Tanzania e-Visa: Complete Guide for International Travelers

The Tanzania e-Visa is an electronic travel authorization that allows eligible nationals to visit Tanzania for tourism, business, or transit without visiting an embassy. Citizens of most countries can apply online in under 30 minutes, pay $50 USD for a single-entry tourist visa, and receive approval within 3–10 business days — all before leaving home.

What Is the Tanzania e-Visa?

The Tanzania e-Visa is an official electronic visa issued by the Government of Tanzania through the Immigration Department's online portal. It replaced the traditional sticker visa for most nationalities and allows travelers to obtain authorization before arriving at Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), or Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ).

The Tanzania e-Visa program was introduced to simplify the entry process and reduce congestion at ports of entry. It is not the same as visa on arrival — it must be applied for and approved before travel.

Key facts about Tanzania e-Visa:

• Official portal: eservices.immigration.go.tz
• Available to: Nationals of most countries (160+ nationalities)
• Visa types: Single entry tourist, multiple entry tourist, business, transit
• Standard tourist fee: $50 USD (single entry)
• Stay allowed: Up to 90 days per entry
• Processing time: 3–10 business days (standard)

Tanzania e-Visa Types

Tanzania offers four main e-Visa categories through its electronic system:

The single entry tourist e-Visa is the most commonly applied for and covers the vast majority of travelers visiting for safaris, Kilimanjaro climbs, Zanzibar beach holidays, and cultural visits.

Who Needs a Tanzania e-Visa?

Most international travelers need a visa to enter Tanzania. Tanzania has a limited visa exemption list — only a small number of East African Community member states and a few other countries have visa-free access.

Countries exempt from Tanzania visa requirement (visa-free entry):

• Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan (EAC members)
• Comoros, Mauritius, Seychelles
• A small number of additional African states

Everyone else — including US, UK, EU, Canadian, Australian, and Indian citizens — must obtain a Tanzania e-Visa before traveling or, where available, a visa on arrival. The e-Visa is the strongly recommended option as it guarantees entry authorization in advance.

For the full list of countries and their visa status, see our guide to Tanzania visa exempt countries.

Tanzania e-Visa Requirements

To apply for a Tanzania e-Visa, every applicant must provide:

1. Valid passport — minimum 6 months validity beyond your travel date; at least 2 blank visa pages
2. Passport-style photo — white background, recent (taken within 6 months), JPEG format
3. Return or onward ticket — proof you will leave Tanzania within the visa validity
4. Accommodation details — hotel booking, safari itinerary, or invitation letter from host
5. Sufficient funds — you may be asked to show financial means (typically $50/day minimum)
6. Completed online application form — submitted via the official portal
7. Application fee payment — credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard)

Business visa applicants also need an invitation letter from a Tanzanian company, company registration documents, and evidence of the business relationship.

For full details, see Tanzania e-Visa requirements.

How to Apply for Tanzania e-Visa

The Tanzania e-Visa application is completed entirely online:

Step 1: Access the official portal

Go to the official Tanzania Immigration e-Services portal at eservices.immigration.go.tz. Avoid third-party sites that charge additional service fees.

Step 2: Create an account and fill in your details

Register with your email address. Enter your personal information exactly as it appears on your passport — full name, date of birth, passport number, nationality.

Step 3: Upload required documents

Upload a scanned copy of your passport data page and a passport-style photograph. Both must meet the specified quality standards.

Step 4: Pay the application fee

Pay online using a credit or debit card. The standard single-entry tourist e-Visa costs $50 USD. The fee is non-refundable even if the application is rejected.

Step 5: Submit and track your application

After submission, you will receive an application reference number. Use this to track your application status online. Processing typically takes 3 to 10 business days.

Step 6: Download and print your e-Visa

Once approved, download your e-Visa as a PDF and print it. You must present the printed e-Visa along with your passport at the port of entry.

For a detailed walkthrough, see our Tanzania e-Visa step-by-step application guide.

Tanzania e-Visa Processing Time

Standard processing takes 3 to 10 business days from the date of submission. Most applicants receive a decision within 4–5 business days. Processing times can be longer during peak travel seasons (July–October, December–January).

Recommendations:

• Apply at least 3 weeks before travel to avoid stress
• Apply at least 10 business days before departure as a minimum
• Do not book non-refundable flights until your e-Visa is approved

Tanzania does not currently offer an official expedited processing option. For more information, see Tanzania e-Visa processing time.

Tanzania e-Visa Validity and Duration of Stay

The Tanzania single-entry tourist e-Visa is valid for:

• 90 days from the date of issue (not from entry date) — this is the validity window in which you must enter Tanzania
• Maximum stay of 90 days from your entry date

The multiple-entry tourist e-Visa allows:

• Multiple entries within 12 months from issue date
• Up to 90 days per entry

Important: The validity period (when you can enter) and the duration of stay (how long you can remain) are two separate concepts. Check both when planning your trip.

See our detailed guide on Tanzania e-Visa validity and duration.

Tanzania e-Visa Cost

All fees are payable online in US dollars by credit or debit card. The fee is non-refundable. Third-party visa agents charge additional service fees on top of the government rate — always apply directly through the official portal to pay only the government fee.

See our full guide on Tanzania e-Visa cost and fees.

After Your Tanzania e-Visa Is Approved

Once your application is approved:

• Download the e-Visa PDF from the portal
• Print at least one physical copy — officers at the border require a printed copy
• Keep the document accessible throughout your trip
• Present both your passport and printed e-Visa at immigration upon arrival

You may also need to show your return ticket and proof of accommodation. See our guide on what to do after Tanzania e-Visa approval.

Tanzania e-Visa by Nationality

We have dedicated guides for travelers from major countries:

• Tanzania e-Visa for US citizens
• Tanzania e-Visa for UK citizens
• Tanzania e-Visa for EU citizens
• Tanzania e-Visa for Canadian citizens
• Tanzania e-Visa for Australian citizens
• Tanzania e-Visa for Indian citizens

Tanzania e-Visa vs Visa on Arrival

Tanzania also offers visa on arrival at its major international airports for eligible nationalities. However:

• Visa on arrival involves longer queues, cash-only payment, and uncertainty at the border
• e-Visa guarantees pre-approved authorization, faster border clearance, and is the recommended option

See our comparison: Tanzania e-Visa vs visa on arrival.

Zanzibar and Tanzania e-Visa

The Tanzania e-Visa covers both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania — you do not need a separate visa. However, you will pass through an internal immigration checkpoint when traveling between the mainland and Zanzibar, where you must present your passport.

See Zanzibar visa requirements for more details.

Tanzania e-Visa for Safari Travelers

The Tanzania e-Visa is perfectly suited for safari visitors to:

• Serengeti National Park
• Ngorongoro Crater
• Tarangire National Park
• Ruaha National Park
• Selous / Nyerere National Park

Most safari travelers combine mainland Tanzania with a Zanzibar beach extension. A single Tanzania e-Visa covers both destinations. See our guide: Tanzania e-Visa for safari travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions