Tanzania Tourist e-Visa for First-Time Travelers: A Complete Online Application Guide

Tanzania is also among the most spectacular experiences in Africa, with the Serengeti National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro, and the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar. The Tanzanian government has launched the Tourist eVisa to facilitate a smoother travel experience for international visitors to the country. An electronic visa system can be applied for online, eliminating the need to visit an embassy. Whether you plan a thrilling safari adventure or a restful island holiday, it is best to have a clue of how the Tanzania Tourist eVisa operates to make your trip a stress-free and memorable one.

Tanzania's Tourist e-Visa offers a quick and easy online application for entry beyond sightseeing

What is the Tanzania Tourist eVisa?

The Tanzania Tourist eVisa is an official electronic travel authorization that allows foreigners to enter Tanzania for tourism purposes. It was introduced to make the visa process simpler, faster, and more secure .   Travelers can now make the entire application online and get approved via email, and then print the Visa Grant Notice and payment receipt before traveling — eliminating the need to visit an embassy or consulate in person.

Who Can Apply for the Tanzania Tourist eVisa?

The Tanzania Tourist eVisa is offered to the majority of foreign citizens who want to visit this country as a tourist, leisure traveler, or to visit family and friends. This online visa program enables tourists to submit the application online before traveling, so that they do not have to go to a Tanzanian embassy or consulate to do so.

1. Eligible Nationalities

The Tanzania eVisa can be obtained online by the citizens of over 150 countries.   The qualified travelers are those of:

• The United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and most EU countries;
• Asian nations such as India, China, Japan, Singapore, and South Korea;
• Selected countries in the Middle East and Africa that maintain diplomatic relations with Tanzania.

Under regional agreements, citizens of Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and several other EAC member states can enter Tanzania visa-free for short visits. Zambia is not part of this standard visa-exemption arrangement.

Nevertheless, citizens of some nations that are on the list of the “Referral Visa” category should receive the prior permission of the Commissioner-General of Immigration before they can apply online. Such applicants are unable to receive a visa on arrival or the conventional e-Visa process.

2. Purpose of Travel

The applicants need to be travelling for non-work-related reasons, including:

• Tourism and sightseeing, including visits to Serengeti National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro, or Zanzibar
• Going to relatives or friends back in Tanzania.
• Cultural or leisure activities, or short-term holiday activities like beach vacations or safari.

There can be multiple reasons one might apply for a Tourist e-Visa to Tanzania

Choosing Your Entry: A Guide to the Different Types of Tanzania Tourist eVisas

Tanzania Tourist eVisas exist in two major categories, according to the frequency of traveling to the country.

Single-entry Tourist e-Visa

Single-entry Tourist e-Visa is the most widespread type of visa that is applied to travelers visiting Tanzania to have leisure, sightseeing, or to visit relatives and friends. It grants a single entry to the country and grants a stay of 90 days upon arrival in the country.

The visa becomes invalid once you leave Tanzania, even if the 90 days have not expired. This e-Visa is perfect in cases of short holidays, safari adventures, or beach vacations in Zanzibar for tourists. The Tanzanian online application system is very fast and easy, hence the choice of most visitors who are internationally inclined.

The visa lasts three months from the day of its issue. In case you would like to have an extension of your stay, you may request a visa extension at the Immigration Office in Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar before your visa runs out.

Staying beyond an extension without any genuine reason can be fine or punished.

Multiple-entry Tourist e-Visa

The multiple-entry visa is primarily issued to U.S. citizens and applicants who can demonstrate strong reasons for frequent travel to Tanzania. It is not typically intended for ordinary tourists. It is valid for 12 months from the date of issue and permits multiple entries into the country during the time. Each stay may not exceed 90 days.

This type of visa is specifically applicable to business people, investors, or even those who have family connections in Tanzania and are obliged to make frequent in-and-out travels. Applications must be submitted online, and supporting documents might be needed, including an invitation letter.

Entry Points for eVisa Holders

With an approved Tanzania Tourist eVisa, travelers can enter the country only through designated airports and border crossings. The main entry points include:

• Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam)
• Kilimanjaro International Airport (near Arusha and Moshi)
• Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (Zanzibar)
• Namanga Border (Kenya–Tanzania)
• Tunduma and Holili Border Posts

Make sure to use one of these authorized entry points to avoid issues with immigration.

