Tanzania Visa Application: Complete 2026 Guide

The Tanzania visa application is completed online through the official eVisa portal at visa.immigration.go.tz. You need a valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity, a passport-size photograph, proof of return travel, and accommodation details. The process takes about 20 minutes to complete online, costs $50 for a standard tourist visa, and processing takes approximately 10 working days.

Whether you are planning a safari in the Serengeti, a beach holiday in Zanzibar, or a business trip to Dar es Salaam, understanding the Tanzania visa application process is the first step toward a smooth entry. This guide walks you through every stage – from choosing the right visa type to tracking your application status after submission.

For a comprehensive overview of Tanzania entry permits, see our Tanzania eVisa Complete Guide.

What Is the Tanzania Visa Application Process?

The Tanzania visa application is an online process through the official government eVisa portal. Applicants submit personal information, upload supporting documents, and pay the visa fee electronically. The system was introduced on 26 November 2018 to replace the previous embassy-only application method.

The Tanzania Immigration Services Department manages all visa applications through the portal at visa.immigration.go.tz. The process works as follows:

1. You create an account on the eVisa portal
2. You select your visa type and fill in the application form
3. You upload the required documents
4. You pay the visa fee online
5. You receive an approval notification by email

You can also obtain a visa on arrival at Tanzania’s main ports of entry, including Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam), Kilimanjaro International Airport, and Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (Zanzibar). However, the online eVisa is strongly recommended to avoid long queues at immigration counters.

Tanzania Visa Types You Can Apply For

The Tanzania visa application covers several visa categories, each designed for a specific purpose of visit. Choosing the correct visa type is essential – applying for the wrong category can result in delays or rejection.

Ordinary Visa is the most common type for tourists, family visits, and health treatment. Most travelers applying for a Tanzania visa will use this category.

Business Visa covers short-term business activities such as attending meetings, conferences, or performing brief consultancy. It is distinct from a Work Permit, which is required for actual employment.

Transit Visa is for travelers passing through Tanzania to another destination, valid for up to 7 days.

Multiple Entry Visa allows repeated entries over 12 months. Importantly, this visa type is only available through the online application – you cannot get a multiple entry visa on arrival.

Gratis Visa is issued free of charge to holders of diplomatic or official passports, subject to bilateral agreements.

For detailed information on specific visa types, see our guides on Tanzania Tourist Visa and Tanzania Business Visa.

How to Apply for a Tanzania Visa Online (Step by Step)

The Tanzania visa application through the online portal follows a straightforward five-step process. Most applicants complete the entire process in approximately 20 minutes.

Step 1: Create an Account

Visit visa.immigration.go.tz and click “Sign Up” or “Apply for Visa.” You will need to provide:
– Your email address
– A password for your account
– Your full name as it appears on your passport

Step 2: Select Your Visa Type

Choose the appropriate visa category based on your purpose of travel. For most tourists, this will be the “Ordinary Visa” (also called “Tourist Visa”). You will also need to specify:
– Your nationality
– Your port of entry (airport or land border)
– Your intended length of stay

Step 3: Fill in Personal and Travel Details

Complete the application form with accurate information matching your passport exactly. Required fields include:
– Full name (as on passport)
– Date of birth
– Passport number and expiry date
– Nationality
– Contact information
– Travel dates
– Accommodation details in Tanzania

Step 4: Upload Required Documents

Prepare digital copies of your documents before starting the application. You will upload:
– Passport bio-data page scan
– Recent passport-size photograph
– Return or onward flight ticket
– Hotel booking confirmation or invitation letter

Step 5: Pay and Submit

Pay the visa fee using a credit or debit card. After payment, review all information carefully before clicking “Submit.” You will receive a confirmation email with your application reference number.

Once approved, you will receive an email notification. Download and print your eVisa approval letter to present at immigration upon arrival in Tanzania.

Required Documents for Tanzania Visa Application

Every Tanzania visa application requires a set of core documents. Preparing these in advance ensures a smooth submission without delays.

