Quick Facts
Requirement
evisa
Visa Fee
ZAR 925
(~$50)
Processing Time
3–5 working days
Appointment Wait
~ weeks
Stay Duration
Up to 90 days
E-Visa
Available online
Tanzania is home to some of Africa's — and the world's — greatest natural wonders: the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Mount Kilimanjaro, and the island paradise of Zanzibar. A $50 e-visa covers it all. Apply online 7–10 days before travel.
Key Warnings
- Apply only at the official portal eservices.immigration.go.tz. Many third-party websites charge $80–100 for the same $50 government e-visa.
- Malaria prophylaxis is essential for ALL Tanzania travel — including Zanzibar. Begin medication as prescribed by your doctor before departure.
- Safari high season (July–October) requires advance lodge/camp bookings — many premium camps sell out 6–12 months ahead.
Insider Tips
- Combine the Serengeti and Zanzibar in one trip — the classic 'bush and beach' circuit beloved by South Africans. Fly Dar es Salaam or Kilimanjaro, do the safari, then fly to Zanzibar for the beach.
- The Great Wildebeest Migration crosses the Serengeti July–October. This is Tanzania's peak season — book far ahead and budget for higher rates.
- Direct flights from Johannesburg to Kilimanjaro (JRO) and Dar es Salaam (DAR) with SAA, Kenya Airways (via Nairobi), Ethiopian Airlines, and FlySafair.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Visit the official Tanzania e-visa portal
Go to eservices.immigration.go.tz. Create an account and select 'Apply for Ordinary Visa' — choose Single Entry Tourist for $50. Do NOT use third-party sites that charge more.
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Complete the online application
Enter your personal details exactly as on your South African passport. Select your intended entry point (Kilimanjaro, Julius Nyerere Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, or other approved entry points).
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Upload documents
Upload your passport bio page scan, digital passport photo (white background), return ticket, and hotel/safari booking confirmation.
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Pay $50 USD by card
Pay the $50 single-entry tourist e-visa fee by credit or debit card. Keep the payment confirmation.
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Receive e-visa by email (2–5 days)
Your approved e-visa is sent by email, typically within 2–5 business days. Apply at least 7–10 days before travel. Print or save the PDF to present at Tanzania immigration.
Required Documents
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Valid South African passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond entry date. Minimum 2 blank pages required.
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Digital passport photo
Recent photo, white background, JPEG format.
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Confirmed return or onward flight ticket
Confirmed booking showing departure from Tanzania.
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Hotel or accommodation confirmation
Hotel booking or safari camp confirmation for your Tanzania stay.
Recommended (Optional)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do South Africans need a visa for Tanzania?
Yes. South African passport holders need a Tanzania e-visa, applied for online at eservices.immigration.go.tz. The single-entry tourist e-visa costs $50 USD (ZAR 925) and allows a stay of up to 90 days. Apply at least 7 days before travel — processing takes 2–5 business days.
Do South Africans need a separate visa for Zanzibar?
No. Zanzibar is part of Tanzania and is covered by the same Tanzania e-visa. Simply select 'Zanzibar' as your entry point when applying at eservices.immigration.go.tz if flying into Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ). No separate Zanzibar permit is required.
How much is the Tanzania e-visa for South Africans?
The single-entry tourist e-visa is $50 USD (approximately ZAR 925). A multiple-entry visa valid for 1 year costs $100 USD (ZAR 1,850). Apply at the official portal eservices.immigration.go.tz — third-party websites charge $80–100 for the same service.
Is malaria a risk in Tanzania for South Africans?
Yes — malaria is present throughout Tanzania, including Zanzibar, the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and coastal areas. Malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended for all Tanzania travel. Consult your travel health clinic before departure and begin medication as prescribed.