Tourists can apply for an Ordinary Visa (single entry) or a Multi-Entry Visa before they come to Tanzania for a safari

Tanzania Tourist e-Visa Requirements: Everything Needed for a Smooth Entry

To apply for the Tanzania Tourist e-Visa, tourists should fulfill some eligibility requirements and present the necessary documents, and submit their online application through the official portal.

1. Valid Passport

Your passport should have a minimum of six months to the day you enter Tanzania, just in addition to having one or two blank pages on which to stamp the visa.

2. Digital Documents

Upload a clear, colored scan (JPEG or PDF) of the biographical information page of your passport and a recent color passport-sized photograph on a plain background.

3. Proof of Onward or Return Travel

Provide a copy of your round-trip or onward flight ticket to prove your intention to leave Tanzania after your visit.

4. Visa Fee Payment

Make the payment of the necessary visa processing fee online with a valid credit card or debit card, Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, or Amex.   Only payment confirmation is followed by application processing.

5. Yellow Fever Vaccination (if applicable)

Travelers arriving from or transiting through countries, as well as those passing through countries with a yellow fever threat, should present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate.

6. Additional Documents (if requested)

A travel itinerary/hotel booking confirmation can be requested. Travelers visiting Zanzibar are strongly advised to obtain travel insurance before their trip.

Document requirements for the Tanzania tourist eVisa

How to Apply for the Tanzania eVisa Online

The process of applying for the Tanzania Tourist eVisa is a very simple one that can be performed via the official portal of the government. Usually, it is advised to request the eVisa before travelling to spend less time and prevent the problems that may occur upon arrival.

The following is a step-by-step procedure for the application for the Tanzania eVisa online:

Step 1: Complete the Online Application Form

Visit the official Tanzania eVisa portal and fill out the secure online application form with accurate personal, passport, and travel details.   Make sure that the entries are the same as in your passport to prevent delays during the processing of the passport.

In case you are in a hurry, you can select Rush Processing, where your application is given priority and your Tanzania Tourist Visa is processed much faster.

Step 2: Confirm Information and Submit Required Documents

Recheck any information that you have typed before proceeding to make payment.   Then choose the option of payment and safely make the transaction of the visa service fee, which constitutes both the Tanzania Government Fee and the service fees.

Once you have paid, you might be requested to submit further documents, including a copy of the passport, a recent photo, or evidence of further travel, to complete your application.

Step 3: Receive Your eVisa via Email

After processing your application, your approved Tanzania Tourist eVisa will be forwarded to your email in PDF format.   The processing time of the Tanzania tourist visa normally takes between 3 and 5 working days; however, it can take even more time, depending on your nationality and the number of people applying.   Never ignore your visa information.

After approval, your eVisa will be emailed to you- have a copy printed and bring it with you to travel.

Travelers can get an online Tanzania visa online in 3 simple steps

Tips for a Smooth Tanzania Tourist Visa Application

• Make sure that all the information (name, passport number, dates of stay) is the same as in your passport.
• Post clear and high-quality scans/photos to avoid rejection or delays.
• Apply early before you travel (although the procedure is quick, there are still unexpected delays).
• Use the official government portal to avoid unnecessary fees or delays caused by third-party websites
• After it is accepted, always pack your passport and the printed e-Visa during your travels.

From Submission to Safari: Tracking the Tanzania eVisa Processing Time and Fees

Tanzania visa processing time

The Tanzania visa processing time is determined by the visa type, visa service option, and the accuracy of your application. The average processing time of most travelers who apply for the Tanzania Tourist eVisa is between 3 to 10 working days. Nevertheless, there are a lot of applications that are approved faster when all the documents are submitted correctly and no further verification is required.

The Tanzania Immigration Department usually scrutinizes all the applications to make sure that the traveler possesses all the eligibility requirements. Lack of necessary documents, error in information, or dissimilarity of your application with your passport can delay your approval. As such, before making your application for a Tanzania tourist visa online, you should always double-check all the information before submitting your online application.

