Your safari has been planned, the excitement is building; Tanzania’s wildlife, people and incredible scenery are awaiting your arrival.
Now, it’s time to make sure that your paperwork is in order. Yes, we know it’s boring, but it is essential to get everything right so that your arrival in beautiful Tanzania is as smooth as possible. It’s so important – please read on!
Siriwa Travel: are providing the information below to assist visitors in applying for their visas. We are always here to help! Nevertheless, we must stress that each visitor must apply for their visa well in advance of their proposed visit, comply with the correct procedures in their application and be in possession of a valid, appropriate visa when they arrive. The official website for applications is www.immigration.go.tz, which also provides contact numbers if applicants require further information or have any queries.
It is very important to take a note that the only official website to apply for Tanzania online visa is www.immigration.go.tz. The Tanzanian immigration does not recognize nor accept any other website or agent that claim to be Tanzania Visa application centre.
Q. Do I need a visa?
A. The short answer is yes, unless you hold a passport from one of the countries listed below. If your country is in this list, then the good news is that you are exempt from the requirement for a visa. If your country is not on this list, you must get a visa. As the list is updated frequently, please check immediately before applying.
Exempt countries:
| Antigua & Barbuda Anguilla Ashmore & Certie Island Bahamas Barbados Bermuda Belize Brunei British Virgin Island British Indian Ocean Territory Botswana Cyprus Cayman Island Channel Island Cocoas Island Cook Island Christmas Island Dominica Falkland Island Gambia Ghana Gibraltar Grenada Guernsey Guyana Heard Island Hong Kong Isle of Man Jamaica Jersey Kenya Kiribati Lesotho Malawi Montserrat | Malaysia Madagascar Malta Mauritius Macao Mozambique Nauru Naue Island Norfolk Island Namibia Papua new Guinea Rwanda Romania Ross Dependency Samoa Seychelles Singapore Solomon Island South Sudan Swaziland St. Kitts&Navis St. Lucia St. Vicent St. Helana South African Republic Trinidad & Tobago Turks & Caicos Tokelan Tonga Tuvalu Vanuatu Uganda Zambia Zimbabwe |
Q. Once I get my visa, am I guaranteed entry to Tanzania?
A. As with most countries in the world, the possession of a valid Visa for the United Republic of Tanzania does not provide automatic right of entry into the country. The Immigration Officer at the port of entry may refuse entry to any person, if he is satisfied that such a person is unable to fulfil the immigration requirements or that such person’s presence in the United Republic of Tanzania would be contrary to national interests or security.
Q. Is it still possible to obtain a visa on arrival?
A. Although it is still possible to obtain a visa on arrival, we strongly recommend that visitors should apply for and obtain their visas using the on-line process via the official website www.immigration.go.tz. Please note that, once you have applied on-line, it can take up to three weeks for the visa to be issued, so please apply in good time.
Recent changes have meant that obtaining a visa on arrival in Tanzania can now result in lengthy delays as visitors have to queue three separate times to:
- Obtain a Government Control Number, then
- Pay for the Government Control Number, then
- Be checked by Tanzanian Immigration and have the visa issued
We urge everyone entering Tanzania through the five entry points listed below to apply on-line, to avoid having to join these three queues, which can take up to two hours.
Note, however, that currently only five entry points are fully equipped to accept the on-line visa. If you are entering Tanzania via any other entry point, you should still obtain your visa on arrival. At those other entry points (for example, Tarime Isebania), the on-line visa will still be accepted, but it will take longer to validate and will result in delays.
Entry points where the on-line visa should be presented:
- Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR)
- Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
- Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ)
- Namanga (road border between Arusha & Nairobi)
- Tunduma (road border between Tanzania & Zambia)
Entry points where it is preferable to obtain your visa on arrival:
- Isebania Border
Q. Which visa should I apply for?
A. Nearly all those booking safaris or mountain climbs with us will need to apply for an ‘Ordinary’ single-entry visa. However, if you are intending to make multiple entries into the country, or are travelling for any purpose other than tourism, or are intending to stay in Tanzania for more than 90 days you should read the guidelines on the website carefully to ensure that you apply for the correct type of visa. All US citizens, please see ‘How much does a visa cost?’ below
Q. How do I pay for my visa?
A. During the online application process, you may pay for your visa by use of a credit card (Visa or Mastercard.) We at Sirikwa Travel: do not advise paying for your Visa by the ‘SWIFT transfer’ option offered on the Government website, as it can be difficult to trace payment and this may delay the granting of the visa and prevent your entry to Tanzania.
Q. How much does a visa cost?
A. Currently, a single-entry ordinary (tourist) visa costs $50 USD and a multiple-entry visa costs $100 USD. Note that US Citizens must apply for the multiple-entry visa, and pay $100 USD, even if they are only making a single trip. Prices for any other types of visa are detailed on the website.
Q. How do I know if my visa has been approved?
A. You will be notified by e-mail. Before receiving approval, you will be able to check the status of your application online.
Q. How long does my visa last for?
A. An ordinary single-entry visa will last for 90 days.
Q. Apart from being required to make a payment, what other documents do I need?
A. You will need to be able to upload a passport-size photo of yourself, the biographic data page of your passport, and a copy of your return flight ticket. Passport size photograph usually has dimensions of 4.5mm X 3.5mm.Your passport-size photo and biographic data page of the passport needs to be saved in Jpg/png formats separately with maximum size of 300kb each, see below picture for better understanding.
Please note that your passport must have validity for at least six months after the date of your departure from Tanzania, and also have at least one full unused/unstamped visa page.
Q. My visa application has been rejected. How do I get my fee refunded?
A. Unfortunately, fees paid for a visa application cannot be refunded.
Q. When should I apply for my visa?
A. Although the government website indicated that a visa application takes 10 days to process, we advise that you should apply for your visa as soon as you are able and recommended not less than 30 days before your departure for Tanzania.
Q. I am from a country which is listed below in the category of ‘Referred Visa.’ When should I apply for my visa?
A. We advise any visitors in this category to apply for their visas at least 90 days before their proposed arrival in Tanzania and to obtain visa approval before booking any flights or incurring other costs (such as non-refundable hotel bookings). Visitors from these countries will need to have a referral letter from Sirikwa Travel: we can write this once we have received the deposit for their booking. Countries in this category are listed below, but as the list is updated frequently, please check immediately before applying.
Q. Referred Visa Countries:
| Afghanistan Azerbaijan Bangladesh Chad Djibouti Ethiopia Eritrea Equatorial Guinea Iran Iraq Kazakhstan Republic Kyigten Republic Lebanon Mali Mauritania | Niger Nigeria Pakistan Palestine Senegal Somalia Sri Lanka Somali land Sierra Leone Syria Tajikistan Turkmenistan Uzbekistan Yemen and Stateless persons or persons with refugee status. |
Q. I have found several websites offering visas to Tanzania. Can I apply through any of these sites?
A. No, we strongly advise you to use only the official government website, www.immigration.go.tz. Other rogue sites may cost more and will not be able to fast-track applications; they may also be ‘scam’ sites, taking your money without actually providing a visa.
Q. I have received confirmation of the grant of my visa. Do I still need a yellow fever certificate?
A. Yes – if you are arriving from, or transiting through, certain countries. The grant of a visa is entirely separate from any requirements with respect to yellow fever. Please see www.moh.go.tz and ensure that you comply with the requirements. Entry to Tanzania may be denied if you do not comply with these, even if you possess a valid visa.
Q. Which entry points can I use to enter Tanzania?
A. Applicants who have a visa can enter Tanzania through any of the following five entry points:
- Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA)
- Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA)
- Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (AAKIA)
- Namanga border
- Tunduma border
- Isebania Border
WHY VISIT TANZANIA ?
Perfect For Families, Groups & Off-Grid Adventure
Tanzania is one of the magical corners of the earth. If you have visited once the Tanzania Destinations, you will never go off your memory. Every step you keep inside the country will let you realize how blessed you are visiting nature’s true wonder that is nothing but to experience Tanzania Safari Tours.
