Tanzania e-Visa scams are widespread online. Dozens of unofficial websites appear at the top of search results, offering to help travelers apply for a Tanzania e-Visa while charging $20–$150 in extra fees beyond the $50 government rate. Some sites are straightforward third-party agents; others are outright fraudulent. This guide shows you how to identify the official portal, spot unofficial services, and protect your personal and payment information.
The Official Tanzania e-Visa Portal
There is only one official Tanzania e-Visa portal:
eservices.immigration.go.tz
Key identifiers of the genuine government portal:
- Domain ends in .go.tz — this is Tanzania's official government domain
- The site is operated by the Tanzania Immigration Department
- Standard tourist single-entry fee displayed: $50 USD
- No service fees, processing fees, or handling charges added on top
- Secure payment page with HTTPS
How to Identify Unofficial Third-Party Sites
Unofficial sites are not always obvious. Look for these warning signs:
| Red Flag | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Domain does not end in .go.tz | Not the official government portal |
| Fee higher than $50 for tourist visa | Service fee being added |
| Prominently advertises "fast processing" | Cannot actually speed up government processing |
| Asks for payment before showing you the form | Atypical for official government portals |
| Very polished commercial design with testimonials | Likely a third-party agent |
| No clear disclosure that it is not the official government website | Possible deceptive practice |
| Claims to offer "visa guarantee" | Cannot guarantee visa outcomes |
Types of Unofficial Tanzania Visa Services
Type 1: Legitimate third-party agents
These are real companies that genuinely submit your application to the official portal on your behalf. They charge a service fee ($20–$100). While their service is real, there is no benefit over applying directly. The outcome is identical. You pay extra for nothing.
Examples: VisaHQ, iVisa, and many smaller independent agents.
Type 2: Deceptive third-party sites
These sites are designed to look official — they use government-adjacent names, Tanzania government imagery, and official-sounding language. They charge inflated fees (sometimes $150+) for what is a $50 application. They typically submit to the same official portal after charging you.
Type 3: Fraudulent sites (rare)
In extreme cases, fraudulent sites collect payment and personal information without actually submitting any application. The traveler arrives at the airport with no valid e-Visa.
How Much Do Unofficial Sites Charge?
A survey of third-party Tanzania e-Visa services in 2026 shows a wide range of total fees:
| Service Type | Government Fee | Service Fee | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official portal | $50 | $0 | $50 |
| Budget third-party | $50 | $20–$30 | $70–$80 |
| Mid-range third-party | $50 | $50–$70 | $100–$120 |
| Premium agent | $50 | $80–$100 | $130–$150 |
| Some deceptive sites | $50 | $100+ | $150+ |
There is no processing advantage to using any third-party service. Always apply directly and save.
How to Verify a Tanzania Visa Website
Before entering any personal information or payment details:
- Check the URL: Does it end in .go.tz? If not, it is not the official government portal.
- Check the fee: Is the tourist single-entry visa listed at exactly $50? If higher, service fees are being added.
- Look for disclosure: Legitimate agents must disclose they are not the official government website. Look for a disclaimer (usually in small print).
- Search the domain: A quick Google search for the website name often reveals reviews and warnings.
- Check HTTPS: Any site asking for your passport details or card information must use HTTPS (padlock icon in browser address bar).
What to Do If You Accidentally Used an Unofficial Site
If you submitted your application through a third-party agent:
- Your application should still have been submitted to the official Tanzania Immigration portal
- The outcome (approval or rejection) is the same as applying directly
- Your e-Visa, if approved, is fully valid — it is issued by the Tanzania government regardless of which service submitted it
- You overpaid the service fee, but there is no safety risk if the agent is legitimate
If you are unsure whether your application was actually submitted, log into the official portal (eservices.immigration.go.tz) and check if your application appears under your email account.
Protecting Your Personal Information
Your Tanzania e-Visa application requires sensitive personal data: passport number, date of birth, nationality, and travel plans. Protect this information:
- Only submit to the official .go.tz portal
- Do not share your passport scan on unverified websites
- Use a secure connection (not public Wi-Fi) when submitting your application
- Monitor your card statement after payment for any unexpected charges
Reporting Fraudulent Sites
If you encounter a fraudulent Tanzania visa website:
- Report it to your country's consumer protection authority
- Report it to Tanzania's ICT Commission (TCRA) via the official government channels
- Leave a review on Google or Trustpilot warning other travelers
Frequently Asked Questions
Related guides: Requirements | Fees | Processing Time