Tanzania offers two primary visa options for travelers who need a visa: the e-Visa (applied online before travel) and the visa on arrival (obtained at the airport). Both cost $50 USD for a tourist single entry. This guide compares them across every relevant factor to help you decide.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Tanzania e-Visa | Visa on Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Where to apply | Online: eservices.immigration.go.tz | At Tanzania airport |
| When to apply | Before travel (allow 3–10 business days) | On arrival at the airport |
| Cost | $50 USD | $50 USD |
| Payment method | Visa/Mastercard (card) | Cash USD only |
| Processing time | 3–10 business days | 30–90 minutes at airport |
| Pre-approval | Yes — approved before you fly | No |
| Airport queue | Dedicated fast lane (5–15 min) | Shared VoA counter (15–90 min) |
| Guarantee of entry | Near-certain (pre-approved) | Not guaranteed |
| Required in advance | Return ticket, accommodation proof | Same, checked at counter |
| Availability | 24/7 online | Airport operating hours |
| Flexibility | Apply weeks in advance | Need flight before applying |
| Risk of problems | Very low | Low but possible |
| Recommendation | Always preferred | Use as backup or last resort |
When e-Visa Wins (Almost Always)
1. Same cost, better experience
The e-Visa costs exactly the same as the visa on arrival but eliminates uncertainty, speeds up airport processing, and lets you plan with confidence.
2. No cash required
The e-Visa is paid by card online. Visa on arrival requires clean USD cash — a potential logistical challenge if you are changing currencies or using only cards.
3. Dedicated immigration lane
E-Visa holders typically access a dedicated lane with significantly shorter waits. This is particularly valuable at Julius Nyerere International Airport during peak evening hours.
4. Peace of mind before travel
With an e-Visa, you know your entry authorization before you board the plane. This is especially important when booking expensive non-refundable safari trips.
5. No risk of being turned back at the counter
While extremely rare, visa on arrival can technically be refused. An e-Visa is pre-approved by Tanzania Immigration.
When Visa on Arrival May Be Preferable
1. Very last-minute travel
If you booked your Tanzania flight with fewer than 3 business days before departure, you do not have time to receive an e-Visa. Visa on arrival is your only option.
2. Application technical problems
If the e-Visa portal was experiencing issues and you could not complete your application, visa on arrival is the fallback.
3. Payment failure on official portal
In rare cases where all cards fail on the e-Visa portal (card blocks, technical issues), visa on arrival with cash USD solves the problem.
The Verdict: Always Apply for e-Visa When You Have Time
If you have 2+ weeks before travel: apply for the Tanzania e-Visa. No queue at the airport, card payment, pre-approved, same cost.
If you have less than 3 business days: use visa on arrival as your only realistic option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related guides: Requirements | Fees | Processing Time