Safari Experience
Why Tanzania Safari Experience is so unique you would ask? Hosting some of the most endangered species
Safari Facts
Regarded as one of the best Safari destinations of Africa, Tanzania hosts thousands of tourists from worldwide.
Safari Guides
We understand how stressful it to plan a long vacation of over a week in a foreign land that you have never visited.
Why Trekking With Us?
- We have the Best Mountain Guides:
Wilderness First Responder certified guide. - We are using Quality Camping Gears:
All our gears are of International Mountain Standards. - Reasonable Price Guaranteed:
We are among the few companies providing the best price for responsible mountain climbs. - Best Services on the Mountain:
We provide the best service on the Mountain to both our travelers/climbers and our crew.
- Easy booking confirmation:
We charge only $300 per person to reserve your climb using a credit card, and the remaining balance you can pay 30 days before your arrival or by cash upon arrival. - We have the best Mountain Crew:
All our Mountain crew are trained to take good care for our clients during the climb. - All our Climbing tours are Guaranteed Departure:
Even if you are the only one have booked the climb, the tour will not be canceled.
Our Traveler’s Feedback
What Our Happy Clients Say About us
Verified
Storyteller801932023-04-16Awesome Kili trek thanks to Sirikwa’s great service! Our group of six did a Kilimanjaro trek on the Machame route. The Sirikwa team was there for us every step of the way. Starting with airport pickups at all kinds of hours, arranging a waterfall hike the day before the trek, and making a very early morning run to the airport to retrieve a delayed bag just a couple of hours before departing for the park. The crew on the mountain is generally made up of freelancers who work for different trekking companies, but you could tell that Sirikwa’s management knew how to recruit and motivate a great group. We were well looked after on the mountain, the gear was first rate and our entire group made it to the summit. I struggled quite a bit on the descent but the guides and porters helped me through it, all with a smile. We were the first group to use Sirkwa’s new guest house in Moshi. It was a bit of a soft launch and you could see how it would shape up to be a great place for groups to stay pre/post their trek. Oinoth’s accommodating our request for pizza the night of our return was one last personal touch before we departed. I look forward to returning to Tanzania and experiencing Sirikwa’s great service on a safari.VerifiedUsha G2023-04-12Best Kilimanjaro and Safari Experience Thanks to Sirikwa I had a best ever experience with Sirikwa Tours on my Tanzania travel. Every question and email was answered quickly before and during the travel. Ole went above and beyond to help me in every step. Asante Kaka During the trip The team made me feel that they were there to help at any time. Care & attention to every single bit, from the porters to the cook and huge backbone the guide on my trek. The entire Tours team was perfect from day one. Trek : The food was good sleeping tents were perfect ; hot water, drinking water, physical and mental support all to the mark, perfectly orchestrated. The summit day was a challenge; very thankful to my crew for an experience of a lifetime! wholeheartedly recommend Sirikwa Tours to anyone seeking to trek up Mt Kilimanjaro. Safari : The safari part of my trip was amazing, often dazzling. Benny was my driver. He endeavoured to provide me with the best safari experience possible, One of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet. a little bit of luck resulted in some experiences I will never forget (I got some amazing photos). Night stay at the cottages was also wonderful experience. Sirikwa deserves all the stars. I will definitely recommend team to anyone looking for the best experience in Tanzania.Verified
