Tanzania Visa on Arrival
Your one-stop guide to learn about Tanzania Visa On Arrival. This post will discuss the Tanzania Visa On Arrival, Visa application process, Tanzania Visa requirements and the Tanzania visa policy.
May 8, 2023
13 min read
The United Republic of Tanzania introduced the e-Visa system in November 2018, allowing citizens to apply for a visa (online) to enter Zanzibar and Tanzania Mainland.
Type of visa: Tanzania Evisa
Tanzania evisa fees: USD 50
Visa processing time: 10 business days
Is there a visa on arrival? Yes, Tanzania has visa on arrival
The quickest way to apply? Atlys.
U.S. nationals can apply for the Tanzania eVisa before traveling to Tanzania. You may also apply for a Tanzania visa on arrival if you want to get a visa at the airport. However, applying for an eVisa is faster and more convenient.
US nationals can apply for the following visa:
These visas will be discussed in more detail on the Types Of Tanzania Visas.
For the Ordinary Visa, you'll need to collect the following documents:
For the Multiple Entry Visa, you'll need to collect the following documents:
In addition to the documents listed above, you should gather a few different documents.
Now, these are not mandatory documents to meet the Tanzania Visa requirements, but having these will help prove the purpose of your trip when you apply for the Tanzania evisa.
Have you ever found that applying for a visa is very stressful and tedious? From missing documents to tiny errors and websites crashing, all left you wondering if you will ever get this visa. However, with Atlys, you can complete a Tanzania evisa application error-free in under 10 minutes.
This sounds crazy, right?
But this is what you can expect from Atlys:
Still don't believe me? Download the Atlys app and start your Tanzania evisa application now.
Obtaining an e-Visa for Tanzania is simple. As long as you meet the visa requirements and follow the steps indicated below for the Tanzania evisa application online, you'll have your eVisa for Tanzania in no time.
You can complete your visa application online through Atlys. It's as easy as downloading the app and scanning your passport's barcode. By using the app, you're eliminating any chances of making mistakes when completing your applications.
Step 1 - Gather All The Required Documents
The first step shouldn't take too long, as the document requirements are pretty straightforward. Just be sure to upload your documents onto your computer/laptop before applying.
Your photo and passport copies must be under 300KB. If not, they won't load. Instead, try using Atlys' free passport photo tool to get your photo in minutes.
Step 2 - Complete The Tanzania Online Visa Application
Here comes the tedious part. You now need to head over to the government's online portal to make your Visa application online.
I'll walk you through the entire application process and what you can expect.
First, head over to the Tanzania online visa application and select "Start new application". You'll be redirected to a new page.
In this section, provide information about yourself and save the application I.D. Each application is associated with your passport number.
Often, the information is not saved, so completing this in one sitting is recommended. Ensure everything matches the information on your documents.
After entering your details, you'll receive a unique application I.D. Ensure that you write it down and keep it safe. Then, if you decide to complete your application later, you can use this unique I.D. to log back in.
Next, you'll be asked to enter your personal information. This consists mainly of your name(s), date of birth, and nationality.
Make sure your information is correct; otherwise, your Tanzania Visa application form may be denied.
Tanzania requires information about your employment to ascertain that you have an incentive to return to your home country. You can put 'N.A.' in the 'Employer' and 'Occupation' fields if you're retired.
When entering your passport details on the Tanzania visa application online, ensure that your details are the same as your actual passport. Remember, small mistakes like entering an incorrect passport number can lead to your visa being denied.
Here is where you need to fill in details about your trip and the type of visa you're applying for under "Type of visa requested." Now, under "the purpose of your trip ", you must select tourism. Finally, if you're a U.S. citizen, you'll find an option that says "bilateral agreement ".
Sometimes, you'll find the options won't load (see the image below). If this happens, refresh your page until it works.
Tanzania requires a photo of your passport, proof of flight reservations to Tanzania and back, and your own photo. If your photos are more than 300KB, use this tool to compress them.
Before submitting your Visa application online, ensure that all the information you provide is correct and accurate. Be diligent. As mentioned, small mistakes can lead to a denied visa.
Step 3 - Submit Your Application
After completing your application, you need to pay the Tanzania evisa fees. Once you've completed the payment, you'll be notified about your application via email.
