What Are the Tanzania eVisa Requirements?
Tanzania eVisa requirements include a valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity, a recent passport-style photograph, proof of accommodation, a return or onward ticket, and payment of the applicable visa fee ranging from $30 to $550 USD depending on visa type. All applications are submitted entirely online through the official Tanzania Immigration portal at visa.immigration.go.tz.
The Tanzania eVisa system was introduced to simplify the visa process for foreign nationals visiting the United Republic of Tanzania, which includes both Tanzania Mainland and the semi-autonomous islands of Zanzibar (Unguja and Pemba). Rather than visiting an embassy or consulate, travelers can complete their application from anywhere with internet access.
The Tanzania Immigration Department processes most eVisa applications within 10 to 14 business days, though applicants are advised to apply at least 2-3 weeks before their intended travel date. Once approved, the eVisa is valid for 90 days from the date of issue and permits entry through designated ports including Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) in Zanzibar, and various land border crossings and seaports.
Complete Document Checklist for Tanzania eVisa
Every Tanzania eVisa application requires a core set of documents, with additional requirements varying by visa category. Here is the complete checklist:
Required for all visa types:
- Valid passport with minimum 6 months validity from entry date
- Scanned copy of passport bio page (clear, legible)
- Recent passport-style digital photograph
- Completed online application form
- Return or onward flight ticket
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host invitation letter)
- Visa fee payment ($50 for ordinary, $255 for business, $550 for multiple entry, $30 for transit)
Additional documents by visa type:
- Business visa: Invitation letter from a Tanzanian company, company registration documents
- Multiple entry visa: Letter explaining the need for multiple entries, employer letter
- Transit visa: Confirmed ticket to final destination, visa for destination country (if required)
- Student visa: Admission letter from Tanzanian educational institution, proof of financial support
For minors (under 18):
- Birth certificate (original or certified copy)
- Consent letter from both parents or legal guardians
- Copies of parents’ passports
All documents must be uploaded in PDF, JPG, or PNG format with a maximum file size of 5MB per document. Blurry, incomplete, or improperly formatted documents are among the most common reasons for application rejection.
Passport Requirements for Tanzania eVisa
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Tanzania. For example, if you plan to enter Tanzania on September 1, 2026, your passport must be valid until at least March 1, 2027. This is a strict requirement enforced by Tanzania Immigration with no exceptions.
Additional passport requirements include:
- At least 2 blank pages available for entry and exit stamps
- Passport must be in good physical condition (no torn pages, water damage, or illegible text)
- Emergency travel documents are not accepted for eVisa applications
- The passport used for the eVisa application must be the same one presented at the port of entry
If your passport does not meet these requirements, you must renew it before applying for the Tanzania eVisa. Applications submitted with passports that have less than 6 months validity will be automatically rejected.
Photo Requirements for Tanzania eVisa
Tanzania eVisa photographs must meet specific standards to be accepted. The photo requirements are:
- Dimensions: 35mm x 45mm (passport standard)
- Background: Plain white or light-colored background
- Recency: Taken within the last 6 months
- Format: Digital file in JPG, JPEG, or PNG format
- File size: Maximum 2MB
- Resolution: Minimum 600 x 600 pixels
Photo guidelines:
- Face must be clearly visible and centered
- Neutral facial expression (no smiling, mouth closed)
- Eyes open and looking directly at the camera
- No glasses, hats, or head coverings (except for religious purposes)
- Even lighting with no shadows on the face
- No filters, editing, or digital alterations
Photos that do not meet these specifications are a leading cause of Tanzania eVisa application delays and rejections. Professional passport photo services are recommended to ensure compliance.
Financial and Accommodation Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate they have sufficient financial means to support themselves during their stay in Tanzania. The financial requirements include:
Proof of funds (one of the following):
- Bank statements from the last 3 months showing adequate balance
- Credit card statement showing available credit
- Sponsorship letter from a host in Tanzania with their financial documents
- Prepaid hotel booking confirmation covering the entire stay
Accommodation proof (one of the following):
- Hotel reservation confirmation for the duration of stay
- Invitation letter from a host in Tanzania with their address and contact details
- Letter from a tour operator confirming arranged accommodation
- Property ownership documents (if staying at own property)
There is no officially published minimum bank balance requirement, but travelers should be prepared to show they can cover accommodation, meals, transportation, and other expenses for their entire stay. A general guideline is at least $50-100 USD per day of planned stay.
Health and Vaccination Requirements
Tanzania has specific health requirements that travelers must meet before entry:
Yellow Fever Vaccination:
- A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis) is mandatory for travelers arriving from or transiting through countries with risk of yellow fever transmission
- The vaccination must be administered at least 10 days before arrival
- The certificate is valid for life (as of WHO 2016 amendment)
Countries requiring yellow fever certificate include: Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Brazil, and many other tropical countries. Even if you are transiting through a yellow fever endemic country for more than 12 hours, you may need the certificate.
Recommended vaccinations (not mandatory):
- Hepatitis A and B
- Typhoid
- Malaria prophylaxis (Tanzania is a malaria-endemic country)
- Cholera (for certain regions)
- Rabies (for extended stays or rural travel)
Travelers should consult their healthcare provider or a travel medicine clinic at least 4-6 weeks before departure to ensure all vaccinations are up to date.
Tanzania eVisa Requirements by Nationality
Tanzania eVisa requirements vary significantly depending on your nationality. While the core document requirements remain consistent, certain nationalities face additional requirements or enjoy simplified processes.
Visa-free countries (no eVisa required):
Citizens of approximately 70 countries can enter Tanzania without a visa for stays of up to 90 days. These include most East African Community (EAC) member states, select Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries, and several Caribbean and Pacific island nations.
