of the Great Migration? Not the Serengeti-Mara migration, but it has its own seasonal migration of wildebeest, zebras, and antelopes.
• Q4: Can you do a day trip to Tarangire? Yes, it’s close enough from Arusha or Moshi for a day trip safari.

6. Lake Victoria & Mwanza Tanzania | Travel Guide, Tours & Safaris

Explore Lake Victoria and Mwanza, Tanzania’s vibrant “Rock City.” Discover Rubondo Island, fishing tours, cultural heritage, and nearby Serengeti safaris. Plan your Lake Victoria adventure today!

Lake Victoria is Africa’s largest freshwater lake and the world’s largest tropical lake, shared by Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda. It’s the source of the Nile River and home to rich biodiversity, from Nile perch and tilapia to hippos, crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species.

• Activities: Fishing safaris, birdwatching, cultural village tours
• Islands: Rubondo Island National Park, Ukerewe Island
• Highlights: Stunning sunsets, island-hopping, traditional fishing villages

Mwanza – Tanzania’s “Rock City”

Located on Lake Victoria’s southern shore, Mwanza is Tanzania’s second-largest city and a hub for trade, culture, and tourism. It’s famous for giant granite boulders scattered across the landscape.

Top Attractions in Mwanza

• Bismarck Rock – Mwanza’s landmark balancing rock on Lake Victoria
• Saanane Island National Park – spot antelope, monkeys, and monitor lizards just minutes from downtown
• Sukuma Museum (Bujora) – experience the culture of Tanzania’s largest ethnic group
• Lake Cruises – sunset boat rides and island excursions
• Rock City Mall – modern shopping and dining

Islands & Excursions from Mwanza

Rubondo Island National Park – Tanzania’s only island park, with elephants, giraffes, chimps, and excellent birdlife

Ukerewe Island – the largest island in Lake Victoria, perfect for cycling, village stays, and cultural immersion

Mwanza & Serengeti Connection

Mwanza is a gateway to the Western Serengeti, especially during the Great Migration (June–July) when wildebeest cross the Grumeti River. Many travelers combine: Serengeti Safari → Mwanza City → Lake Victoria Islands

How to Get to Mwanza

• Flights: Daily from Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Kilimanjaro, and Serengeti airstrips
• By Road: 8–9 hrs from Arusha, 17–18 hrs from Dar
• By Ferry: Services to Bukoba, Musoma, and Ukerewe Island

Accommodation in Mwanza & Lake Victoria

• Luxury: Malaika Beach Resort, Gold Crest Hotel
• Mid-range: Hotel Tilapia, Isamilo Lodge
• Budget: Guesthouses & hostels near the city and ferry port

Best Time to Visit

• June–October: Dry season, best for combining with Serengeti safaris
• November–May: Green season, lush landscapes, great for birdwatching

• FAQs – Lake Victoria & Mwanza Travel
• Q1: Is Mwanza worth visiting? Yes! Mwanza combines lakeside relaxation, unique rock formations, rich Sukuma culture, and easy access to the Serengeti and Rubondo Island.
• Q2: What is Mwanza famous for? Mwanza is known as Rock City for its granite boulders, its location on Lake Victoria, and its cultural diversity.
• Q3: Can I do a safari from Mwanza? Yes. Mwanza is a gateway to the Western Serengeti and Rubondo Island National Park.
• Q4: How do I reach Lake Victoria’s islands? Ferries and boats connect Mwanza to Ukerewe and Rubondo Islands, with charter flights also available.

7. Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam itself is a coastal city — Tanzania’s commercial capital — so it isn’t a safari destination. But it’s a perfect starting point for exploring southern Tanzania’s wildlife parks, which are more remote and less crowded than the Serengeti/Ngorongoro circuit in the north.

1. Safaris from Dar es Salaam

• Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park)
• One of Africa’s largest protected areas (30,000+ km²)
• Known for boat safaris on the Rufiji River (hippos, crocs, birdlife)
• Huge elephant herds, wild dogs, lions, giraffes, buffalo
• 45-min flight or 4–5 hr drive from Dar es Salaam

2. Mikumi National Park

• Closest safari park to Dar (about 4–5 hrs by road)
• Great for short safaris: zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, lions
• Scenic backdrop of the Uluguru Mountains
• Best option for 2–3 day trips from Dar

3. Ruaha National Park

• Tanzania’s largest national park (~20,000 km²)
• Famous for lion prides and big predators
• Strong elephant populations
• 2-hr flight from Dar; by road, very long (9–10 hrs)
• Best for a longer, more exclusive safari

4. Udzungwa Mountains National Park

• More about hiking & waterfalls than game drives
• Endemic monkeys, rare birds, lush rainforest
• 6–7 hrs by road from Dar
• Fly-in safaris: From Dar es Salaam Airport (DAR) you can take bush flights into Selous, Ruaha, or Serengeti.
• Road safaris: Mikumi and Selous can be reached by car — good for shorter or budget trips.