Tanzania eVisa: A Complete Guide for Travelers
Traveling to Tanzania has never been easier thanks to the Tanzania eVisa system. Instead of waiting in long lines for a visa on arrival, travelers can now apply online before their trip. The eVisa allows visitors to enter the United Republic of Tanzania, which includes the mainland and Zanzibar, for tourism, business, study, or family visits.
But how exactly does the process work? Who needs a visa, and what documents are required? This guide breaks down everything from types of visas and the online visa application process to fees, requirements, and common mistakes.
Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a frequent visitor, this guide will help you understand the visa process clearly and avoid surprises.
Tanzania Visa Types Explained
The first step in applying for a Tanzania Electronic Visa is knowing which type fits your travel purpose. Tanzania offers several categories:
- Single Entry Visa: Valid for one entry, usually up to 90 days. Popular among tourists.
- Multiple Entry Visa: Ideal for businesspeople or frequent visitors. Valid up to 12 months, though each stay may be limited to 90 days.
- Business Visa: For short-term work assignments, official meetings, or contracts. Normally issued for 90 days.
- Transit Visa: For travelers passing through Tanzania to another destination. Valid up to 7 days.
- Gratis Visa: Exempted category issued to specific travelers, such as those under bilateral agreements or official delegations.
- Student Visa: For foreign students attending recognized institutions in Tanzania. Duration matches study programs.
| Visa Type | Purpose | Validity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Entry | Tourism, short visits | 90 days | Most common |
| Multiple Entry | Frequent travel, business | 12 months | Requires justification (e.g., company ties) |
| Business | Work assignments, contracts | 90 days | No conversion to residence permit |
| Transit | Passing through | 7 days | Onward ticket required |
| Student | Study in Tanzania | Duration of study | Need admission letter |
| Gratis | Bilateral agreements, official | Case-specific | No fee required |
Choosing the correct category is crucial. A visa wrongly applied can delay travel, and unused visas are non-refundable.
How to Obtain Visa for Tanzania
To obtain visa approval, every traveler must meet specific conditions. The Tanzania Immigration Services requires applicants to provide documents proving their identity and travel purpose.
- Typical requirements include:
- A valid passport (ordinary passport, official passport, or travel document). Passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
- A recent passport size photo uploaded in the online system.
- A clear biographic data page scan.
- Onward ticket showing return or further travel.
- Proof of accommodation, such as hotel bookings or an invitation letter for a family visit category.
- Marriage certificate or birth certificate for family-based applications.
- For students: admission letter from a Tanzanian institution.
Travelers must also ensure they fulfil immigration entry requirements, which means they cannot overstay or use the wrong visa category. Submitting a visa application online helps avoid confusion, since the portal prompts applicants to choose the right visa type.
Remember: Each visa applicant is responsible for the accuracy of their online form. Missing documents often lead to rejections.
Tanzania Residence Permit & Long Stay Options
Short-term visas cover most travelers, but what if you want to stay longer? In that case, you’ll need a residence permit.
Residence permits are issued for purposes such as employment, business investment, or joining family members in Tanzania.
To apply, you must first enter the country with the correct visa (e.g., business visa, ordinary visa) and then apply for the permit through the respective government ministry or immigration offices.
Types of residence permits include:
- Class A: For investors or business owners.
- Class B: For employees with approved work contracts.
- Class C: For students, researchers, missionaries, and volunteers.
A valid residence permit must be renewed before expiration. Failure to do so can result in penalties. Importantly, a residence permit is not the same as an entry visa you need the visa to arrive in Tanzania, and the permit to stay long-term.
Step-by-Step Online Visa Application
The online visa application process is straightforward but requires attention to detail. The official visa portal is run by the Immigration Services Department under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Steps to Apply Online:
- Visit the official online system at immigration.go.tz.
- Fill in the e visa application form with personal details, travel purpose, and visa type.
- Upload required documents (passport, passport photo, onward ticket, marriage certificate if applicable).
- Make a successful payment using a visa card or other accepted methods.
- Wait for confirmation of visa application submitted status.
- Receive your visa grant notice by email once approved.
| Step | Action | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fill online form | Accurate biographic data page details |
| 2 | Upload documents | Ensure clarity, correct format |
| 3 | Payment | Pay respective visa fee online |
| 4 | Processing | Wait for verification |
| 5 | Approval | Get visa approval email |
Most travelers find that the application online process saves time compared to an arrival visa facility, though mistakes like an unused visa or incomplete forms can cause delays.
Visa Online Approval Process
After submitting the application, the visa process moves into review by immigration officers. Applications are checked by the competent authority responsible usually the Immigration Services Department.
Approval involves verifying:
- Passport validity
- Purpose of visit
- Compliance with immigration entry requirements
- Supporting documents (invitation letter, marriage certificate, etc.)
Once approved, the applicant receives a visa grant notice via email. This must be printed and presented upon arrival. At the airport or border, an immigration officer will review the notice along with your passport.
If errors occur like a visa wrongly applied the application may be rejected, requiring resubmission.
Average processing time:
- Tourist or single entry visa: 5–10 business days.
- Multiple entry visa: Up to 2 weeks due to extra verification.
