A Tanzania visa application for most nationalities is completed entirely online through the official Tanzania Immigration e-Services portal. Whether you need a tourist, business, or transit visa, the process starts at eservices.immigration.go.tz and takes 20–30 minutes to complete. This comprehensive guide covers all visa types and the full application process.
Tanzania Visa Application Options
Tanzania currently offers these visa application channels:
| Channel | How It Works | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| e-Visa (online) | Apply at eservices.immigration.go.tz before travel | All tourists and business travelers |
| Visa on Arrival | Obtained at Tanzania airport on arrival | Last-minute travelers only |
| Embassy Visa | In-person at Tanzania embassy/high commission | Special circumstances only |
For virtually all travelers, the e-Visa is the recommended application method.
Tanzania Visa Types Available Online
| Visa Type | Fee | Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Single Entry | $50 USD | 90 days |
| Tourist Multiple Entry | $100 USD | 90 days per entry, 12 months |
| Business e-Visa | $250 USD | 90 days |
| Transit e-Visa | $30 USD | 7 days |
Tanzania Visa Application Requirements
All applicants need:
- Valid passport: 6+ months validity, 2+ blank pages
- Passport-style photo: white background, JPEG, recent, no glasses
- Return/onward ticket
- Accommodation proof
- $50–$250 USD by Visa/Mastercard
Business visa also requires:
- Invitation letter from Tanzanian company
- Company registration certificate
- Employer letter
See Tanzania e-Visa requirements and Tanzania e-Visa required documents.
Tanzania Visa Application Process (Step by Step)
- Prepare documents — passport, photo, ticket, accommodation
- Visit eservices.immigration.go.tz
- Create account — register email, verify
- Select visa type — tourist single entry for most applicants
- Complete form — personal info, passport details, travel info
- Upload documents — passport scan, photo, ticket, accommodation
- Review and pay — $50 USD by card
- Track status — 3–10 business days
- Download and print — approved e-Visa PDF
Full step-by-step instructions: Tanzania e-Visa application step by step
Tanzania Embassy Visa Application
For unusual circumstances, the Tanzania visa can also be applied for at:
- Tanzania High Commission (London, Ottawa, etc.)
- Tanzania Embassy (Washington D.C., Delhi, Beijing, etc.)
Embassy applications require:
- Printed application form
- Passport photos (physical prints)
- Original passport (or certified copy depending on requirement)
- All supporting documents
- Application fee (paid in local currency or money order)
Embassy applications take longer and require physical presence or postal mail. The e-Visa is far more convenient.
How Long Does Tanzania Visa Application Take?
| Channel | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| e-Visa (online) | 3–10 business days |
| Visa on Arrival | 15–90 minutes at airport |
| Embassy application | 1–4 weeks |
Apply for the e-Visa at least 3 weeks before travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related guides: Requirements | Fees | Processing Time