When planning your trip to Tanzania, one of the first decisions you face is whether to apply for an eVisa online or get a visa on arrival at the airport. Both options are available for most nationalities, but each has distinct advantages and drawbacks. This guide compares the two methods to help you make the best choice for your travel situation.
What Is the Tanzania eVisa?
The Tanzania eVisa is an electronic visa you apply for online before your trip through the official Tanzania Immigration Services portal at visa.immigration.go.tz. Once approved, you receive a Visa Grant Notice via email that you present at the immigration counter upon arrival.
Key characteristics:
- Applied for and approved before travel
- Payment made online with Visa or Mastercard
- Visa Grant Notice printed and carried with passport
- Recommended method by Tanzania Immigration Services
What Is Tanzania Visa on Arrival?
Visa on Arrival is a visa obtained at the immigration counter when you land in Tanzania or arrive at a land border crossing. You fill out a form, pay the fee, and receive your visa stamp on the spot.
Key characteristics:
- Obtained at the port of entry
- Payment by cash (USD) or card at the counter
- No prior application required
- Available at all official entry points
eVisa vs Visa on Arrival: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | eVisa | Visa on Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Application | Online, before travel | At airport/border |
| Processing time | 10 business days | 30-60+ minutes at airport |
| Payment method | Online (Visa/Mastercard) | Cash (USD) or card |
| Cost | Same visa fees | Same visa fees |
| Guarantee | Approved before departure | Not guaranteed |
| Convenience | No airport queues | May face long queues |
| Entry points | 5 main entry points | All entry points |
| Documentation | Printed Visa Grant Notice | Filled form at counter |
| Tracking | Online status tracking | No tracking |
| Best for | Planned trips | Last-minute travel |
Advantages of the Tanzania eVisa
Certainty before travel:
The biggest advantage of the eVisa is certainty. Once approved, you know your visa is secured before you board your flight. There is no risk of being turned away at the airport.
Faster arrival process:
With a pre-approved eVisa, you skip the visa application queue at the airport. You go directly to the immigration counter, present your Visa Grant Notice, and get your passport stamped. This can save 30-60 minutes or more, especially during busy periods.
Online payment:
You pay with your credit or debit card during the online application. No need to carry large amounts of USD cash for the visa fee.
Track your application:
You can monitor your application status online at any time. You receive email notifications about progress and approval.
No paperwork at the airport:
Everything is done online. You do not need to fill out forms at the airport or worry about having the right documents with you at the counter.
Recommended by authorities:
The Tanzania Immigration Services officially recommends using the eVisa system over visa on arrival.
Advantages of Visa on Arrival
No advance planning required:
If you decide to travel to Tanzania at the last minute, you do not need to wait for eVisa processing. You can simply fly and get your visa at the airport.
Available at all entry points:
The eVisa is only valid at five main entry points. Visa on arrival is available at every official entry point, including smaller border crossings and airports.
Simple process:
The visa on arrival process is straightforward. Fill out a form, pay the fee, and get your visa. For many travelers, this takes 15-30 minutes.
Backup option:
If your eVisa application is delayed or you encounter technical issues with the online portal, visa on arrival serves as a reliable backup.
Cash flexibility:
While card payments are increasingly accepted, you can pay with USD cash at the visa on arrival counter, which some travelers prefer.
Disadvantages of the Tanzania eVisa
Processing delays:
Standard processing is 10 business days, but delays can occur. During peak seasons, processing may take longer. Referral visa categories can take up to 2 months.
Limited entry points:
The eVisa is valid at only five entry points:
- Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam)
- Kilimanjaro International Airport
- Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (Zanzibar)
- Namanga Border Post
- Tunduma Border Post
If you enter Tanzania through a different border crossing, you need a visa on arrival.
Technical issues:
The online portal can experience downtime or technical problems. Some users report difficulties with uploading documents or completing payment.
No changes after submission:
Once you submit your application, you cannot make changes. If you find an error, you may need to contact Immigration Services or submit a new application.
Disadvantages of Visa on Arrival
Airport queues:
During peak arrival times, the visa on arrival queue can be long. Wait times of 30-60 minutes are common, and during very busy periods, it can take even longer.
No guarantee:
While rare, there is a possibility of issues at the counter. If your documents are not in order or there are other complications, you could face delays or denial.