Standard eVisa requirements apply to:
- United States citizens: Standard requirements, single entry $50, processing 10-14 days
- United Kingdom citizens: Standard requirements, single entry $50, processing 10-14 days
- Canadian citizens: Standard requirements, single entry $50, processing 10-14 days
- Australian citizens: Standard requirements, single entry $50, processing 10-14 days
- German citizens: Standard requirements, single entry $50, processing 10-14 days
Additional requirements for certain nationalities:
- Indian citizens: Standard requirements plus may need additional financial documentation
- Nigerian citizens: Standard requirements plus invitation letter often required
- Pakistani citizens: Standard requirements plus may require additional security clearance documentation
- Chinese citizens: Standard requirements, business visa recommended for commercial travel
Zanzibar note: Zanzibar follows the same visa requirements as Tanzania Mainland. A single Tanzania eVisa covers entry to both the mainland and Zanzibar islands. No separate visa is needed for Zanzibar.
Common Reasons for Tanzania eVisa Rejection
Understanding why applications get rejected can help you avoid common pitfalls. The most frequent reasons for Tanzania eVisa rejection include:
1. Passport validity issues
- Passport has less than 6 months remaining validity
- Fewer than 2 blank pages available
- Passport is damaged or illegible
2. Photo non-compliance
- Photo does not meet size specifications (35mm x 45mm)
- Background is not white or plain
- Face is partially obscured or poorly lit
- Photo is older than 6 months
3. Incomplete documentation
- Missing return or onward ticket
- No proof of accommodation
- Blurry or unreadable document scans
- Documents exceed maximum file size (5MB)
4. Application errors
- Incorrect personal information (name spelling, passport number)
- Wrong visa type selected
- Inconsistent travel dates between documents
- Incomplete application form fields
5. Financial insufficiency
- Bank statements do not show adequate funds
- Statements are too old (should be within 3 months)
- Sponsor letter is incomplete or unsigned
How to avoid rejection:
- Double-check all information before submission
- Ensure all documents are clear and legible scans
- Apply at least 3 weeks before travel to allow time for corrections
- Use the official portal at visa.immigration.go.tz (avoid third-party sites that may charge extra fees)
- If rejected, you can reapply with corrected documents (the fee is non-refundable)
Requirements for Minors and Children
Children and minors traveling to Tanzania have their own specific requirements:
- Every child, regardless of age, must have their own Tanzania eVisa
- The child’s passport must meet the same 6-month validity requirement
- A birth certificate (original or certified copy) must be provided
- Parental consent: A notarized consent letter from both parents or legal guardians
- If the child is traveling with one parent, a consent letter from the non-traveling parent is required
- If the child is traveling with a non-parent guardian, consent from both parents plus a guardianship letter is needed
For adopted children, adoption decree documents and court orders may be required. Contact the Tanzania Immigration Department at [email protected] for specific guidance on unusual custody situations.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is the minimum passport validity for a Tanzania eVisa?
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Tanzania. For example, if entering on October 1, 2026, your passport must be valid until at least April 1, 2027.
How much does a Tanzania eVisa cost?
The Tanzania eVisa fees are: Ordinary single-entry visa $50 USD, Business visa $255 USD, Multiple entry visa $550 USD, and Transit visa $30 USD. All fees are paid online during the application process.
How long does it take to get a Tanzania eVisa?
Standard processing time for a Tanzania eVisa is 10 to 14 business days. It is recommended to apply at least 2-3 weeks before your planned travel date to account for any processing delays.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate for Tanzania?
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory if you are arriving from or transiting through a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. This includes Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Brazil, and many other tropical countries. The vaccination must be administered at least 10 days before arrival.
Can I get a Tanzania visa on arrival instead of an eVisa?
While visa on arrival may be available at some entry points, the Tanzania Immigration Department strongly recommends applying for the eVisa online before travel. The eVisa guarantees entry approval and eliminates potential delays at the airport.
What photo do I need for Tanzania eVisa?
You need a recent passport-style photo (taken within 6 months) with dimensions of 35mm x 45mm, plain white background, neutral expression, no glasses or head coverings (except religious), in JPG or PNG format, maximum 2MB file size.
How much bank balance is required for Tanzania visa?
There is no officially published minimum bank balance, but travelers should demonstrate sufficient funds to cover their stay. A general guideline is at least $50-100 USD per day. Bank statements from the last 3 months are typically required as proof.
Do children need a separate Tanzania eVisa?
Yes, every child regardless of age needs their own Tanzania eVisa with their own passport. Additional documents required include a birth certificate and a notarized parental consent letter from both parents or legal guardians.
What happens if my Tanzania eVisa is rejected?
If your eVisa application is rejected, you can reapply with corrected documents. The visa fee is non-refundable. Common rejection reasons include passport validity issues, photo non-compliance, and incomplete documentation. Review the rejection notice carefully and address the specific issue before reapplying.
Is the Tanzania eVisa valid for Zanzibar?
Yes, the Tanzania eVisa covers entry to both Tanzania Mainland and the Zanzibar islands (Unguja and Pemba). No separate visa is required for Zanzibar.
What documents do US citizens need for Tanzania visa?
US citizens need a valid passport (6+ months validity), passport photo, return ticket, proof of accommodation, and $50 USD visa fee for an ordinary single-entry visa. No additional documents beyond the standard requirements are needed.
Can I extend my Tanzania eVisa while in the country?
Yes, Tanzania eVisa extensions are possible through the Immigration Department offices in Dar es Salaam or Dodoma. Extensions must be applied for before the current visa expires. Overstaying without an extension results in fines and potential future visa bans.
