Tanzania: visa and entry rules

Tanzania's borders: every crossing point

Tanzania's land border crossings, listed by the neighbour they lead to:

With Kenya: Namanga on the Arusha - Nairobi road, Holili - Taveta near Kilimanjaro, Sirari - Isebania near the Serengeti.

With Zambia: Tunduma - Nakonde.

With Malawi: Songwe in the south.

With Mozambique: Kilambo - Negomano.

With Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi the crossings work in the northwest, around Lake Victoria.

With the DR Congo the link runs across Lake Tanganyika; there is no land crossing.

Zanzibar is a separate control point. Formally it is not a border, but you go through an immigration check when flying in from the mainland, and tourists regularly fail to expect it.

Driving into Tanzania

Overland routes work with Kenya, Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique.

It is better to arrange the visa in advance: at some land crossings it is not issued.

Find out the temporary import rules for Tanzania from customs, rather than from experience in a neighbouring country: the periods and the carnet requirement do not match.

Driving is on the left.

An International Driving Permit is required, and insurance is either local or regional COMESA cover.

Travelling to Tanzania with a pet

An import permit is required, arranged in advance with the veterinary service.

A microchip is needed for identification.

The rabies vaccination must be valid on the date of entry.

An international veterinary certificate is required.

Ask your country's veterinary service what is needed in terms of vaccinations and quarantine for bringing an animal into Tanzania before you book.

Overstaying your visa in Tanzania

A fine is charged for each day of overstay and is paid on departure.

You will learn the figure at the border, not before. The rates in Tanzania get revised and reference sources do not keep up: take cash and allow time for departure.

Extensions are arranged with the immigration service before the visa expires.

A serious overstay means deportation and an entry ban.