Grant V2023-04-01Mount Kilimanjaro Such an incredible journey! The whole experience was perfect. Leone and Jonathon guided us safely, Abbas and Pray kept us fed, Mr. Machame carried the heaviest loads, Joshua and Ramadan and the rest of the group made sure we were comfortable. Thank you for the trip of a lifetime. We hope to see the entire crew again soon.VerifiedArmen Hammer2023-04-01Truly Spectacular Kilimanjaro climb and Safari experience! Sirikwa Travel Rocks! Because of a friend's recommendation, I booked our 12-day Tanzania trip through Sirikwa. We spent 7 days climbing Kilimanjaro and 4 days on a Safari. Our booking with Sirikwa included everything, food, lodging, transportation, and full support with guides, porters, chefs, etc from the moment we landed at Kilimanjaro airport until 12 days later when we were dropped off at the airport. Our Kilimanjaro climb is a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience that was perfectly organized by Sirikwa. Our group consisted of myself, my son, and a good friend of mine. For the Kilimanjaro climb Sirikwa provided 2 stellar guides (Jonathan and Leone), a chef, and 9 porters who were absolutely amazing. They were friendly, knew what they were doing, and worked their butts off to get us up and down the mountain. I can't say enough positive things about how great our support crew was. If you are thinking of doing the Kilimanjaro climb I would not look anywhere else. Their prices were about half what American tour companies quoted us and their service was truly spectacular. The same thing goes for our Safari. Our guide (Benny) was friendly, knowledgeable, and patient, could see animals and birds in the bushes or trees a mile away. We traveled through Ngorongoro, Serengeti, and Tarangire national parks. Again, if you are going to spend time in Tanzania and you need any type of tour booked....don't even bother looking elsewhere...book with Sirikwa, because you will get an amazing experience at a very reasonable price.Verified765britav2023-03-28Perfect Tanzanian Safari + Beach Holiday with Sirikwa Travel Sirikwa Travel arranged the most perfect nine-day Tanzanian safari plus four-day Zanzibar beach holiday for my best friend and me. Ole Sirikwa was instrumental during the planning phase of our trip, recommending the top national parks and other sights based upon the number of days we had available and prioritizing the things we wanted to see. Upon landing at Kilimanjaro, literally everything from that point forward was taken care of for us - transportation, tours, hotels and meals. Just a few of the places Sirkiwa took us in Tanzania were Mkomazi National Park, Arusha, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti, Tarangire, the Serval Wildlife Rescue and the Osiligilai Masai Lodge. I saw the most beautiful landscapes and SO MUCH WILDLIFE. I am still overwhelmed by the sheer volume of animals we saw, including the Big 5. In Zanizibar we saw Stone Town, Jambo Spice Farms and we spent a few days at Amaan Bungalows, right on the sea where I have never seen such clear water. We had a private boat for a snorkeling tour and the team prepared a fresh seafood lunch for us to eat right on the ship. To cover all of the ground we did, we stayed in a number of different hotels along the way and they were all of a high standard and felt safe and secure. We even stayed at the Tukaone Camp right within the Serengeti which was incredible - we had a tent with a shower, a four poster bed all while being able to hear the distant roars of lions in the night. I also want to mention the meals arranged for us as well. My friend and I are both vegetarian and not once did we arrive somewhere where this wasn't already taken care of. While on safari we often were provided a prepared lunch that our guide picked up for us in the morning and the food was always plentiful and delicious. The guides used by the Sirikwa team are of the highest caliber. Every guide we interacted with was professional, courteous, knowledgeable and really awesome people to spend time with - which was good because you spend a LOT of time with your guides! In particular, Ben was our guide for several of the days we spent in the national parks. You could just tell how well he knew the parks and was eager to ensure we saw absolutely every animal we could. Ben was also so accommodating, stopping for us to catch a better look at a bird or animal more times than I can count. Alfred was another amazing guide that we had the pleasure of spending time with, as he took us to both the Maturuni Falls one day and the Chemka Hot Springs another day. Alfred was kind, funny and even made sure I was able to get the proper football jerseys for my nephews. Ole was incredible as well, literally checking in with us on a daily basis to ensure we were happy and well taken care of. I have never utilized a guide service prior to this trip and I am not sure I want to travel any other way again! The costs were clearly outlined at the time of booking and, compared to what I have seen from other similar tours, were incredibly reasonable given the private tours, quality of accommodations and meals included. There were no surprises (other than positive ones!) along the way. It was honestly the trip of a lifetime and I give all the credit to Ole and the Sirikwa Team. I can't recommend Ole Sirikwa and the team more highly.Verified