Cash requirements:
You may need USD cash for the visa fee. Not all entry points accept card payments reliably. Carrying the exact amount in clean, newer USD bills is recommended.
Paperwork at arrival:
You need to fill out a visa application form at the airport. This adds time to your arrival process and requires you to carry a pen and have your details ready.
Uncertainty:
Without prior approval, you cannot be 100% certain your visa will be granted until you arrive. This can cause anxiety, especially for travelers from referral countries.
Which Option Should You Choose?
Choose the eVisa if:
- You are planning your trip more than 2 weeks in advance
- You want certainty and peace of mind before travel
- You are entering through one of the five main entry points
- You prefer not to carry large amounts of USD cash
- You want to minimize time at the airport after landing
- You are a US passport holder (required for Multiple Entry Visa)
Choose Visa on Arrival if:
- You are traveling at the last minute (less than 2 weeks notice)
- You are entering through a smaller border crossing or airport
- You have had issues with the online portal
- Your eVisa application has been delayed
- You prefer the simplicity of handling everything at arrival
- You are from a country eligible for visa on arrival
Entry Points: Where Each Option Works
eVisa valid at these 5 entry points:
- Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam) – DAR
- Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) – serves Arusha and Moshi
- Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (Zanzibar) – ZNZ
- Namanga Border Post (Tanzania-Kenya land border)
- Tunduma Border Post (Tanzania-Zambia land border)
Visa on arrival available at:
All of the above plus every other official entry point, including:
- Dar es Salaam seaport
- Other land border crossings
- Smaller airports
If you are entering through an entry point not listed in the eVisa section, you must use visa on arrival.
Real Traveler Experiences
Many travelers report positive experiences with both options:
eVisa users: Most report smooth processing and faster arrival. The main complaints are about portal technical issues and occasional processing delays beyond the stated 10-day timeframe.
Visa on arrival users: Many describe quick and easy processing, especially at less busy times. The main concerns are about potential queues and the need for USD cash.
Recent trends: Reddit and travel forum discussions from 2025-2026 suggest that visa on arrival remains a popular and reliable option, with many experienced Tanzania travelers recommending it for its simplicity. However, the official recommendation from Immigration Services is to use the eVisa.
Cost Comparison
There is no cost difference between the two options. The visa fees are the same regardless of how you obtain your visa:
| Visa Type | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| Ordinary Visa | $50 |
| Multiple Entry | $100 |
| Business Visa | $250 |
| Transit Visa | $30 |
The only potential extra cost with visa on arrival is if you need to use an airport ATM or currency exchange, which may charge fees.
Special Considerations
US Passport Holders:
US citizens must obtain the Multiple Entry Visa. While available both online and on arrival, applying online ensures you have the correct visa type confirmed before travel.
Referral Country Nationals:
Citizens of countries in the referral category (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Syria, Yemen, etc.) must apply online. They are not eligible for visa on arrival.
Families with Children:
Each child needs a separate visa. With the eVisa, you can process all applications online before travel. With visa on arrival, each family member needs to go through the process at the counter.
Group Travel:
For large groups, the eVisa saves significant time at arrival. Processing 10-20 visas on arrival can take considerable time, while eVisa holders can proceed directly through immigration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is visa on arrival still available in Tanzania in 2025?
Yes. Visa on arrival remains available at all official entry points in Tanzania. The eVisa is recommended but not mandatory for most nationalities.
Can I use both eVisa and visa on arrival?
No. You only need one visa. If your eVisa is approved, use that. If you prefer visa on arrival, do not apply for an eVisa.
What if my eVisa is not approved before my flight?
You can still get a visa on arrival at the airport. However, this is not guaranteed. Contact Immigration Services at [email protected] if your application is delayed.
Do I need USD cash for visa on arrival?
It is recommended to have USD cash available, though card payments are increasingly accepted. Carry clean, newer USD bills in the exact amount if possible.
Which is faster at the airport?
The eVisa is faster at the airport since you skip the application and payment process. You go directly to the immigration counter with your printed Visa Grant Notice.
Can I get a visa on arrival at Zanzibar airport?
Yes. Visa on arrival is available at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Zanzibar, as well as at all other entry points.
