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Step by step online Tanzania eVisa application process on laptop computer

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a Tanzania eVisa Online

Complete your application correctly with our detailed walkthrough

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What is Tanzania eVisa?

The Tanzania eVisa is an electronic visa authorization that allows foreign nationals to enter Tanzania for tourism, business, or transit purposes. Instead of visiting an embassy or consulate, travelers can apply for their visa entirely online through the official eVisa portal. This streamlined digital process has made obtaining a Tanzania visa faster, more convenient, and accessible to travelers worldwide.

The eVisa system simplifies the traditional visa application process by eliminating the need for in-person appointments, reducing processing times, and allowing applicants to track their application status online. Once approved, your Tanzania eVisa is sent directly to your email address, which you simply print and present upon arrival at any designated port of entry.

Who Can Apply for Tanzania eVisa?

International passports from countries eligible for Tanzania eVisa online application

Citizens from most countries worldwide are eligible to apply for a Tanzania eVisa. The system is available to travelers from countries including the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, all European Union member states, Japan, China, India, Brazil, and many others.

However, some nationalities may require special approval or have different visa requirements. Before starting your application, it's essential to verify your country's eligibility status. Citizens of certain East African Community (EAC) member states and some Commonwealth countries may have visa-exemption agreements with Tanzania.

To confirm whether your nationality qualifies for the eVisa, check our comprehensive list of eligible countries for Tanzania eVisa. If your country is not on the eligible list, you may need to apply through a Tanzanian embassy or consulate.

Complete Application Process - Step by Step

Follow these simple steps to successfully apply for your Tanzania eVisa

1. Gather Required Documents

Before beginning your online application, ensure you have all the necessary documents ready in digital format. This preparation will make the application process smooth and efficient.

Essential documents include:

  • Valid Passport - Must be valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of entry into Tanzania and contain at least one blank visa page
  • Digital Passport Copy - A clear, scanned copy of your passport's biographical data page in JPEG or PNG format (maximum 300 KB)
  • Passport Photo - A recent color photograph with a white background, different from the one in your passport (maximum 300 KB)
  • Travel Itinerary - Flight booking confirmation or travel arrangements (PDF format preferred)
  • Accommodation Details - Hotel reservation or proof of where you will be staying in Tanzania
  • Payment Method - Valid credit card, debit card, or bank account for online payment

For specific requirements, review our detailed guides on passport requirements and photo specifications for Tanzania eVisa applications.

Organized travel documents including passport and photos for Tanzania eVisa application

Person filling online Tanzania eVisa application form on computer

2. Complete the Online Application Form

Visit the official Tanzania eVisa portal or use our streamlined application service. Click on "Apply for a New Visa" to begin your application process.

You will need to provide:

  • Personal Information - Full name as it appears on your passport, date of birth, nationality, and gender
  • Contact Details - Valid email address and phone number (including country code)
  • Passport Information - Passport number, issue date, expiry date, and place of issue
  • Travel Plans - Intended date of arrival, port of entry (e.g., Kilimanjaro Airport, Julius Nyerere Airport, or Abeid Amani Karume Airport for Zanzibar)
  • Visa Type Selection - Choose from Tourist Visa (Single Entry), Business Visa, Transit Visa, or Multiple-Entry Visa (primarily for US citizens)
  • Accommodation Information - Name and address of your hotel or host in Tanzania

Important: Fill out all fields accurately and double-check your information before proceeding. Once submitted, modifications are not allowed, and errors can lead to delays or rejection.


3. Upload Your Documents

After completing the application form, you'll be prompted to upload your supporting documents. Ensure all files meet the specified requirements to avoid rejection.

Document upload requirements:

  • File Format - JPEG or PNG for photos and passport scans; PDF for itinerary documents
  • File Size - Maximum 300 KB per file for images; up to 1 MB for PDF documents
  • Image Quality - Clear, legible scans with no glare or shadows
  • Photo Specifications - White background, recent photo (taken within last 6 months), full face visible

The system will validate your uploads. If any document is rejected due to quality or size issues, you'll need to re-upload a corrected version. Refer to our comprehensive Tanzania eVisa requirements guide for detailed specifications.

Begin Application Process
Uploading required documents for Tanzania eVisa application online

Secure online payment process for Tanzania eVisa fee

4. Pay the Visa Fee

Once your application form is complete and documents are uploaded, you'll proceed to the payment section. The Tanzania eVisa fee varies depending on the type of visa you're applying for.

Current visa fees:

  • Tourist eVisa (Single Entry) - USD 50
  • Multiple-Entry eVisa - USD 100 (primarily for US citizens)
  • Transit eVisa - USD 30
  • Business eVisa - USD 250

Accepted payment methods include: Visa, Mastercard, bank transfer, or debit cards. The payment gateway is secure and encrypted to protect your financial information.

Important: All visa fees are non-refundable, even if your application is rejected or you cancel your travel plans. Ensure all information is correct before making payment. For detailed fee information, visit our Tanzania eVisa fees page.


