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Tanzania eVisa frequently asked questions and answers

Tanzania eVisa FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Tanzania Electronic Visa

Tanzania eVisa Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to our comprehensive Tanzania eVisa FAQ section. Here you will find answers to the most common questions about applying for an electronic visa to Tanzania. Whether you're planning a safari adventure, a business trip, or a relaxing holiday in Zanzibar, this guide will help you understand the entire eVisa process.

The Tanzania eVisa system has simplified the visa application process, allowing travelers from eligible countries to apply online without visiting an embassy or consulate. However, many applicants still have questions about requirements, processing times, fees, and validity periods.

Below you'll find detailed answers organized by category to help you navigate the Tanzania eVisa application process successfully. If you can't find the answer to your specific question, please don't hesitate to contact our support team.

General Tanzania eVisa Questions

The Tanzania eVisa is an electronic visa that allows travelers to enter Tanzania for various purposes such as tourism, business, or transit. It is an official travel authorization issued by the Tanzanian Immigration Services Department that simplifies the visa application process by allowing applicants to submit their applications online rather than visiting an embassy or consulate in person.

The eVisa is received via email after approval and must be printed and presented upon arrival in Tanzania along with your passport. It is linked electronically to your passport number.

Citizens from most countries around the world are eligible to apply for a Tanzania eVisa. This includes travelers from:

  • United States, Canada, and Mexico
  • European Union countries - Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, Netherlands, etc.
  • United Kingdom and Ireland
  • Australia and New Zealand
  • Asian countries - India, China, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, and more
  • Other countries - Brazil, Argentina, South Africa, Russia, and many others

For a complete list of eligible countries, please visit our Tanzania eVisa eligible countries page. Some nationalities may require additional documentation or approval.

Tanzania offers several types of eVisas to accommodate different travel purposes:

  1. Tourist eVisa (Single Entry) - Valid for up to 90 days from issue, allows a stay of up to 90 days for tourism and leisure purposes.
  2. Multiple-Entry eVisa - Valid for 12 months, primarily available for US citizens, allowing multiple visits of up to 90 days each.
  3. Transit eVisa - Valid for up to 14 days for travelers passing through Tanzania to another destination.
  4. Business eVisa - Valid for up to 90 days for business-related activities, conferences, and meetings.

Each visa type has specific requirements and purposes. Make sure to select the correct type when applying.

Yes! The Tanzania eVisa application process is 100% online. You can apply from anywhere in the world with an internet connection. The process involves:

  1. Visiting the official eVisa application portal
  2. Filling out the online application form with your personal and travel details
  3. Uploading required documents (passport scan and photograph)
  4. Paying the visa fee online using a credit or debit card
  5. Receiving your approved eVisa via email

For detailed instructions, check our step-by-step application guide.

Requirements and Documents

Required documents for Tanzania eVisa application

To apply for a Tanzania eVisa, you need the following documents:

  • Valid passport - Must be valid for at least 6 months from your planned entry date
  • Passport bio page scan - Clear, colored scan of your passport information page
  • Recent passport photograph - Digital color photo with white background (2x2 inches, max 500KB)
  • Travel itinerary - Flight booking or travel dates
  • Accommodation details - Hotel reservation or address in Tanzania
  • Payment method - Credit or debit card for visa fee payment

For business visas, additional documents such as an invitation letter from a Tanzanian company may be required. See our complete requirements checklist.

Your passport must meet these requirements:

  • Validity - At least 6 months remaining from your date of entry to Tanzania
  • Blank pages - At least one blank visa page for the entry stamp
  • Condition - Passport must be in good condition, not damaged or water-damaged
  • Readable - All information must be clearly readable when scanned

Learn more about passport specifications and requirements.

Your digital passport photograph must meet specific requirements:

  • Size - 2x2 inches (approximately 45mm x 35mm)
  • Background - Plain white or light-colored background
  • Format - JPEG or JPG file format
  • File size - Maximum 500KB
  • Recent - Taken within the last 6 months
  • Face visible - Full face visible, no sunglasses or head coverings (unless for religious purposes)
  • Quality - Clear, sharp, in focus, and properly exposed

For detailed photo specifications, visit our photo requirements guide.

Processing Time and Fees

The standard processing time for a Tanzania eVisa is 3-5 business days from the date of application submission. However, processing times can vary depending on several factors:

  • Application volume - Peak travel seasons may experience longer processing times
  • Document quality - Clear, complete documents are processed faster
  • Nationality - Some nationalities may require additional verification
  • Weekends and holidays - Processing doesn't occur on weekends or public holidays

We recommend applying at least 7-10 days before your planned travel date to allow for any unforeseen delays. Learn more about processing times and expedited options.

