Tanzania
Tanzania travel guide for Americans
US citizens must obtain an e‑visa and purchase the US$44 inbound travel insurance before flying; if you have a valid visa and insurance, you can enter and travel the country.
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GuideTanzania
Key facts
- Visa typecheck
- e‑visa (online)
- Visa feecheck
- US$ 100 (approx.)
- Mandatory insurancecheck
- US$ 44 inbound travel insurance (required from 1 Oct 2026)
- Currencycheck
- Tanzanian shilling (≈ 2,500 TZS per US$)
- Plug types
- D and G, 230 V 50 Hz
- Tipping
- Expected on safari and climbs; follow operator guidance
- Emergency number
- 112 (police, fire, ambulance)
Entry requirements for US citizens
Apply for an e‑visa online before travel; the process takes 3‑5 business days. The fee is about US$100 and the visa is valid for 90 days with a single entry.
From 1 October 2026, the Tanzanian government requires proof of inbound travel insurance costing US$44. Upload the insurance certificate when you submit the e‑visa.
Passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended departure date.
- e‑visa application: https://www.tanzaniavisa.go.tz (official)
- Insurance proof accepted from any reputable provider covering medical evacuation.
U.S. Embassy in Tanzania
The U.S. Embassy is in Dar es Salaam. It provides consular assistance, passport services and emergency help for U.S. citizens.
- Address: Embassy of the United States, 686 Old Bagamoyo Road, Dar es Salaam
- Phone: +255 22 222 7000
- Emergency after hours: +255 22 222 7000
Typical costs in USD
A mid‑range safari (4‑6 nights) costs about US$2,200–2,800 per person, including park fees, accommodation and meals.
Zanzibar beach stay (3‑5 nights) averages US$150–250 per night for a mid‑range hotel.
Daily meals outside tourist resorts are US$5–15.
Local transport (bush taxi, dala‑dala) is US$0.30–0.80 per km.
| Item | Estimated cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| e‑visa fee | 100 |
| Mandatory insurance | 44 |
| Mid‑range safari (5 nights) | 2,500 |
| Zanzibar hotel (4 nights) | 800 |
| Meals per day | 10 |
| Local transport per km | 0.5 |
Flights and time difference
Main international gateway is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Direct flights from major U.S. hubs are not available; typical routing is via Doha, Istanbul or Nairobi, total travel time 18–24 hours.
Tanzania is UTC+3 year‑round; New York is UTC‑5 (UTC‑4 in summer), so expect a 7‑8 hour time difference.
Electric plugs and voltage
Use Type D (three round pins) or Type G (British‑style) plugs. Voltage is 230 V, frequency 50 Hz. Bring a universal adapter and, if your devices are not dual‑voltage, a step‑down converter.
Tipping guidelines
Safari guides and drivers: US$10–15 per day per person.
Hotel staff (porters, housekeeping): US$1–2 per service.
Restaurants: 10 % service charge is common; tip extra for exceptional service.
Emergency contacts
Police, fire, ambulance: 112 (free).
Fire only: 114.
U.S. Embassy (Dar es Salaam): +255 22 222 7000.
Questions people ask
Do Americans need a visa for Tanzania?
Yes, a tourist e‑visa is required and can be obtained online before travel; the fee is about US$100.
How much does a trip to Tanzania cost in USD?
A typical 10‑day itinerary (safari plus Zanzibar) runs US$3,500–4,500 per person, including visa, insurance, accommodation, meals and transport.
Where is the nearest United States embassy in Tanzania?
The U.S. Embassy is in Dar es Salaam at 686 Old Bagamoyo Road; it provides consular services and emergency assistance.
Do I need travel insurance to enter Tanzania?
From 1 Oct 2026, proof of inbound travel insurance costing US$44 is mandatory for entry.
What plug type does Tanzania use?
Types D and G plugs; 230 V, 50 Hz. Bring a suitable adapter.
Verify with the official source
Draft, not field-verified
- officialU.S. Embassy Dar es Salaam
- officialTravel.state.gov – Tanzania entry
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- officialU.S. Embassy Dar es Salaam
- officialTravel.state.gov – Tanzania entry
Ask about Tanzania
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