There are evisa payment issues that you may encounter. Please familiarize yourself with these and how to solve them before submitting your application.
Step 4 - Wait For Feedback
Now, all you need to do is wait patiently for your visa to be processed.
Your visa will be processed within 10 business days. However, the average time is around three (3) days. Then, once approved, you'll receive an email with your new Tanzania e-Visa.
You also have the option to check your Tanzania visa status online. Just head over to the online portal and select Check Visa Status.
Afterward, you'll be redirected to the page below. Just enter your travel information to check your visa status.
Step 5 - Travel To Tanzania
Once you have submitted your visa online and your application is approved, you'll receive an email with your new Tanzania visa for USA citizens.
Here are a few important things to know about the Tanzania Visa for U.S. citizens. Keep these in mind before you apply for a Tanzania visa online.
The fee payable depends on the type of e-Visa you apply for. For your convenience, I'll list the fees for each e-visa available (in USD):
Atlys only charges 20 USD for a Tanzania Visa for U.S. citizens. Instead of applying online, why not rather apply through an app?
Once you obtain your Ordinary Visa, it will be valid for 30 or 90 days (depending on the duration of your trip).
For the Multiple Entry Visa, once you receive it, it will be valid for 12 months. Nonetheless, you're not allowed to stay in Tanzania for 12 consecutive months.
The general rule is that you must leave Tanzania after a 3-month stay.
According to the government website, the e-Visa processing time is usually within 10 days of submitting a complete application.
Be mindful that incomplete applications can lead to your Tanzania Visa application form being denied.
It's important to review your application before submitting it to ensure everything you entered is correct and accurate.
Yes.
There is a Tanzania Visa On Arrival option. However, only certain airports within Tanzania will issue a Visa upon Arrival.
The waiting time is around 2 hours. However, you may need to wait longer for your visa during peak seasons. For this reason, it's recommended that you apply online through Atlys.
If you plan on traveling to Zanzibar, it's important to understand that Zanzibar and Tanzania share the same visa policy.
There is no official Zanzibar e-Visa. Instead, you need to apply for the Tanzania e-Visa when planning a trip to Zanzibar.
If you're planning to visit Kenya from Tanzania, make sure to apply for your Kenya Visa on Arrival.
In addition to the points mentioned above, here are a few more points to consider when applying for the Tanzania e-Visa:
Here are the different types of visas available for Tanzania:
Applying for an ordinary visa should you require medical treatment in Tanzania is also possible. Nonetheless, take note that you'll need to submit relevant documents for the purpose of your trip.
Suppose you plan to visit Tanzania for medical reasons. In that case, you'll need to submit a letter from a recognized medical official stating that you must receive medical attention in Tanzania.
Once you obtain your Tanzania evisa, it will be valid for 30 or 90 days (depending on the duration of your trip).
When applying for your Tanzania evisa, you must select the Multiple Entry Visa when applying for the visa online.
Furthermore, the Multiple Entry Visa has its own set of requirements. Therefore, be sure to gather all the requirements (indicated during the online application process) before starting your application.
Business Visa: This type of visa is designed for individuals who intend to visit Tanzania for business-related activities, such as attending conferences, meetings, or exploring business opportunities. The Business Visa is typically valid for a period of 90 days, and this Visa is neither renewable nor extendable unless a special permission is granted by the Commissioner General of Immigration.
Transit Visa: This visa is intended for individuals who are passing through Tanzania to reach their final destination. The Transit Visa is valid for a maximum of seven days and can only be used once.
Gratis Visa: This type of visa is issued free of charge to individuals who are visiting Tanzania for official government duties, diplomatic missions, or humanitarian reasons. The Gratis Visa is typically valid for a period of 90 days and can be extended upon request.
Student Visa: This visa is intended for individuals who wish to study in Tanzania. It is valid for a period of one year and can be extended as long as the student remains enrolled in an accredited institution.
Unfortunately, you can't enter Tanzania from anywhere. Instead, there are 5 specific ports of entry you must use to enter Tanzania. Take a look:
Your entry into Tanzania may be denied if you enter through other ports.
