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Do South African citizens need a visa for Tanzania?
South Africa 
Tanzania South Africa passport holders can enter Tanzania without a visa for up to 90 days.
No visa needed
- Entry requirement
- Visa-free
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Apply before travel
- No
- Last updated
- February 2026
Before you travel
Checked November 2026⚠️ Tanzania Immigration tells applicants to apply only through its official website (immigration.go.tz / visa.immigration.go.tz) and not through any other online links. Use only the official links below.
At the border
- Passport needs at least six months of validity and at least one unused visa page.
- A return ticket must be shown at the point of entry.
- Nationals of EAC states, most SADC states (except Comoros) and most Commonwealth states (except the UK, Canada, Nigeria, India, Pakistan, Australia and New Zealand) do not need a visa.
- One visa covers both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar; each traveller, including children, needs a separate application.
- A Visa Grant Notice does not guarantee entry; the border officer makes the final decision.
Official source: Tanzania Immigration Services Department · Not yet confirmed officially: voa.fee: the guidelines do not separately state the on-arrival fee; assumed equal to the online visa fee, recentChanges: no dated 2025-2026 change confirmed on an official source, yellow fever certificate requirement (not shown on the e-Visa guidelines page)
What South Africa passport holders need to do
- Check your passport validity. Many countries ask for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date.
- Be ready to show a return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation and proof of funds at the border.
- Leave before the permitted stay ends. Working or studying usually needs a different visa.
South Africa is one of 47 passports in the “visa-free” group for Tanzania. See the full Tanzania visa requirements for every passport.
Other easy destinations in Africa for South Africa passport holders
Tanzania is one of 60 destinations in the “visa-free” group for the South Africa passport, which ranks #43 worldwide with a mobility score of 98. Of 53 destinations in Africa, 33 need no visa arranged in advance; the easiest are listed below.
| Destination | Requirement | Max stay |
|---|---|---|
 Angola | Visa-free | 30 days |
 Benin | Visa-free | 90 days |
 Botswana | Visa-free | 90 days |
 Eswatini | Visa-free | 30 days |
 Gabon | Visa-free | 30 days |
 Gambia | Visa-free | 90 days |
 Ghana | Visa-free | 90 days |
 Lesotho | Visa-free | – |
 Malawi | Visa-free | 90 days |
 Mauritius | Visa-free | 90 days |
 Mozambique | Visa-free | – |
 Namibia | Visa-free | 90 days |
Frequently asked questions
Do South African citizens need a visa for Tanzania?
South Africa passport holders can enter Tanzania without a visa for up to 90 days.
How long can South Africa passport holders stay in Tanzania?
Up to 90 days without a visa.
Do Tanzania citizens need a visa for South Africa?
Tanzania passport holders can enter South Africa without a visa for up to 90 days.
Tanzania visa requirements for other passports
Data last updated February 2026. This page covers short visits such as tourism. Rules can change at short notice and differ for work, study or long stays. Confirm with the embassy or official immigration website of Tanzania before you book.