5. Submit and Track Your Application

After completing the payment, review your application one final time and click "Submit". You will immediately receive a confirmation email containing:

  • Application Reference Number - A unique tracking ID for your application
  • Application Summary - Details of your submitted information
  • Payment Receipt - Confirmation of your visa fee payment

Save this email and reference number carefully. You'll need it to track your application status. The standard processing time is 2-10 business days, though most applications are processed within 3-5 business days.

To check your application status, visit the eVisa portal and enter your reference number and passport details. You can also learn more about how to track your Tanzania eVisa status online.

Tracking Tanzania eVisa application status online on computer screen

Approved Tanzania eVisa document received via email ready to print

6. Receive Your eVisa

Once your application is approved, you'll receive your Tanzania eVisa Approval Notice via email. This electronic document contains:

  • Your personal information and passport details
  • Visa type and validity dates
  • Permitted duration of stay
  • Authorized port(s) of entry
  • A unique visa reference number

What to do next:

  • Print Your eVisa - Print at least two copies of your approved eVisa
  • Check Details - Verify all information is correct before traveling
  • Carry During Travel - Keep your printed eVisa with your passport at all times
  • Present at Immigration - Show your eVisa to the immigration officer upon arrival in Tanzania

Note: Having an approved eVisa does not guarantee entry into Tanzania. The final decision rests with the immigration officer at the port of entry, who will verify your documents and travel purpose.

Important Tips for a Successful Application

Apply in Advance

Submit your application at least 10 days before your planned travel date to allow for processing time and potential delays. Last-minute applications can be stressful.

Double-Check Information

Verify all details match your passport exactly. Even minor spelling errors can result in rejection. Once submitted, changes are not permitted.

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Use Valid Email

Provide a working email address that you check regularly. All updates and your approved eVisa will be sent electronically to this address.

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Print Multiple Copies

Print at least two copies of your approved eVisa. Keep one with your passport and another in your carry-on luggage as a backup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from others' errors to ensure your application succeeds

Frequent Application Errors

  • Incorrect Passport Details - Entering wrong passport numbers or expiry dates is a leading cause of rejection
  • Low-Quality Photos - Blurry images, wrong background color, or incorrect dimensions will be rejected
  • Selecting Wrong Visa Type - Applying for a tourist visa when you need a business visa (or vice versa) causes delays
  • Insufficient Passport Validity - Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from entry date
  • Missing Blank Pages - Ensure your passport has at least one completely blank visa page
  • Incomplete Payment - Payment issues or using unsupported payment methods can halt your application
  • Wrong Port of Entry - Entering through a port not specified on your eVisa can cause complications

For a comprehensive list of errors to avoid, read our guide on common mistakes in Tanzania eVisa applications.

Common mistakes to avoid when applying for Tanzania eVisa

Processing Time and What to Expect

Calendar showing Tanzania eVisa processing time and approval waiting period

Standard Processing Timeline

The Tanzania Immigration Services Department typically processes eVisa applications within 2-10 business days, with most applications receiving approval within 3-5 business days. However, processing times can vary based on:

  • Application Volume - During peak tourist seasons (June-October and December-February), processing may take longer
  • Document Quality - Clear, complete applications are processed faster than those requiring additional verification
  • Nationality - Some countries require additional security checks or reference approval
  • Visa Type - Business visas may require additional processing time for verification of invitation letters

Referral Visas: Citizens of certain countries may require special approval, which can extend processing to 2 months. If you're from a referral category country, apply well in advance of your travel date.

For detailed information about processing times and expedited options, visit our Tanzania eVisa processing time page.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the visa-on-arrival option is no longer available for most nationalities. Tanzania now strongly encourages all eligible travelers to apply for their eVisa online before departure. Applying online in advance is recommended to avoid delays and complications at the airport.

Unfortunately, once an application is submitted, you cannot edit or modify it. If you discover an error after submission, you may need to submit a new application with the correct information. This is why it's crucial to carefully review all details before clicking submit. Note: Visa fees are non-refundable, so you would need to pay again for a new application.

Yes, each traveler, including infants and children, must have their own individual eVisa. Parents or guardians can complete the application on behalf of minors, but each child needs a separate application, passport copy, and visa fee payment.

Tanzania eVisas generally cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer than the authorized period, you must visit the Immigration Services Department office in Tanzania before your current visa expires to apply for an extension. Extensions are granted at the discretion of immigration officials and may require additional documentation and fees.

Yes! Your Tanzania eVisa is valid for entry to both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. Since Zanzibar is part of the United Republic of Tanzania, you can use the same eVisa whether you're flying directly to Zanzibar or entering through mainland Tanzania first. Learn more on our Tanzania eVisa for Zanzibar page.

If your application is rejected, you'll receive an email notification. The Tanzania Immigration Services may or may not provide specific reasons for the denial. You can try reapplying with corrected information or contact a Tanzanian embassy or consulate for alternative visa options. Remember: Visa fees are non-refundable even in case of rejection.

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