Applying for a Tanzania eVisa

Traveling to Tanzania, home to Serengeti National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Zanzibar, is an exciting experience. One of the easiest ways to obtain a visa for Tanzania is through the Tanzania eVisa, an electronic visa system that allows travelers to apply for a visa online before their trip.

Applying for an eVisa offers several advantages over the traditional Visa on Arrival or embassy application process. Here are some of the benefits that Tanzania eVisa offers: 

1. Convenience: Apply Anytime, Anywhere

The Tanzania eVisa system makes the visa application process simple and accessible. Travelers no longer need to visit embassies or consulates, as everything can be done online. This ensures greater flexibility and ease, allowing you to apply at your convenience.

• No need to visit an embassy or consulate – You can apply online from anywhere in the world.
• 24/7 application process – Unlike embassies with limited working hours, the eVisa system is available anytime.
• User-friendly online application – The Tanzania Immigration Services website provides a simple and clear application process.
• Apply for your eVisa at least 2–3 weeks before your trip to avoid last-minute stress.

2. Faster Processing Time

The Tanzania eVisa system significantly reduces waiting times compared to traditional embassy applications, which can take weeks. With different processing options available, travelers can choose the speed that best suits their travel plans.

• Traditional visa applications can take weeks when done through embassies, but the eVisa process is much quicker, saving time and effort.
• Processing time options:
• For Planned Travel (Normal Processing): Allow 10 - 12 Working Days for approval.
• For Quicker Turnaround (Rush Processing): Receive your visa within 8 - 10 Working Days for faster processing.
• For Urgent Travel (Super Rush Processing): Get your visa in as little as 6 - 8 Working Days for last-minute plans.
• Receive your visa approval by email – No need to visit an embassy or wait for a physical visa, making the process more convenient.
• No long queues at the airport – Enter Tanzania smoothly with a pre-approved eVisa, avoiding unnecessary delays at immigration.

3. Avoid Long Queues at Immigration

Applying for a Tanzanian eVisa in advance helps travelers save time and avoid unnecessary stress upon arrival. Those who rely on a Visa on Arrival (VoA) often encounter delays and potential complications.

• Travelers who rely on a Visa on Arrival (VoA) often face:
• Long wait times at immigration checkpoints, especially during peak travel periods.
• Risk of rejection if required documents are incomplete or don’t meet entry requirements.
• Payment delays if the airport doesn’t accept card payments, requiring cash transactions that may not always be convenient.

With Tanzania eVisa:

✅ No waiting in line for a visa – Simply proceed to immigration for a quick passport stamp and enter Tanzania hassle-free.

✅ Avoid last-minute visa issues – Your entry is pre-approved, ensuring a smooth and stress-free arrival experience.

4. Secure and Reliable

The Tanzania eVisa system offers a safe and dependable way to obtain a visa, eliminating common risks associated with traditional visa applications. Travelers can apply with confidence, knowing their personal data is protected and the process is secure.

• The Tanzania eVisa system is highly secure – Advanced encryption ensures that your personal and payment information remains protected.
• No need to carry cash for visa fees – All payments are made securely online, reducing the risk of theft or inconvenience.
• Receive an official electronic confirmation – No risk of losing a visa sticker or stamp, as your approval is stored electronically and linked to your passport.

5. Multiple Visa Options to Suit Your Needs

Tanzania offers different types of eVisas to accommodate various travel purposes. Choosing the right visa ensures hassle-free entry and compliance with immigration regulations.

6. Easy Payment Options

The Tanzania eVisa system offers a convenient and secure way to pay for your visa online, eliminating the need to carry cash or worry about exchange rates. Unlike a Visa on Arrival, which often requires cash payments in USD, the eVisa allows travelers to complete their transactions digitally.

• ✅ Pay online with credit/debit cards – No need to carry large amounts of cash, reducing security risks.
• ✅ Avoid exchange rate issues – The exact visa fee is charged online, ensuring transparency and preventing unexpected currency conversion fees.

Always use a reliable internet connection and double-check your payment details during the eVisa process to avoid transaction errors.

