Tanzania e-Visa Policy

Planning a trip to the breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture of Tanzania? The Tanzanian e-Visa policy is here to simplify your travel preparations, making the entry process smoother and more efficient. With the e-Visa, you can apply online, eliminating the need to visit an embassy or consulate. This means you can focus on crafting unforgettable memories in Tanzania’s national parks, pristine beaches, and historical sites.

Here’s a comprehensive guide on what you need to know about Tanzania’s e-Visa policy:

What is a Tanzania e-Visa?

Imagine skipping the long queues and paperwork hassles of traditional visa applications. The Tanzanian e-Visa is a digital authorization that grants you entry for tourism or business purposes, entirely handled online.

Visa policy of Tanzania

The Tanzania visa policy also applies to Zanzibar, allowing most travel permits to cover both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.More than 150 countries' citizens can apply online for a Tanzanian visa. Some territories are visa-free for Tanzanian citizens, but a visa is required for all other international nationals.

Applying for a visa online from home saves time and effort, ensuring your visa is ready before you travel for a smooth entry into Tanzania.

While visas can still be obtained upon arrival, this often involves longer wait times and requires cash payment in US dollars. To avoid the hassle, e-Visa is recommended.

Note that Tanzanian embassies no longer issue visas. If you don't need a referral visa, you can use the On-Arrival Visa service. Choose the option that suits you best for a hassle-free journey.

Tanzanian Tourist Visa Information

Citizens of about 40 countries can visit Tanzania visa-free, while others need a visa for tourism or leisure. There are no visa restrictions on any nationality.

Some nationalities can attain a visa upon arrival, but this can involve long waits and the risk of entry denial due to incomplete applications. For these reasons, it is recommended that eligible nationalities apply for an online visa.

Benefits of the e-Visa

Convenience: Apply from Anywhere, Anytime

The e-Visa offers unparalleled convenience, allowing you to apply from the comfort of your home or any location with internet access. 

Efficiency: Quick and Simple Application

The online e-Visa application is designed to be quick and straightforward. You can complete the necessary forms in just a few minutes, avoiding the extensive paperwork.

Speed: Fast Approval

You can receive your e-Visa approval in as little as 10 business days, making it ideal for last-minute travel plans. However, it is recommended that you apply at least three weeks in advance to ensure you have your e-Visa well before your departure date.

Security: Safe and Secure Process

The e-Visa application process prioritizes your security. The online portal uses secure payment gateways along with encrypted data transmission to protect your personal and financial information, providing peace of mind throughout the application process.

Eligibility Criteria of Tanzanian Visas

Whether your nationality is allowed visa-free entry, visa on arrival, or requires an e-visa application, knowing the specific eligibility criteria is crucial.

Countries Eligible for the Tanzanian e-Visa:

The Tanzanian government maintains a dynamic list of nationalities eligible for e-Visas. Citizens of the following countries are eligible for Tanzanian e-Visa:

List Of Countries Whose Nationals Do Not Require Visa To Enter The United Republic Of Tanzania.

List Of Countries Whose Nationals Require Regular Visa

Tanzania Visa requirements for tourists:

To visit Tanzania as a tourist, you need a visa, available online (e-Visa) or upon arrival. Your passport must be valid for six months with a blank page. Check yellow fever vaccination requirements and provide proof of departure.

For an e-Visa, apply online and pay the fee. For a visa on arrival, each traveller must appear in person, complete an arrival declaration card, and pay in cash. Tourist visas allow up to 3 months per visit.

US citizens need a multiple-entry visa upon arrival. For stays beyond three months, they must apply for a residence permit. The Tanzania Visa requirements page provides detailed information on all requirements. 

Tanzania Visa requirements for business travellers:

Business travellers to Tanzania will typically need a business visa. You will need a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay, proof of travel bookings, and an invitation letter from your host company in Tanzania detailing the purpose and duration of your visit.

Visa requirements can change, so verify the latest information before your trip. Ensuring you have up-to-date details will help guarantee a smooth travel experience.

Tanzania Visa requirements for students:

To study in Tanzania for more than 90 days, you'll need a student visa. Apply for the e-visa (if available for your nationality) with a valid passport, travel/accommodation bookings, and your Tanzanian school's acceptance letter.

Remember, visa requirements can fluctuate, so ensure you have the most up-to-date information before your trip.

Visa requirements for Tanzania residents with work permits:

Planning a long-term stay in Tanzania requires a residence permit for business, investment, employment, or other legitimate reasons.

The residence permit system has three categories: Class A, B, and C, each with specific sub-categories. Consult the official Residence Permit Matrix to find the right category.

Ensure your permit is approved before entering Tanzania. You may also need a relevant registration certificate or license.

Most applicants need a work permit from the Ministry of Labour, except for research, court cases, or retirement.

Necessary Conditions for a Tanzanian Visa

Tanzania offers various types of visas, each with its own application process. To choose the appropriate visa, assess your specific situation and needs. Here are some general guidelines for applying for a visa to Tanzania.

• Before submitting your visa application, ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months and has at least one unused visa page;
• Choosing the appropriate visa type is crucial, as applying for the incorrect one could result in rejection;
• Visa applications require specific documents depending on the visa type. Review the requirements carefully to ensure you submit everything needed;
• Visa applications need to be submitted: 
• 10 days before travel for most applicants.
• 2 months in advance for referral countries.
• Double-check your visa application before submitting it - changes aren't possible afterwards;
• If your visa is rejected, Tanzania reserves the right to withhold the reasons for the rejection;
• Visa approvals can't be postponed or changed once issued;
• Applicants are advised to abstain from travelling to Tanzania until their visa applications are approved. Entry before approval will incur a non-refundable visa fee;
• Your visa will have a specified start and end date. Plan your trip accordingly;
• A Visa grant notification alone does not guarantee entry into Tanzania. The immigration officer at the entry point makes the final decision.

All Visa fees are prepaid, non-refundable, and non-transferable. This policy applies in all circumstances, including but not limited to the following.

• Upon rejection/denial of the Visa application.
• Upon cancellation of the Visa application by the applicant after submission.
• Upon cancellation or postponement of travel by the applicant after receiving a Visa approval.
• If you make a double payment by submitting another Visa application before the first one is processed.
• If you make a double payment by arriving before your online visa is approved and the Immigration Officer requires you to pay for a Visa on arrival.
• Upon not receiving a Visa Grant notification in your email.

Note: You are advised to track the progress of your applications online using the credentials you submitted while filling out the visa application form.

Liability

The Immigration Services Department is not liable for delays or cancellations due to events beyond its control, such as natural disasters, government actions, war, national emergencies, or acts of terrorism.

Modification of Terms and Conditions.

The Immigration Service Department may change the terms and conditions without prior notice. It is your responsibility to review these terms and conditions regularly.

According to the Tanzania Immigration Website:

• American citizens are required to apply for a Multiple-Entry Visa and cannot apply for a Single-Entry Visa.
• The Tanzania Transit Visa is intended solely for transit purposes and not for tourism.
• Refugees and stateless persons must provide Vienna Convention documents to be eligible for referral visas.

For your better understanding and planning to go to Tanzania, some entry points of Tanzania are stated as follows:

• Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA);
• Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA);
• Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (AAKIA);
• Namanga border;
• Tunduma border.

How to Apply for a Tanzania eVisa

Ready to apply for your Tanzania eVisa? In just 2 minutes, this video breaks down the entire process step by step. From filling out the application form to receiving approval, it’ll guide you through everything you need to know. Watch now and make your Tanzania travel planning stress-free!