A guide to visa application and processing in Tanzania

To be able to obtain a Tanzania visa, travelers need to apply through the official website of the Tanzania Immigration Department’s website. The process of getting a Tanzania visa is quite easy, and it involves filling out an online application form. Uploading all the necessary and required documents and paying the visa fees which are applicable to bank charges. The processing time for the visas varies, and this is why tourists and travellers are advised to apply for their visas in advance.

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A: Applying for the Tanzania e-Visa

There are different factors that travellers need to consider before applying for the Tanzania Visa and these include:

The type of Visa and eligibility

You need to identify the type of visa you wish to apply for, and this is usually based on the purpose of your visit, that is, tourism, business and studies, among others.

Make sure that your passport has at least a validity of 6 months beyond your stay in the country.

Check for the nationalities that require for one to need a visa and those that might have a longer processing time.

Check and see if you are eligible for the type of visa you intend to apply for.

Prepare all the required documents

Depending on the type of visa you intend to apply for, make sure that you get to read and know all the necessary documents that are needed and upload all of them because incomplete applications will be rejected.

The general required documents include a valid passport, especially the bio data page, a recent colored passport photo, proof of accommodation, a return ticket, other needed documents and the visa fee payment.

Apply online

Visit the official Tanzania application site for the e-Visa. Use the site www.immigration.go.tz

Navigate the e-Visa application section until you get to the type of visa you apply for.

Create an account if you do not have one or log into your existing account.

Make sure that the online form is filled in accurately and thoroughly on time.

Upload all the necessary documents in the specified formats, like JPEG or PDF, and follow the sizes specified.

Pay all the visa fees online using either credit or debit cards and other accepted methods.

Review the application and submit. Then wait for confirmation.

Tracking your application

After submitting and paying for the visa, you will receive a user ID or reference number that will help you track the progress of your application.

Constantly check your email for updates or log back into your account to monitor the progress.

Receiving the e-Visa

When the visa is approved, you will receive it and ensure that you download and print it. Save the digital copy on any of the devices that you are travelling with for safety purposes and the printed copy has to be presented upon entry into the country.

Many applicants will receive their e-Visa/online visa via email in 6 working days after the form has been successfully submitted.

How long does it take to process the E-Visa in Tanzania?

The E-Visa processing time varies and below are the different processing times from which you can choose what suits you best.

The standard processing time: 10 to 12 working days

Rush processing time: 8 to 10 working days

Super Rush processing time: 6 to 8 days, and additional fees apply.

Note that no visas are worked during the weekends and public holidays. And the bulk of the busy periods sometimes affects the processing time and it might take longer.

Ensure that the application is accurate and each document is uploaded to avoid delays. We also recommend that you start your E-Visa application at least a month before you travel to avoid delays and other issues that might arise. Get intouch with us for more information.

How can I pay for the Tanzania E-Visa?

All applicants will be required to pay for the E-Visa immediately before the application is submitted and below are the payment methods that are used.

Credit and Debit cards

PayPal: The use of PayPal comes with additional charges and might not be accepted in all parts of the country.

Bank transfers.

The cost of the Tanzanian Visa is the same regardless of the option you choose to pay for it; however, there are additional charges that are added (bank charges for transfers).

If possible, do not use SWIFT transfers because it takes time to trace the payments from the travellers, hence the longer processing time.

NB: If your visa application is unsuccessful, you will not be refunded so be careful when applying to avoid mistakes.

B: Visa on arrival

The visa on arrival is received by travellers upon arrival in the country at the different entry points, some of which include Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, Abeid Amani Karume International Airport located in Zanzibar, Kilimanjaro International Airport located in Arusha and the different land borders, which include Namanga, Tunduma and many others.

The requirements that are needed for the Visa on Arrival include:

A passport that has a validity of more than 6 months

A completed, fully and accurately filled in form which is available at the airport or land borders

A recent passport-sized photo with a white background

Proof of the yellow fever vaccination if you are coming from a high-risk country.

Payment has to be done in USD and cash because credit cards might not be accepted.

NB: The Visa on arrival involves long queues so if possible, apply online and in advance.

C: Visa application through a Tanzanian Consulate or Embassy

If you do not wish to apply online or get the Visa on Arrival and prefer the old-fashioned way, you can still apply through a Tanzanian Embassy or consulate. The process involves the following steps.

Submit a completed and accurately filled application form

Provide copies of your passport, especially the biodata page, and the required documents.

Pay the visa fees, which vary depending on your location.

The processing period for the visa takes about 5 to 7 working days.

Important things to note when applying for the Tanzania Visa

All tourists visiting Tanzania for tourism purposes only need to apply for the ordinary Visa, apart from USA passport holders, who are required to pay for the multiple visa.