Judith J2023-03-249 Day Safari + 4 Days in Zanzibar I highly, highly recommend Sirikwa Travel. My best friend and I did a nine day safari in Tanzania's northern circuit of national parks and then four days in Zanzibar. It was an absolutely amazing trip of a lifetime! Sirikwa Travel handled absolutely everything and exceeded our expectations in every way possible. Ole Sirikwa, the owner/operator of Sirikwa Travel, was very responsive during the planning stages of our trip and extremely accommodating of our requests to give us our dream trip. Even before stepping off the plane, I felt like we were in good hands. From the moment we landed in Tanzania, everything was handled professionally and courteously. We had very nice accommodations and excellent food. The drivers and guides were very friendly, knowledgeable and just wonderful people. Our guide Ben, who spent four straight days with us, was the best guide one could hope for. His experience was obvious as was his vast knowledge of the parks and wildlife. I am an avid birder and he was excellent at spotting birds and knew many calls. The other guides told us he was a legend and we definitely saw why. During our nine days in Tanzania and four days in Zanzibar, we saw 30 mammal species (including lions, black rhinos, leopards and a cheetah) in the wild, 136 species of birds and 6 species of reptiles. In Tanzania, we visited Mkomazi National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti National Park, Tarangire NP, Arusha NP, Serval Wildlife Rescue, Osiligilai Masai Lodge and Chemka Hot Spring. In Zanzibar, we stayed at the fabulous Freddy Mercury house at Tembo House Hotel (the most Wes Andersonian place I've ever seen). We toured Stone Town, snorkeled and had an amazing seafood lunch by Kwale Island, toured Jambo Spice Farm and spent a couple of days at the beautiful beach resort, Amaan Bungalows. Ole checked in with us daily and there was literally never a moment of the trip that all of my needs weren't taken care of. Guides went above and beyond every day. For example, I kept misplacing my pencil to record all of the birds species I was seeing, so our guide Alfred stopped at a store and bought me a pack of pencils!! From reservations, arrangements, transportation to meals and accommodations, I can't think of one single thing that wasn't just perfect. The trip cost exactly what was quoted with no hidden fees. We felt it was an exceptional value.VerifiedSF2023-03-22As Advertised Sirikwa handled everything. Very responsive and respectful, didn't need to worry about local or hidden fees. Exactly as advertised. The trek was great!VerifiedRaghuraj2022-12-31An Amazing Climb to Uhuru Peak We had the perfect climb to Kilimanjaro with Leone & Jonathan. It was an amazing experience, and the support team of guides, chef & porter made sure that we were very comfortable along the way. Will highly recommend Sirikwa Travels for all & any adventure exploits! Can’t wait to go back again :).VerifiedHaik M2022-10-06Lemosho Route - Kilimanjaro top life-changing experience! Had my best experience in life climbing Kilimanjaro with Sirikwa Travel team. Exceptional team from back office to front line kili warriors. Everything was taken care in details. Cant thank enough the excellent support, help and organization!Verified
camillegalin2022-07-21MEILLEURE EXPÉRIENCE J’ai réservé l’ascension du Kilimanjaro par la voie Machame en 7j avec Sirikwa. Les demandes de renseignements sont claires, la documentation est complète. Les échanges sont faciles et rapide avec le directeur de l’agence ! Malgré mes péripéties et le retard de mes bagages par la compagnie aérienne (fréquent sur le continent quand on discute avec d’autres voyageurs, prévoir quelques jours de battement ça évitera beaucoup de stress) l’agence s’est occupé du problème, à su me proposer des alternatives et finalement trouver une solution. J’ai réalisé l’ascension avec une équipe fabuleuse : Jonathan, Abass, Janja, Nngabo, Omari et . Je recommende x1000 pour leur gentillesse, professionnalisme et encouragements permanent ! Si c’était à refaire je referai exactement la même chose. Si j’ai pu y arriver c’est grâce à une équipe en or. Je n’oublierai jamais cette aventure !