Processing Options:

• Normal: Approximately 5 business days — ideal for travelers who apply well in advance
• Urgent: Approximately 3 business days — for travelers needing a faster turnaround.

Tanzania visa fees:

Tourists can pay the visa fee online as they finalize their application

When obtaining a Tanzania Tourist eVisa, one will have to pay two different categories of fees: Government Fee and Service Fee.   These two fees together make up the total cost of your visa to get your electronic visa in order to enter Tanzania.

Government Fee

This fee is paid to the Tanzanian government and is necessary for processing the electronic visa.   It is the official fee for granting the visa and is usually not refundable even in case of an unsuccessful application.

Type of visa	Government & Admin fee (US$)
Tourist e-Visa (Single entry for 90 days)	US$ 95
Tourist e-Visa (Multiple entry for 1 year)	US$ 145

Service fee

The service fee is the payment made in advance for professional help during your e-Visa application to Tanzania. This charge covers various services, such as supplying timely information and advice on visa matters, consulting and analyzing your application forms, and making sure that all the information is in line with the regulatory standards maintained by Tanzanian immigration authorities.

The amount of your service fee will be determined by the number of travelers that will be part of your visa application and the speed at which you require the visa to be done. Each service option has been broken down in the table below.

Visa types	Service fee/person (US Dollar)
	Normal						Urgent	Super Urgent
	1 person	2 people	3-5 people	6-9 people	10 or more people
	US$ 69	US$ 67	US$ 65	US$ 62	US$ 55		Plus US$ 79	N/A

The fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied. Payments can be made online via credit or debit card, Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, or Amex, and it’s recommended to use a reliable internet connection during the transaction.

Common mistakes to avoid when applying for a Tanzania tourist e visa

Common mistakes include incorrect info, wrong documents, choosing the wrong visa type, payment issues,  applying too late, and ignoring entry requirements

Applying for a Tanzania Tourist eVisa is a simple procedure, and even minor mistakes may postpone its processing or cause its rejection.   Once the application process begins, these are some of the most common mistakes that travelers must avoid in order to make the application process smooth and successful.

1. Providing Incorrect Personal Information

The number of mistakes made includes typing in the wrong information, like your full name, passport number, or date of birth.   You have to have all the information that is a perfect match for your passport.   Even one typo may lead to delays or the refusal of a visa.

2. Uploading Low-Quality or Wrong Documents

When applying, people usually post very poor passport scans or outdated photos that do not correspond to the official ones.   Always remember that you must upload a clear scan of your passport page, with a plain background on your photo, and it must be in the acceptable file format.

3. Ignoring Passport Validity

Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your planned date of entry into Tanzania.   An application using a passport that will run out of time will render your eVisa invalid.

4. Selecting the Wrong Visa Type

Ensure that you apply for the correct visa type - most tourists require a Single-entry Tourist eVisa.   To eliminate problems at the immigration point, business or multiple-entry travelers are supposed to select the category accordingly.

5. Submitting Incomplete or False Information

Blanking or giving wrong answers may lead to additional authentication or rejection.   You should always preview your form before submitting it.

6. Applying Too Close to Travel Dates

Although the processing time of a Tanzania tourist visa normally takes 3-5 business days, there are chances of delays.   Apply not less than one or two weeks ahead of your departure to cater to unexpected problems.

7. Forgetting to Print the eVisa

Upon arrival, travelers are required to have a physical copy of their acceptable eVisa to be used at immigration control.   It is also advisable to have a digital backup on your phone.

These are the basic pitfalls that should be avoided when applying for a Tanzanian tourist visa to have a quick, hassle-free visa application and commence your Tanzanian adventure as fast as possible.

Conclusion

The Tanzania Tourist eVisa has made visiting this East African gem easier than ever.   Its straightforward online service, no-fuss requirements, and rapid approval process mean that travelers can now concentrate more on the adventure they want to go on, whether it is seeing the Great Migration across the Serengeti or spending their time in the white sand beaches of Zanzibar.

You can get a Tanzania eVisa in advance and experience a hassle-free arrival, and be prepared to visit one of the most amazing places in Africa with wildlife, cultural diversity, and nature.   It is indeed true that the Tanzania tourist visa can be accessed and can be fully applied for, and received online through the official Tanzania Immigration Services website