- Referral visa category: Longer, since approval is needed from the respective government ministry or foreign affairs.
This answers a common question: How long does Tanzania’s eVisa take? On average, expect one week, but always apply earlier to avoid last-minute issues.
Referral Visa & Special Categories
Not every visa can be processed directly. Some applicants fall under the referral visa category, meaning they need approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before travel.
Who needs a referral visa?
- Citizens from countries with special restrictions.
- Foreign nationals traveling under recognized international organization programs.
- Applicants requiring clearance for political or security reasons.
Referral visas must be applied for well in advance. Unlike ordinary categories, they cannot be processed through the arrival visa platform.
Other special categories include:
- Family visit category (requires attached marriage certificate or birth certificate).
- Foreign student applications (require admission letter).
- Officials with an official passport traveling for government work.
Referral visas highlight the importance of using the correct visa guidelines applying in the wrong category leads to rejection.
Understanding the Visa Process in Practice
When arriving in Tanzania, even with a pre-approved Tanzania Electronic Visa, travelers must meet the immigration entry requirements. This includes showing:
- A valid passport
- Visa grant notice
- Return or onward ticket
- Proof of accommodation
An immigration officer may ask additional questions about your visit. Travelers entering Zanzibar should note that immigration Zanzibar offices also check documents carefully.
The arrival visa facility is still available for some nationalities, but it’s riskier due to possible long waits. The safer choice is completing the application online before travel.
Key Visa Guidelines & Immigration Entry Requirements
The Tanzanian government provides visa guidelines to make the process clear for foreign nationals. These rules are based on:
- East African cooperation agreements
- Bilateral agreements with other countries
- Foreign affairs policies of the United Republic
For example:
- USA passport holders and USA nationals visiting require a multiple entry visa (12 months).
- British citizens also require a visa answering the question: Do British citizens need a visa for Tanzania? Yes, they must apply before arrival.
- Some categories, like gratis visa, are exempt under agreements.
To fulfil immigration entry requirements, travelers must carry correct documentation. Failure to comply may result in denied entry, even if an online visa is approved.
Pros & Cons of Applying Online vs On Arrival
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Online Visa Application | - Apply online from home - Clear visa grant notice - Faster immigration checks - Secure payment via visa card | - Requires stable internet - Must apply at least a week before travel |
| Arrival Visa Facility | - Flexible for last-minute trips - No online form required | - Long airport queues - Risk of rejection - Higher chance of errors |
Most experts recommend the visa online route since it reduces stress at the border.
FAQs about Tanzania Electronic Visa
How long does Tanzania’s eVisa take?
Most Tanzania Electronic Visa applications are processed within 5 to 10 business days, provided all documents are correct and the respective visa fee has been paid.
However, applicants for a multiple entry visa or a referral visa category should expect longer waiting times since these require additional verification by the competent authority responsible.
To avoid travel stress, it’s best to apply at least three weeks before your intended travel date, especially during peak holiday seasons.
If a visa application submitted is incomplete or contains errors, it may take longer since immigration officers may ask for corrections before issuing the visa grant notice.
How to get an eVisa for Tanzania?
Visit the official visa portal, fill out the online application, upload documents, pay the respective visa fee, and wait for the visa approval.
Do British citizens need a visa for Tanzania?
Yes, British citizens require visa approval before entering Tanzania. Like USA passport holders and other foreign nationals, they cannot enter without applying through the visa online platform. For most travelers from the UK, the single entry visa is the right choice, valid for up to 90 days for tourism.
However, business travelers may need a business visa or a multiple entry visa if they plan to visit often. British citizens must apply using the online form, provide the necessary documents, and meet immigration entry requirements such as proof of return or onward ticket.
The system does not currently offer a gratis visa option for UK nationals, so the respective visa fee must always be paid.
How much is eVisa for Tanzania?
The Tanzania visa fee depends on the visa category you select, and payments must be made online:
- Single Entry Visa: Around $50 USD, valid for one entry, usually for up to 90 days.
- Multiple Entry Visa: Around $100 USD, valid for up to 12 months with repeated entries, mainly for USA nationals visiting or those with strong business/family ties.
- Transit Visa: Around $30 USD, valid for up to 7 days if you’re passing through Tanzania on the way to another destination.
- Business Visa: Around $250 USD, issued for short-term assignments, contracts, or business meetings.
- Student Visa: Fees vary depending on program duration and are usually higher for long-term courses.
Always check the visa guidelines on the official visa portal since fees may change based on government policy or bilateral agreements. Keep in mind that payments are non-refundable, even if the visa wrongly applied is rejected.
Conclusion: Why Apply Online for Tanzania Visa?
The Tanzania Electronic Visa makes travel smoother and more predictable. Instead of dealing with long airport lines or worrying about rejection at the border, travelers can apply online, pay the visa fee, and receive a visa grant notice before departure.
From tourists booking safaris to USA passport holders attending business meetings or foreign students enrolling in universities, Tanzania’s online system covers all major categories.
The bottom line? Applying online ensures you fulfil immigration entry requirements, reduces travel stress, and saves time at arrival. For a trip that starts on the right foot, the online visa application is the way to go.