Tanzania e-Visa Application Guide 2026
Since January 30, 2026, all visitors to Tanzania must obtain an electronic visa (e-Visa) before arrival. Visa on arrival is no longer available. This guide walks you through the complete application process.
No more visa on arrival: As of January 2026, Tanzania no longer issues visas at the border or airport. You must apply online before travelling.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Visit the official portal: Go to visa.immigration.go.tz
- Select "Apply for a New Visa" and choose your visa type (Tourist, Business, or Transit)
- Fill in personal details: Full name, date of birth, nationality, passport details
- Enter travel details: Dates of travel, accommodation details, flight itinerary
- Upload required documents:
- Passport-size photo (JPEG/PNG, max 300KB, different from passport photo)
- Copy of passport data page (JPEG/PNG, max 300KB)
- Flight itinerary (PDF format)
- Hotel booking or host invitation letter
- Yellow fever certificate (if travelling from endemic country)
- Review your application carefully - you cannot make changes after submission
- Pay online by credit/debit card (Visa or Mastercard)
- Receive confirmation email with your application reference number
- Wait for processing (up to 10 business days)
- Receive grant notice via email - print this and present at immigration on arrival
e-Visa Fees
| Visa Type | Fee (USD) | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Single Entry (Tourist) | $50 | Up to 90 days |
| Multiple Entry | $100 | Up to 12 months |
| Transit Visa | $30 | Up to 7 days |
| Business Visa (Single) | $100 | Up to 90 days |
| Business Visa (Multiple) | $200 | Up to 12 months |
US Citizens: Must apply for a Multiple Entry Visa at $100, regardless of purpose or length of stay.
Requirements
- Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from date of entry
- Blank pages: At least 2 blank pages for stamps
- Photo: Recent colour passport photo (different from the one on your passport)
- Accommodation: Hotel booking confirmation or invitation letter from host
- Return flight: Proof of return or onward flight
- Financial proof: Evidence of sufficient funds for your stay
- Yellow fever: Vaccination certificate if arriving from an endemic country
Visa-Exempt Nationalities
Some nationalities do not require a visa to visit Tanzania. Visa-exempt countries include most East African Community (EAC) member states and select other countries. See the full list of visa-free countries for Tanzania.
Additionally, citizens of some countries require a referral visa which takes longer to process (up to 6 weeks) as the application is forwarded to the Immigration Department in Dar es Salaam.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying too late: Apply at least 2 weeks before travel to allow for processing
- Wrong photo format: Photo must be JPEG or PNG, under 300KB, and different from passport photo
- Incorrect passport details: Double-check passport number, name spelling, and dates
- Missing documents: Ensure all uploads are complete before submitting
- Not printing the grant notice: You must print the approval email and carry it when travelling
Check Application Status
To check your e-Visa application status:
- Visit visa.immigration.go.tz/checkapplicationstatus
- Enter your application reference number
- View the current status of your application
FAQ
No. As of January 30, 2026, Tanzania no longer issues visas on arrival. All visitors must obtain an e-Visa before travelling. Apply online at visa.immigration.go.tz.
Standard e-Visa applications are processed within 10 business days. Referral visa categories can take up to 6 weeks. Apply well in advance of your travel date.
No. Zanzibar is part of the United Republic of Tanzania. Your Tanzania e-Visa covers both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. There is no separate Zanzibar visa.
No. The e-Visa application fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome. Ensure all your documents are correct and complete before submitting.