All passport holders are required to have his or her own visa application submitted, even when travelling in groups. This also includes minors.

In cases where the applicant wishes to visit both Tanzania and Zanzibar, they are advised to select the first destination while filling out the application form.

During application, the Embassy that is nearest to the applicant is regarded as the Embassy closest to the applicant, and if required, the applicant can be called for a physical interview.

After the visa application has been submitted, there are no further changes that can be made.

A business Visa does not work as a residence permit and therefore cannot be renewed when the holder is still in the country.

The transit visa is strictly for travellers who pass through Tanzania, going to other countries.

All the applicants are required to show their return ticket upon arrival in Tanzania.

The types of visas in Tanzania

Tanzania as a country offers several visa options for different purposes during your visit to the country and the most common types of visas include:

The Tourist Visa: This is a type of visa that is popular among travellers coming to Tanzania for leisure and sightseeing activities, visiting family and friends. The visa is works for only 30 days if you applied for the single-entry visa and 90 days if you applied for the multiple-entry visa.

The Ordinary Visa: An Ordinary Visa is for foreign non-residents who usually come to Tanzania for tourism, family visits or just spending holidays in the country. The ordinary visa has a maximum of 90 days for the holders and one needs the following requirements.

• A copy of your valid passport
• A complete form filled out fully and accurately
• A return flight ticket
• The Visa fee receipt.

The Business Visa: This is a type of visa that is suitable for persons travelling for conferences, business and other professional engagements in Tanzania. The business Visa is valid for 90 days, and it will require you to have an invitation letter from a Tanzanian company or organisation. You will need the following when applying for the Business Visa.

• A copy of your valid passport (bio data page)
• A flight ticket
• The Visa fee receipt.

Multiple entry Visa: The Multiple Entry Visa allows travellers to have multiple visits to the country within a specified time, usually 6 months to 2 years, depending on the specification. The maximum time one can spend per visit is 3 months per visit and the requirements include the following:

• A valid passport
• A cover letter showing the purpose of your trip
• A host in Tanzania although this is optional
• A marriage certificate if you are married
• Visa-fee receipt
• A return flight ticket.

All US citizens must apply for the Multi-Entry Visa at $100 per person because they are not allowed to apply for the single-entry visa.

The Gratis Visa: The Gratis Visa in Tanzania is issued to persons who have Official and Diplomatic Passports and are working in Tanzania either in international organisations or embassies. The Gratis Visa has features that are similar to the multiple-entry visa. The Commissioner General of Immigration and the Commissioner of Immigration, Zanzibar, are in charge of the Gratis Visa.

Student Visa: This is for international students coming to Tanzania to further their studies. Many of the student visas issued are normally for two years, but these can be extended depending on the course you are taking. To be able to get the student visa, you need to submit the following:

The admission letter that is issued by the Tanzanian institute you are planning to attend

Visa fee payment

A copy of a valid passport with the biodata page visible and the last page.

The Transit Visa: The Transit Visa is given to Nationals travelling to other countries through Tanzania. The Transit Visa is a single-entry visa which is valid for up to seven days. You will also need a valid passport and a ticket.

NB: Nationals that get the Referred Visa Category will need to provide additional documentation. They also refer to the official visa website for more information.

The cost of the different Tanzania Visas

The cost of the Tanzanian visa differs depending on the type of visa you are applying for. The cost of the visas as of 2025 is listed below.

Ordinary visa/ Single Entry: $50

Multiple Entry Visa: $100

Transit Visa: $30

Business Visa: $250

Gratis Visa: This is free of charge

Student Visa: The cost of the student visa is $50 for a single entry, which is 3 months, $300 for 6 months, $250 for two years and $550 for two years for those who are taking on PHD studies.

Rejection of a Visa application in Tanzania

Sometimes the Visa application in Tanzania is rejected and some of the reasons as to why they are rejected include having a passport that is not valid for at least 6 moths beyond your stay, your supporting documents not being complete, application form that is not fully and accurately filled, previous immigration violations in Tanzania and if the visa is not paid for correctly.

Applying for and obtaining the Tanzania Visa is a straightforward process if you fully and correctly follow all the steps. Ensure that the right documents are uploaded and the right requirements met whether you choose the E-Visa, Embassy application or Visa on Arrival. Once you secure your Tanzania Visa, you have the chance of visiting and exploring Tanzania with the beautiful landscapes, vibrant culture and the rich wildlife.

For more information about the Tanzania Visa, get in touch with us at Encounter Africa Safaris. Our staff is always ready to help with the application process and organize a smooth safari for you within East Africa.