Tanzania eVisa fees vary depending on the type of visa and your nationality:

Visa Type Government Fee Service Fee Total Fee
Tourist eVisa (Single Entry) USD 50 USD 30 USD 80
Multiple-Entry eVisa USD 100 USD 30 USD 130
Transit eVisa USD 30 USD 25 USD 55
Business eVisa USD 250 USD 40 USD 290

For detailed fee information and payment methods, visit our Tanzania eVisa fees page.

No, Tanzania eVisa fees are non-refundable. This applies to all situations including:

  • Application denial or rejection
  • Cancellation of travel plans
  • Errors in the application (requiring reapplication)
  • Double payments
  • Change of travel dates

Therefore, it's crucial to ensure all information is correct before submitting your application and making payment. Double-check all details including passport information, travel dates, and uploaded documents.

Validity and Usage Questions

The validity period of your Tanzania eVisa depends on the type:

  • Tourist eVisa (Single Entry) - Valid for 90 days from the date of issue. You must enter Tanzania within this 90-day window and can stay for up to 90 days.
  • Multiple-Entry eVisa - Valid for 12 months from the date of issue, allowing multiple visits of up to 90 days each.
  • Transit eVisa - Valid for 14 days from the date of entry.
  • Business eVisa - Valid for 90 days from the date of issue with a stay of up to 90 days.

Important: The validity period starts from the date the visa is issued, not from your entry date. Plan your travel accordingly.

Tanzania eVisas cannot be extended online. However, if you need to stay longer than your authorized period, you have the following options:

  1. Visit the Immigration Office - Before your current visa expires, visit the Immigration Services Department office in Tanzania to apply for an extension
  2. Required documents - Bring your passport, current visa, proof of sufficient funds, and a valid reason for extension
  3. Fees apply - Extension fees will be charged and are at the discretion of immigration officials
  4. No guarantee - Extensions are not automatically granted and depend on your circumstances

Never overstay your visa as this can result in fines, deportation, or future entry bans.

Yes! The Tanzania eVisa is valid for entry to Zanzibar. Since Zanzibar is part of the United Republic of Tanzania, your Tanzania eVisa covers travel to both:

  • Mainland Tanzania (including Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Kilimanjaro)
  • Zanzibar archipelago (Unguja and Pemba islands)

You can use the same eVisa whether you're flying directly to Zanzibar International Airport or entering through mainland Tanzania first. No separate visa is required for Zanzibar.

Tanzania eVisa validity and duration information

Application Status and Common Issues

You can track your Tanzania eVisa application status online:

  1. Visit the official eVisa portal where you submitted your application
  2. Click on "Check Application Status" or similar option
  3. Enter your Application ID (received via email after submission)
  4. Enter your passport number or other required details
  5. View your current application status

Status updates include: Received, Under Review, Approved, or Rejected. You will also receive email notifications at each stage. For detailed instructions, see our guide on how to check your eVisa status.

If your Tanzania eVisa application is rejected, follow these steps:

  1. Check the rejection email - The Immigration Department may provide reasons for rejection
  2. Common rejection reasons:
    • Incomplete or incorrect information
    • Invalid or poor-quality documents
    • Passport validity issues
    • Photo not meeting specifications
    • Previous immigration violations
  3. Correct the issues - Address all problems identified in the rejection
  4. Reapply - Submit a new application with corrected information
  5. Alternative option - Contact the nearest Tanzanian embassy or consulate for assistance

Remember that fees are non-refundable, so you'll need to pay again when reapplying.

No, you cannot modify your Tanzania eVisa application after submission. Once you click "Submit" and make payment, the application is final and cannot be changed.

This is why it's crucial to:

  • Double-check all information before submitting
  • Verify passport details match exactly
  • Confirm travel dates are correct
  • Ensure uploaded documents are clear and correct
  • Review all sections of the form carefully

If you discover an error after submission, you may need to apply for a new visa and pay the fees again. In some cases, you can contact the Immigration Department for assistance, but there's no guarantee of modification.

