In a major step to strengthen its tourism sector and ease travel for international visitors, the Tanzanian government has announced that nationals from 71 countries will now be able to enter the country without a visa.
The announcement was made during a parliamentary session in Dodoma by Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Dustan Kitandula, who emphasized that this move aligns with Tanzania’s broader efforts to modernize its immigration system and attract global travelers.
“This policy shift means most tourists can now obtain visas on arrival at Tanzania’s international airports, and for many others, visa requirements will be waived entirely,” Kitandula explained.
e-Visa System and Regional Mobility
Tanzania has also expanded the reach of its electronic visa (e-Visa) system, which now allows travelers to apply online from any location globally. This upgrade is part of the country’s digitalization push and efforts to streamline entry procedures for tourists.
In a further boost to regional integration, the government has amended the 2023 Immigration Regulations (GN 428) to allow tourists holding a Tanzanian Visitor’s Pass to travel within East African Community (EAC) countries and return to Tanzania without the need to reapply for entry.
Tourism and Immigration Working Together
Highlighting the interconnection between immigration policy and tourism, Deputy Minister Kitandula stated that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism is working closely with the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Immigration Department to jointly gather visitor data, design promotional strategies, and attract both tourists and investors.
The move comes in response to growing demand for easier access to Tanzania following the Royal Tour initiative, which has significantly raised the country’s international tourism profile.