All incoming travelers must complete an online health surveillance form twenty-four hours before departure. If you use Atlys for your visa, this is automatically done for you free of cost.
This form is a short recap of the visa - enter your accommodation address, dates, and contact information.
Provide details about your trip in this section, including dates and accommodation.
Mention any illness that might have occurred in the last week before arrival in Tanzania.
Upon submission, you will get a unique health code, aka "traveler code," that you must save and present upon arrival in Tanzania.
And there you have it, a complete guide on how to successfully apply for your Tanzania e-Visa. I hope this blog has answered the question of "How do I get a Tanzania Visa online?". Once you've successfully obtained your visa, it's time to celebrate and get excited about your next great adventure in Africa!
Will you use Atlys for your Tanzania E-visa application?
Be sure to read our FAQ section for more information about the Tanzania e-Visa.
Government Sources
The information in this post was all gathered from trusted government sources:
This blog was written and fact-checked with AI assistance.
Yes, you do. You must apply for your Tanzania visa online at least a week or two before travel. A multiple-entry visa is the only type of visa available to holders of American passports.
Please note that Visa applications will be processed within ten days of submission. To ensure timely consideration, applicants are strongly advised to observe the provided stipulated timeline when making their submissions.
Children are required to get an e-Visa for Tanzania as well. During your (the parent's) online application process, you must enter your child's details under the Travel companion section.
You need to apply for their Tanzania e-Visa separately. When doing this, under the Travel companion section, enter your details. You can now enjoy all the national treasures of Tanzania.
Yes. Travelers can now conveniently apply for an online visa to visit both the Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar. The process entails filling out an online application, submitting it, and making payment, all in a few clicks.
You will get an email with your approved Tanzania visa. Remember to check your spam folder, just in case.
If you apply for an eVisa, you can pay online at the end of your application.
Once you enter Tanzania, you need to present the following:
No. You can enter Tanzania on any date you choose within the validity period of your visa. For example, if your visa is issued from January 1 - March 1, you can enter Tanzania on January 15 if you like.
Americans can only apply for a Multiple Entry Visa and can only enter as tourists.
Yes. Suppose you wish to extend your e-Visa for Tanzania. In that case, you need to visit the immigration center located in Dar es Salaam. Once there, you'll find a visa extension application. After completing the request, your application will be processed in a few days.
Be mindful that you must extend your e-visa before it expires.
Albania, Algeria, American Samoa, Andorra, Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belarus, Belgium, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Ivory Coast, Croatia, Cuba, Curacao, the Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, French Polynesia, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Greenland, Guadeloupe, Guam, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, and Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Laos, Latvia, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Martinique, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Niue, North Korea, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Pitcairn Islands, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Reunion, Russia, SSaint Barthelemy, Saint Martin, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, South Sudan, Spain, Sudan, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Taiwan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay, U.S. Virgin Islands, Venezuela, Vietnam, Wallis and Futuna, and Yemen.
If you're from the following countries: Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Abkhazia, Bangladesh, Chad, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Georgia, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Lebanon, Mali, Mauritania, Nigeria, Niger, Pakistan, Palestine, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sri Lanka - you need to apply for a Visa at your local Tanzania Embassy or Consulate.
You can check your Tanzania Visa status by logging into the online portal with your details.
Yellow Fever vaccine is required if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. More Information can be found by visiting the CDC website.
If you're from one of the following countries, you don't need a visa for Tanzania:
Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, Ashmore & Certie Island, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Belize, Brunei, British Virgin Island, British Indian Ocean Territory, Botswana, Cyprus, Cayman Island, Channel Island, Cook Island, Cocoas Island, Christmas Island, Dominica, Falkland Island, Gambia, Ghana, Gibraltar, Grenada, Guyana, Heard Island, Hong Kong, Isle of Man, Jamaica, Jersey, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Montserrat, Malaysia, Madagascar, Malta, Mauritius, Macao, Mozambique, Nauru, Namibia, Norfolk, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Romania, Ross Dependency, Samoa, Seychelles, Singapore, Swaziland, Solomon Island, St. Kitts&Navis, St. Lucia, St. Vicent, St. Helana, South African Republic, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks & Caicos, Tokelan Tonga, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
You can stay for as long as your visa is valid, which is usually between 30-90 days.