Mistakes on your application can lead to:

  • Application rejection - Incorrect information may result in denial
  • Entry denial - Discrepancies between your eVisa and passport at the border
  • Processing delays - Errors may require manual review
  • Additional costs - You'll need to reapply and pay fees again

Common mistakes include wrong passport numbers, incorrect dates of birth, misspelled names, and wrong travel dates. Always verify information multiple times before submission. Use the "Save and Continue" feature to review your application before final submission.

Travel and Entry Questions

Traveler entering Tanzania with eVisa at airport

Tanzania eVisa holders can enter through approved ports of entry including:

International Airports:

  • Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) - Dar es Salaam
  • Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) - Kilimanjaro
  • Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) - Zanzibar

Land Border Crossings:

  • Namanga - Kenya/Tanzania border
  • Tunduma - Zambia/Tanzania border
  • Other designated land ports

Seaports:

  • Dar es Salaam Port
  • Zanzibar Port

Yes, it is strongly recommended to print your Tanzania eVisa. While the visa is electronically linked to your passport, you should:

  • Print at least 2 copies of your approved eVisa
  • Keep one copy with your travel documents
  • Keep a second copy in your luggage as backup
  • Save a digital copy on your phone or email

Immigration officers at the port of entry will verify your eVisa. Having a printed copy ensures smooth entry even if electronic systems are temporarily unavailable.

No, an eVisa is not a guarantee of entry. The Tanzania eVisa is an authorization to travel to Tanzania, but the final decision to allow entry rests with the immigration officer at the port of entry.

You may be denied entry if:

  • Your passport is damaged or has less than 6 months validity
  • You cannot provide proof of sufficient funds for your stay
  • You don't have a return ticket or onward travel arrangements
  • You're deemed a security risk or have a criminal record
  • You cannot provide accommodation details
  • Your stated purpose of visit is questionable

Always travel with all supporting documents including hotel confirmations, flight tickets, and proof of funds.

Special Circumstances and Additional Questions

Yes, children of all ages need their own Tanzania eVisa. This includes infants and minors traveling with parents. Each child requires:

  • A separate eVisa application
  • Their own valid passport
  • A passport photograph meeting specifications
  • Payment of the visa fee

Children cannot be included on their parents' visa. The application process is the same as for adults, though parents or guardians should complete the application on behalf of minors.

Yellow fever vaccination requirements depend on your travel history:

  • Required if - You're arriving from or have transited through a yellow fever endemic country
  • Not required if - You're arriving directly from a non-endemic country
  • Proof needed - Valid International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card)

Yellow fever endemic countries include many in Africa and South America. Even if not required, the vaccination is recommended for travel to Tanzania. Consult your doctor or travel health clinic well in advance of your trip.

Note: This is a health requirement separate from visa requirements but may be checked at entry.

The Tanzania eVisa application portal accepts the following payment methods:

  • Credit cards - Visa, Mastercard
  • Debit cards - Visa Debit, Mastercard Debit
  • Bank transfers - In some cases (check with portal)

Important payment notes:

  • Ensure your card is enabled for international transactions
  • Have sufficient funds to cover the full visa fee
  • Keep a record of the payment confirmation
  • Fees are charged in USD
  • Your bank may charge currency conversion fees

No, you cannot work in Tanzania with a tourist eVisa. The tourist visa is strictly for:

  • Tourism and sightseeing
  • Visiting family and friends
  • Holiday and vacation
  • Short-term medical treatment

Working with a tourist visa is illegal and can result in:

  • Immediate deportation
  • Fines and penalties
  • Ban from future entry to Tanzania
  • Legal prosecution

If you plan to work in Tanzania, you must apply for a business visa or work permit through the appropriate channels. Business visas allow for business meetings and conferences but not employment.

We recommend the following application timeline:

  • Minimum - Apply at least 10 days before your departure date
  • Recommended - Apply 2-3 weeks in advance for peace of mind
  • Maximum - Don't apply too early as the visa validity starts from issue date (90 days for single entry)
  • Peak season - During busy travel periods (June-October, December-February), apply even earlier

Applying with adequate time allows for:

  • Standard processing time (3-5 business days)
  • Potential delays or additional verification
  • Time to correct errors if application is rejected
  • Avoiding last-minute stress

Ready to Apply for Your Tanzania eVisa?

Now that you have answers to your questions, start your Tanzania eVisa application today

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Additional Resources

Explore more detailed guides about Tanzania eVisa

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Requirements

Complete checklist of documents needed for your application

View Requirements

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Application Guide

Step-by-step instructions for completing your eVisa form

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Processing Time

Learn how long it takes to get your visa approved

Check Times