Spanish citizens must obtain a Tanzania e-Visa before departure. The application is fully online at eservices.immigration.go.tz, costs USD 50 for a single entry tourist visa, and is processed within 3-10 business days. EU and Schengen membership does not grant visa-free access to Tanzania — every Spanish passport holder needs this visa regardless of travel purpose.
Do Spanish Citizens Need a Visa for Tanzania?
Yes, Spanish citizens require a visa to enter Tanzania. Despite Spain holding one of Europe's strongest passports with visa-free access to 190+ countries, Tanzania is not on that list. Spanish nationals cannot enter Tanzania without a visa or valid e-Visa approval.
The good news: Tanzania offers the e-Visa system specifically to avoid embassy queues. Spanish travellers apply entirely online, pay by card, and receive their approved visa by email — no appointment, no embassy visit required. A visa on arrival option also exists at major airports, but online pre-approval is strongly recommended to avoid waiting times on arrival.
There is no Tanzanian embassy in Spain; the nearest Tanzanian embassy covering Spain is typically through the embassy in Rome (Italy) or Madrid may be covered by the London or Brussels missions — another reason why the online e-Visa is the practical choice for Spanish applicants.
Tanzania e-Visa Requirements for Spanish Citizens
Prepare these documents before starting your application:
- Valid Spanish passport (minimum 6 months validity beyond your departure date from Tanzania, at least 2 blank pages)
- Recent digital passport photo (white background, JPEG format, taken within the last 6 months)
- Return or onward flight ticket showing departure from Tanzania
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking confirmation, safari lodge reservation, or host invitation letter)
- Proof of sufficient funds (bank statement showing at least USD 500, ideally more for safari travel)
- Travel itinerary covering the full duration of stay
- Valid email address for correspondence and visa delivery
Tanzania e-Visa Cost for Spanish Citizens
| Visa Type | Fee (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Single Entry | USD 50 | Up to 90 days, valid 3 months from issue |
| Tourist Multiple Entry | USD 100 | Valid 1 year, multiple entries |
| Business Single Entry | USD 50 | Business visits |
| Transit Visa | USD 30 | Airport transit only |
Spanish travellers pay by credit or debit card. The USD amount will be converted to euros at the exchange rate on the payment date — approximately EUR 46-48 at typical exchange rates.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
- Visit the official portal — Go to eservices.immigration.go.tz (not third-party sites that charge service fees)
- Create an account — Register with your email address and set a password
- Start a new application — Select "Tourist e-Visa" and Spain (España) as your nationality
- Enter personal details — Full name, date of birth, passport number, and expiry date exactly as printed on your Spanish passport
- Upload required documents — Passport bio-data page scan, digital photo, flight confirmation, hotel booking
- Review all details — Errors in name or passport number will cause problems at the border
- Pay the fee — USD 50 via Visa, Mastercard, or other major card
- Save your reference number — You'll receive a confirmation email immediately
- Wait for approval — Typically 3-10 business days; check your email and spam folder
- Download and print your e-Visa — Print the approval letter and carry it alongside your Spanish passport
Processing Time
Standard processing takes 3-10 business days. Apply at least 2 weeks before your travel date to allow time for resubmission if documents are rejected. The e-Visa is valid for 3 months from the date of issue — plan your travel start date accordingly. A single entry visa allows a continuous stay of up to 90 days.
Tanzania e-Visa vs Visa on Arrival for Spanish Citizens
| Feature | e-Visa (Online) | Visa on Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Apply before travel | Yes | No |
| Queue on arrival | No (dedicated lane) | Yes (can be long) |
| Cost | USD 50 | USD 50 |
| Documents needed | Upload online | Bring paper copies |
| Risk of rejection at border | Lower | Higher |
| Availability | Always open | Subject to system status |
Spanish travellers heading to Zanzibar specifically should note that Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ) is an approved visa on arrival point, though the e-Visa remains the safer option.
Spain-Specific Travel Notes
Flights from Spain to Tanzania: There are no direct non-stop flights from Spain to Tanzania. Spanish travellers typically route through:
- Amsterdam (AMS) with KLM to Kilimanjaro (JRO) or Dar es Salaam (DAR) — approximately 14-16 hours total
- Nairobi (NBO) with Kenya Airways via Madrid — connecting to DAR or ZNZ
- Addis Ababa (ADD) with Ethiopian Airlines via Madrid — onward to DAR or JRO
- Doha (DOH) with Qatar Airways — code-share or connection options
- Dubai (DXB) with Emirates — popular for Zanzibar-bound travellers
Flight time: Approximately 12-14 hours flying time, plus layover, making total journey 16-22 hours from Madrid or Barcelona.
Currency: Tanzania uses the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). Spanish travellers should carry USD cash as a backup — most safari operators and upmarket hotels price services in USD. Euros are sometimes accepted in tourist areas but at poor exchange rates.
Popular destinations for Spanish travellers: Zanzibar (Sol y Playa), Serengeti safari, Kilimanjaro climbing, Ngorongoro Crater. Spain ranks among the top European source markets for East Africa safari tourism.