Applying for a Tanzania eVisa online is the fastest and most convenient way to get your travel authorization before your trip. The official Tanzania Immigration Services portal allows you to complete the entire process from home. This step-by-step guide walks you through every stage of the application, from creating your account to receiving your approved Visa Grant Notice.
Before You Start
Gather these documents and items before beginning your application:
- Valid passport (at least 6 months validity, 1 blank page)
- Digital passport-sized photo (color, plain background, 45mm x 35mm max)
- Scan of your passport bio page
- Return or onward flight booking
- Hotel reservation or accommodation details
- Valid email address (you will receive all notifications here)
- Visa or Mastercard for payment
Having everything ready before you start will make the process smoother and prevent delays.
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Open your browser and go to the Tanzania Immigration Services website:
visa.immigration.go.tz
Important: Only use the official government website. Avoid third-party sites that may charge extra fees or collect your personal information. The official site ends with .go.tz (government of Tanzania).
On the homepage, you will see options for different services. Look for the visa application section.
Step 2: Click “e-Services”
On the main navigation, click the “e-Services” button. This will take you to the electronic services portal where you can access visa applications, residence permits, and other immigration services.
Step 3: Select “e-Visa Application Form”
From the e-Services menu, select “e-Visa Application Form.” This opens the visa application portal where you will create your account and start your application.
Step 4: Create Your Account or Log In
If this is your first time applying, you need to register:
- Enter your email address
- Create a password
- Complete any verification steps
You will receive a User Identification Number by email. Save this number – you will need it to track your application and log back in later.
If you have applied before, log in with your existing credentials.
Step 5: Start a New Application
Once logged in, click “Apply for a New Visa” under the New Application section. You will be prompted to:
- Select your visa type (Ordinary, Multiple Entry, Business, Transit, or Student)
- Choose your nationality
- Select your country of residence
Make sure you select the correct visa type. US passport holders must select Multiple Entry Visa.
Step 6: Fill in Personal Details
Complete the personal information section:
- Full name (as it appears on your passport)
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Place of birth
- Nationality
- Passport number
- Passport expiry date
- Marital status
- Current address
- Phone number
- Email address
Double-check all information against your passport. Any discrepancies between your application and passport can cause delays or rejection.
Step 7: Enter Travel Details
Provide your travel information:
- Purpose of visit (tourism, business, transit, etc.)
- Intended date of arrival in Tanzania
- Intended date of departure
- Port of entry (Julius Nyerere International Airport, Kilimanjaro Airport, Zanzibar Airport, Namanga Border, or Tunduma Border)
- Accommodation details (hotel name and address)
- If visiting both mainland and Zanzibar, select your first destination
Step 8: Upload Documents
Upload the required documents:
Passport Bio Page:
- Clear, legible scan or photo
- All text must be readable
- File format: JPG, PNG, or PDF
Passport Photo:
- Color photo with plain background
- Full face, front-facing
- Eyes open, natural expression
- Size: maximum 45mm x 35mm
- No head coverings (except religious)
Supporting Documents:
- Return flight ticket or booking confirmation
- Hotel reservation or invitation letter
- Additional documents based on visa type
Ensure all files are clear and properly oriented. Blurry or illegible documents are a common reason for application delays.
Step 9: Review Your Application
Before proceeding to payment, review all entered information carefully:
- Check name spelling against passport
- Verify passport number and expiry date
- Confirm travel dates
- Ensure correct visa type is selected
- Verify uploaded documents are clear
Once submitted, you cannot make changes to your application. If you find an error after submission, you may need to contact Immigration Services.
Step 10: Pay the Visa Fee
After reviewing, you will receive a payment notification. The fees are:
| Visa Type | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| Ordinary Visa | $50 |
| Multiple Entry | $100 |
| Business Visa | $250 |
| Transit Visa | $30 |
| Student Visa (Single) | $50 |
| Student Visa (Multiple) | $250 |
Payment is made online using:
- Visa Card
- Mastercard
No other payment methods are accepted for eVisa applications. Ensure your card is enabled for international transactions.
Step 11: Submit Your Application
After successful payment:
- Click “Submit Application”
- You will receive a confirmation message on screen
- A confirmation email will be sent to your registered email address
- Your application enters the processing queue
Save or screenshot the confirmation for your records.
Step 12: Track Your Application
You can check your application status at any time:
- Go to visa.immigration.go.tz
- Log in with your credentials
- Use your Application Identification Number
- Check the status dashboard
Status updates include:
- Submitted: Application received
- Under Review: Being processed by Immigration
- Approved: Visa granted
- Rejected: Application denied (with reason)
You will also receive email notifications about your application progress.
Step 13: Download Your Visa Grant Notice
Once approved:
- Log into the portal
- Navigate to your application
- Download the Visa Grant Notice (PDF)
- Print the notice and carry it with your passport
You can also download your Visa Grant Notice from: visa.immigration.go.tz/checkapplicationstatus
The Visa Grant Notice is what you present at the immigration counter when you arrive in Tanzania.
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
Wrong visa type: US citizens must select Multiple Entry, not Ordinary Visa. Check your nationality requirements before applying.
Passport validity issues: Ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity from your entry date.
Blurry documents: Upload clear, high-resolution scans. Blurry passport pages or photos cause processing delays.
Incorrect personal details: Your name, date of birth, and passport number must match your passport exactly.
Missing documents: Include all required uploads. Missing flight tickets or accommodation details will delay processing.
Wrong email address: Use an email you check regularly. All notifications go to this address.
Applying too late: Standard processing takes 10 business days. Apply at least 2-3 weeks before travel.
Processing Time and What to Expect
Standard processing time is 10 business days. During peak travel seasons (June-October, December-January), processing may take longer.
If your application is not processed within 10 business days:
- Log in to check for status updates
- Contact [email protected]
- Call the numbers listed on the Immigration website
For referral visa categories, processing can take up to 2 months.
After Approval: Preparing for Arrival
With your approved eVisa, prepare for arrival:
- Print your Visa Grant Notice
- Keep your passport handy
- Have your return ticket available to show
- Know your accommodation details
- Carry your Yellow Fever certificate if required
- Be prepared to show sufficient funds if asked
At the immigration counter, present your passport and printed Visa Grant Notice. The officer will verify your details and stamp your passport.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Tanzania eVisa application take?
The online application itself takes about 15-20 minutes if you have all documents ready. Processing time after submission is 10 business days.
Can I apply for a Tanzania eVisa on my phone?
Yes, the Tanzania eVisa portal is accessible from mobile browsers. However, using a computer makes it easier to upload documents and fill in forms.
What if I make a mistake on my application?
Once submitted, you cannot edit your application. For minor errors, contact [email protected]. For major errors, you may need to submit a new application and pay again.
Can someone else apply on my behalf?
Yes, but each traveler needs their own application. A travel agent or family member can fill out the form, but the applicant’s documents and details must be used.
Do I need to print my eVisa?
Yes. Print your Visa Grant Notice and carry it with your passport. Digital copies on your phone are helpful but a printed copy is recommended.
What if my eVisa is not approved before my flight?
Contact Immigration Services immediately at [email protected]. You may also be able to get a visa on arrival at the airport, though this is not guaranteed.
