Tanzania passport → South Africa

South Africa visa for citizens of Tanzania

Visa-free

Citizens of Tanzania can visit South Africa without a visa for up to 30 days.

Verified · Last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.

Key facts

Entry route	Visa-free
How to apply	No visa needed — just go
Maximum stay	Up to 30 days
Entries	Multiple entry
Government fee	No visa fee
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Not required
Appointment	Not required
Interview	Not required
Onward or return ticket	Required
Proof of funds	Bank statement or proof of sufficient funds for stay

How to apply

1
Prepare travel documents
Ensure passport has 6+ months validity and at least two blank pages; obtain a return/onward ticket and sufficient funds.
2
Travel to South Africa
Board flight or cross border; visa-free entry is granted on arrival for up to 30 days.
3
Present documents to immigration officer
At port of entry, present passport, return ticket, and proof of funds; the officer may ask about accommodation and purpose of visit.
4
Receive entry stamp
If approved, the officer stamps your passport indicating the permitted stay (typically 30 days).

Documents checklist

Travel

Valid passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months from date of entry and have at least 2 blank pages.
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure from South Africa within the visa-free period.
Accommodation details
Optional
Hotel bookings or address of host may be requested by immigration.

Financial

Proof of sufficient funds
Typically recent bank statement or cash sufficient for the intended stay.

Supporting

Yellow fever vaccination certificate
Optional
Required only if traveling from a yellow fever endemic country.

Proof of funds

Minimum balance: Not specified; generally sufficient for intended stay

Bank statement
Cash
Traveler's cheques

Proof of funds may be required upon request by immigration officials.

Good to know

Visa-free access does not guarantee entry; final decision is made by immigration officer at the border.
Overstaying the allowed 30 days may result in fines, deportation, and future entry bans.

Common refusal reasons

Insufficient passport validity or blank pages

Check that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from date of entry and has 2 blank pages.

Lack of return or onward ticket

Always have a confirmed outbound ticket before traveling.

Inability to prove sufficient funds

Carry a recent bank statement and enough cash or cards for your stay.

Previous immigration violations or criminal record

Declare any past issues honestly and carry relevant documentation if necessary.

FAQ

Do citizens of Tanzania need a visa for South Africa?

Citizens of Tanzania can visit South Africa without a visa for up to 30 days.

How long can citizens of Tanzania stay in South Africa?

Up to 30 days without a visa.

What documents do citizens of Tanzania need for South Africa?

Valid passport; Return or onward ticket; Proof of sufficient funds; Accommodation details; Yellow fever vaccination certificate.

How long must my passport be valid for South Africa?

At least 6 months.

Plan your trip to South Africa

Nowah is an AI travel agent that books flights, hotels and eSIMs in one conversation and keeps track of your visa paperwork along the way. Need data on arrival? See the Nowah eSIM guide for South Africa.

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