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Tanzania e-Visa for South African Passport Holders

E-Visa (apply online)
🖥 E-Visa Available — Apply online before travel
1/5 Difficulty
3–5d Processing
ZAR 815 Total (~$50)

Quick Facts

Requirement E-Visa
Visa Fee ZAR 815 (~$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

  • Zanzibar requires inbound travel insurance from every visitor — USD 44 per adult, bought before travel at visitzanzibar.go.tz. The QR code is checked at immigration. It applies even if you have a visa, and even if your mainland Tanzania arrangements are complete.
  • 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

  1. 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.

  2. 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).

  3. Upload documents

    Upload your passport bio page scan, digital passport photo (white background), return ticket, and hotel/safari booking confirmation.

  4. Pay $50 USD by card

    Pay the $50 single-entry tourist e-visa fee by credit or debit card. Keep the payment confirmation.

  5. 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

  • Valid South African passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond entry date. Minimum 2 blank pages required.
  • Digital passport photo Recent photo, white background, JPEG format.
  • Confirmed return or onward flight ticket Confirmed booking showing departure from Tanzania.
  • Hotel or accommodation confirmation Hotel booking or safari camp confirmation for your Tanzania stay.

Recommended (Optional)

  • Yellow fever certificate Not required for direct travel from South Africa. Strongly recommended to carry as it may be requested on entry to certain areas.

Latest Updates

2024-10

Zanzibar requires USD 44 travel insurance bought before arrival

Zanzibar requires every visitor to hold inbound travel insurance, USD 44 per adult and USD 22 for children aged 2 to 17, bought before travel at visitzanzibar.go.tz. A QR code is issued and checked at immigration on arrival. It is separate from the visa and from mainland Tanzania — a South African traveller flying straight to Zanzibar needs it even though nothing on the mainland leg suggests so. Only the government portal is official.

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 815) 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 815). 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.

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