Tanzania is one of Africa’s most visited destinations, home to the Serengeti, Mount Kilimanjaro, and the pristine beaches of Zanzibar. Before you pack your bags, you need to sort out your visa. The Tanzania eVisa system makes the process straightforward, allowing travelers to apply online before departure. This guide covers everything you need to know about the Tanzania eVisa, from eligibility and fees to the step-by-step application process.
What Is the Tanzania eVisa?
The Tanzania eVisa is an electronic travel authorization issued by the Tanzania Immigration Services Department. It allows foreign nationals to enter the United Republic of Tanzania, which includes both Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar, for tourism, business, transit, or other approved purposes.
Instead of visiting an embassy or consulate, you can complete the entire application process online through the official portal at visa.immigration.go.tz. Once approved, you receive a Visa Grant Notice via email, which you present at your port of entry.
The eVisa system was introduced to simplify the visa process and reduce wait times at airports and border crossings. It is now the recommended method for obtaining a Tanzania visa, though visa on arrival remains available for most nationalities.
Who Needs a Tanzania eVisa?
Most foreign nationals need a visa to enter Tanzania. However, citizens of certain countries are exempt:
- East African Community (EAC) member states
- SADC member countries (except Comoros)
- Commonwealth countries (except the United Kingdom, Canada, Nigeria, India, Pakistan, Australia, and New Zealand)
If your country is not on the exempt list, you need to apply for a visa. The eVisa is available to citizens of over 150 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, France, India, China, and Japan.
Some nationalities fall under the “Referral Visa” category and must apply online at least two months before travel. These include citizens of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen, among others.
Types of Tanzania eVisa
The Tanzania Immigration Services issues several visa types through the eVisa portal:
Ordinary Visa (Single Entry)
- Fee: USD 50
- Validity: Up to 90 days
- Purpose: Tourism, family visits, holidays
- Most nationalities apply for this visa
Multiple Entry Visa
- Fee: USD 100
- Validity: 1 year
- Purpose: Frequent travelers, business visitors
- Required for US passport holders
Business Visa
- Fee: USD 250
- Validity: Up to 90 days
- Purpose: Business meetings, conferences, professional activities
Transit Visa
- Fee: USD 30
- Validity: Up to 7 days
- Purpose: Passing through Tanzania to another destination
Student Visa
- Fee: USD 50 (single, 3 months) or USD 250 (multiple, 1 year)
- Purpose: Academic studies in Tanzania
Tanzania eVisa Fees Summary
| Visa Type | Fee (USD) | Validity | Entry Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ordinary Visa | $50 | 90 days | Single |
| Multiple Entry | $100 | 1 year | Multiple |
| Business Visa | $250 | 90 days | Single |
| Transit Visa | $30 | 7 days | Single |
| Student Visa (Single) | $50 | 3 months | Single |
| Student Visa (Multiple) | $250 | 1 year | Multiple |
All fees are paid online during the application process using a Visa Card or Mastercard. No cash payments are accepted for eVisa applications.
Tanzania eVisa Requirements
Before starting your application, gather the following documents:
- Valid passport with at least six months remaining validity from your date of entry
- At least one blank visa page in your passport
- Recent passport-sized photograph (color, plain background, full face)
- Return or onward flight ticket
- Travel itinerary or hotel booking confirmation
- Passport bio page scan
Photo specifications:
- Color photograph with plain background
- Full face view, front-facing, eyes open
- Size: no larger than 45mm x 35mm
- No head coverings except for religious reasons
- Glasses are permitted if regularly worn
How to Apply for Tanzania eVisa
The application process is straightforward:
- Visit the official Tanzania Immigration website at www.immigration.go.tz
- Click the “e-Services” button
- Select “e-Visa Application Form”
- Log in using your email address
- You will receive a User Identification Number by email
- Fill in the application form with your personal details
- Upload your photo and required documents
- Select the correct visa type and category
- Pay the visa fee online using Visa or Mastercard
- Submit your application and receive confirmation
After submission, you can track your application status by logging into the portal with your Application Identification Number.
Tanzania eVisa Processing Time
Standard processing time is 10 business days. However, processing may take longer during peak travel seasons or if additional verification is needed.
For referral visa categories, processing can take up to two months, so plan accordingly.
If your visa is not processed within the standard timeframe, contact the Immigration Services at [email protected] or through the contact numbers on their website.
Pro tip: Apply at least 2-3 weeks before your planned departure date to allow buffer time for any delays.
Tanzania eVisa vs Visa on Arrival
Both options are available for most nationalities, but there are key differences:
| Feature | eVisa | Visa on Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Apply from | Home (online) | At airport/border |
| Processing | Before travel | At entry point |
| Wait time | None at airport | Can be 30-60+ min |
| Payment | Online (card) | Cash or card |
| Guarantee | Approved before travel | Risk of issues |
| Valid at | 5 main entry points | All entry points |
The official recommendation is to use the eVisa system. It eliminates uncertainty and speeds up your arrival process. However, visa on arrival remains a reliable backup, especially for last-minute travelers.
Entry Points for Tanzania eVisa
The eVisa is accepted at these main entry points:
- Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam)
- Kilimanjaro International Airport (Arusha/Moshi)
- Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (Zanzibar)
- Namanga Border Post (Tanzania-Kenya land border)
- Tunduma Border Post (Tanzania-Zambia land border)
If you are entering through a different border post, visa on arrival may be your only option.
Zanzibar and the Tanzania eVisa
A common question is whether Zanzibar requires a separate visa. The answer is no. The Tanzania eVisa covers both Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar. When filling out your application, you will be asked to select your first destination, but you can travel freely between the mainland and Zanzibar with the same visa.
Important Tips for Tanzania eVisa Applicants
- Apply only through the official website (visa.immigration.go.tz). Avoid third-party sites that charge extra fees
- Ensure your passport has at least six months validity from your entry date
- Print your Visa Grant Notice and carry it with your travel documents
- Every traveler, including children and infants, needs a separate eVisa application
- Once submitted, you cannot make changes to your application
- If your flight details change after approval, contact Immigration for guidance
- The Visa Grant Notice does not guarantee entry; the immigration officer at the port of entry makes the final decision
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a Tanzania eVisa?
Standard processing takes 10 business days. Referral visas may take up to two months. Apply at least 2-3 weeks before travel to be safe.
How much does a Tanzania eVisa cost?
The Ordinary Visa costs USD 50, Multiple Entry is USD 100, Business Visa is USD 250, and Transit Visa is USD 30. All fees are paid online.
Can I get a Tanzania visa on arrival instead?
Yes, visa on arrival is available for most nationalities at all entry points. However, the eVisa is recommended to avoid queues and ensure approval before travel.
Do I need a separate visa for Zanzibar?
No. The Tanzania eVisa covers both Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar. One visa is sufficient for both destinations.
What if my Tanzania eVisa application is denied?
If denied, you can reapply with corrected information or contact the Immigration Services at [email protected] for guidance on the reason for denial.
Can I extend my Tanzania eVisa?
Visa extensions can be requested at the Immigration Office in Dar es Salaam or regional offices. It is best to apply for the appropriate visa duration from the start.
Do US citizens need a different visa for Tanzania?
US passport holders must apply for the Multiple Entry Visa (USD 100) rather than the Ordinary Visa. This allows multiple entries within one year.
