China and Tanzania have strong economic and diplomatic ties โ China is Tanzania's largest trade partner and a major investor in infrastructure. Yet Chinese citizens still require a visa to visit Tanzania for tourism or business. The good news: the Tanzania e-Visa is entirely online and does not require a trip to the Tanzania Embassy in Beijing or Shanghai.
Do Chinese Citizens Need a Visa for Tanzania?
Yes, Chinese citizens require a visa to enter Tanzania. Despite China-Africa economic relations and Tanzania's growing number of Chinese investors and workers, there is no visa-free arrangement for Chinese passport holders visiting Tanzania for tourism. Chinese citizens can choose between:
- Tanzania e-Visa online (recommended): Apply at eservices.immigration.go.tz before travel. Fully online, no embassy visit.
- Visa on arrival: Available at Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), and Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ).
- Embassy/consulate visa: Available at the Tanzania Embassy in Beijing or the Tanzania Consulate in Shanghai and Guangzhou โ required for some non-tourist visa types.
For standard tourist or business visits, the online e-Visa is the most convenient option.
Tanzania e-Visa Requirements for Chinese Citizens
- Valid Chinese passport (ไธญๅไบบๆฐๅ ฑๅๅฝๆค็ ง): minimum 6 months validity beyond your entry date, at least 1 blank visa page
- Passport-size digital photo: white background, JPEG format, recent (no glasses, no hat)
- Confirmed return or onward flight booking (PDF)
- Proof of accommodation: hotel reservation, safari lodge booking, or invitation letter
- Proof of sufficient funds: recent bank statement (USD 500+ equivalent)
- Travel itinerary
Payment note for Chinese citizens: The Tanzania e-Visa portal accepts Visa and Mastercard. UnionPay (้ถ่) acceptance is not guaranteed โ use an international Visa or Mastercard for payment. Many Chinese banks issue dual-currency cards with a Visa/Mastercard network โ use that card for the Tanzania e-Visa fee.
Passport note: China issues standard passports and diplomatic passports. The e-Visa system accepts standard Chinese passports (็ปฟ็ฎๆฎ้ๆค็ ง). Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR passport holders apply separately as their own nationality.
Tanzania e-Visa Cost for Chinese Citizens
| Visa Type | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| Tourist Single Entry | 50 |
| Tourist Multiple Entry | 100 |
| Business Single Entry | 50 |
| Transit | 30 |
All fees are non-refundable. USD 50 = approximately CNY 360 (rate varies). Pay with an international Visa or Mastercard.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
- Visit eservices.immigration.go.tz โ the official Tanzania Immigration e-Visa portal
- Register with your email address and create a password
- Click "Apply for e-Visa" and select visa type (Tourist Single Entry โ USD 50)
- Complete the online form: passport number (ๆค็ งๅท็ ), date of birth, travel dates, purpose of visit
- Upload your passport data page (the photo page โ ไธชไบบไฟกๆฏ้กต) and recent passport-size photo
- Upload flight booking confirmation and accommodation proof
- Review all details for accuracy โ errors can delay approval
- Pay USD 50 using an international Visa or Mastercard
- Note your Application ID for status tracking
- Receive approval by email (3-10 business days) and download/print your e-Visa
Tip: The Tanzania e-Visa portal is accessible from mainland China. If you encounter connectivity issues, try accessing via a browser with a stable connection or use a VPN.
Processing Time
Standard processing: 3-10 business days
The e-Visa is valid for 3 months from the date of issue. Single entry allows a stay of up to 90 days. Apply at least 2-3 weeks before departure.
Tanzania e-Visa vs Visa on Arrival for Chinese Citizens
| Factor | e-Visa (online) | Visa on Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Apply | Online before travel | Airport on arrival |
| Cost | USD 50 | USD 50 |
| Queue | None | 30-60 min peak |
| Multiple entry | Available (USD 100) | Single entry only |
| Recommended | Yes | Backup only |
China-Specific Travel Notes
Flights from China to Tanzania: There are no direct flights from mainland China to Tanzania, but connections are convenient:
- Beijing (PEK) or Shanghai (PVG) โ Addis Ababa (ADD) โ Dar es Salaam (DAR) or Kilimanjaro (JRO): Ethiopian Airlines is the most popular route, ~18-20 hours total
- Guangzhou (CAN) โ Dubai (DXB) โ Dar es Salaam (DAR): Emirates connections
- Connecting via Nairobi (NBO): Kenya Airways + Chinese carrier combinations
Ethiopian Airlines is the primary carrier for Chinese travelers to Tanzania, with multiple weekly China-Addis Ababa-Tanzania flights.
China-Tanzania ties: Tanzania has a significant Chinese expatriate community, particularly in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and along major infrastructure projects (TAZARA railway, road construction). Mandarin-speaking guides are available through specialist operators for Chinese tourists. Zanzibar's Chinese visitor numbers have grown substantially since 2015.
Tanzania attractions for Chinese travelers: The Serengeti Great Migration, Mount Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro Crater, and Zanzibar beaches. Chinese group tours (่ทๅขๆธธ) are available through major Chinese travel agencies including Ctrip (Trip.com), which lists Tanzania safari packages.
Health requirements: No yellow fever certificate required for travelers coming directly from China (China is not endemic). Malaria prevention is recommended for all Tanzania travelers.