Documents Required for All Applicants

1. Valid passport – Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended arrival date, with at least one blank page for the entry stamp
2. Passport-size photograph – Recent, color, taken within the last 6 months, with a white background
3. Return or onward flight ticket – Proof that you plan to leave Tanzania before your visa expires
4. Accommodation proof – Hotel booking confirmation, or an invitation letter from your host in Tanzania
5. Valid email address – Used for all correspondence and delivery of the eVisa approval

Additional Requirements by Visa Type

Business Visa applicants must also provide:
– A letter from the sponsoring company in Tanzania
– A letter from the applicant’s employer explaining the purpose of the visit

Transit Visa applicants must provide:
– A visa for the final destination country (if required)
– Confirmed onward travel tickets

Health Requirements

Yellow Fever vaccination – Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for travelers arriving from or transiting through countries with yellow fever risk. This applies to travelers from countries including Angola, Argentina, Benin, Bolivia, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Colombia, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and many others.

Zanzibar Travel Insurance – Since October 2024, all visitors to the Zanzibar archipelago must have mandatory inbound travel insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC), regardless of their visa status. This requirement applies even if your visa is approved – you will need to purchase ZIC insurance separately before arriving in Zanzibar.

For a complete list of document requirements, see our Tanzania Visa Requirements guide.

Tanzania Visa Application Fees

The Tanzania visa application fees vary depending on the visa type and your nationality. All fees are payable in US dollars during the online application process.

If you choose to obtain a visa on arrival instead of applying online, you must pay in cash using US dollar notes. The Tanzania Immigration authorities require clean, crisp USD bills – damaged or older-series notes may be refused. Only $50 and $100 denominations are typically accepted at the airport.

For a detailed breakdown of all fees, including national variations, see our Tanzania eVisa Fee Guide.

Tanzania Visa Processing Time

The Tanzania visa application processing time is approximately 10 working days from the date of submission. However, processing may take longer during peak travel seasons (June-October and December-January) or if additional verification is required.

Recommended application timeline:
– Apply at least 2-4 weeks before your intended travel date
– Allow extra time if you need to obtain a yellow fever vaccination certificate
– Check your email regularly (including spam/junk folders) for status updates

After approval, you will receive an email notification with your eVisa approval letter. Download and print this letter – you will need to present it along with your passport at immigration when entering Tanzania.

Tanzania Visa on Arrival vs. Online Application

Travelers have two options for obtaining a Tanzania visa: the online eVisa application or a visa on arrival at the port of entry. Both methods are valid, but there are important differences to consider.

The online eVisa is recommended for most travelers because it eliminates uncertainty at the border. With an approved eVisa, you can proceed through immigration quickly without waiting in the visa-on-arrival queue.

The key limitation of the visa on arrival is that multiple entry visas are NOT available at the port of entry. If you need multiple entries to Tanzania, you must apply online before traveling.

Common Tanzania Visa Application Mistakes to Avoid

The most common reasons for Tanzania visa application delays or rejections are easily preventable. Here are the mistakes to watch out for:

Passport expiring soon – Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date in Tanzania. Many applicants overlook this requirement and submit applications with passports that expire within 3-5 months.

Blurry or incorrect photograph – The passport photo must be recent (within 6 months), in color, with a white background, and clearly showing your face. Photos that are blurry, too dark, or cropped incorrectly will cause delays.

Missing return ticket – You must provide proof of onward travel. A one-way ticket without a return or onward booking is a common reason for visa delays.

Incorrect personal details – Ensure all information matches your passport exactly. Even small discrepancies (e.g., middle name on passport but not on application) can cause processing delays.

Applying too late – With a 10-working-day processing time, applying less than 2 weeks before travel is risky. Peak seasons can extend processing times further.

Not checking email – The eVisa approval is sent by email. Many applicants miss the notification because it goes to their spam folder. Check all email folders regularly after submitting your application.

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