7. Accepted at All Entry Points

The Tanzania eVisa provides flexibility for travelers, allowing entry through all major airports, land borders, and seaports. Regardless of whether you're arriving by air, road, or sea, your eVisa ensures a smooth and hassle-free entry into the country.

• Airports:

  Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) – Dar es Salaam

  Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) – Arusha/Moshi

  Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) – Zanzibar

• Land Border Crossings:

  Namanga Border – Kenya-Tanzania (Arusha route)

  Sirari/Isebania Border – Kenya-Tanzania (Lake Victoria region)

  Lunga Lunga/Horohoro Border – Kenya-Tanzania (Mombasa-Tanga route)Tunduma Border – Zambia-Tanzania

• Seaports:

  Zanzibar Ferry Terminal – For travelers arriving by ferry from Dar es Salaam.

✅ Perfect for air, road, and sea travelers – No restrictions on where you can enter Tanzania with an eVisa.

8. Eliminates Visa Uncertainty

Applying for a Tanzania eVisa before your trip provides peace of mind and ensures a smooth entry process. By securing your visa in advance, you can avoid last-minute issues and focus on enjoying your travels.

• Know your visa status before departure – No unexpected surprises at the border or airport.
• No risk of being denied entry – Avoid complications due to incomplete documents or visa-related issues.
• Plan your trip confidently – With a valid eVisa, you can focus on your adventure in Tanzania without worrying about immigration delays.

If traveling from a Referral Visa country, apply well in advance to allow extra processing time and avoid disruptions to your travel plans.

9. Best Option for Zanzibar Travelers

Many travelers wonder if they need a separate visa for Zanzibar. The good news is that the Tanzania eVisa covers both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, ensuring a seamless travel experience.

• The Tanzania eVisa is valid for both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar – No need for an additional visa.
• Flexible arrival points – Whether you land in Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, or Zanzibar, your eVisa grants you entry.
• Visa-free access for certain travelers – Citizens of Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda can enter Zanzibar visa-free under the East African Community (EAC) agreement.

Tip: When arriving in Zanzibar, carry a printed copy of your eVisa approval to ensure smooth entry at immigration.

10. Cost-Effective & Transparent

The Tanzania eVisa offers a clear, fixed-fee structure that helps travelers avoid hidden charges and unnecessary expenses. By applying online, you can budget more effectively and prevent travel disruptions.

✅ Fixed visa fees – No risk of unofficial "extra fees" at border points or airports.

✅ No need for extra transport to embassies – Save time and money by completing the entire process online.

✅ Better budgeting for your trip – Know the exact cost upfront, allowing you to plan accordingly.

Tip: The eVisa fee is non-refundable, so double-check all details before submitting your application to avoid mistakes.

Benefits of Applying for Tanzania eVisa Over Traditional Visa

Applying for a Tanzania eVisa offers a faster, more convenient, and hassle-free alternative to the traditional visa process. Here’s why the eVisa is the better choice:

Tanzania eVisa Impact on Tourism

The introduction of the Tanzania eVisa has significantly improved the tourism sector by making travel more accessible and efficient. The streamlined visa process has encouraged more visitors to explore the country’s stunning landscapes, wildlife, and cultural attractions.

Key Impacts of the Tanzania eVisa on Tourism:

• Increase in Tourist Arrivals – Simplified visa procedures attract more international travelers.

• Greater Convenience for Travelers – Online applications eliminate embassy visits, making trip planning easier.

• Faster Entry Process – Pre-approved visas reduce waiting times at immigration checkpoints.

• Boost to Zanzibar Tourism – The eVisa covers both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, encouraging more visitors.

• Growth in Adventure Tourism – Easier access allows more travelers to visit attractions like Serengeti, Kilimanjaro, and Ngorongoro.

• Economic Benefits – More tourists mean increased revenue for hotels, tour operators, and local businesses.

• Enhanced Security & Regulation – Digital visa applications help authorities track visitors and improve safety measures.

• Stronger Competitive Edge in East Africa – Tanzania stands out as a top travel destination with a simple and efficient visa process.

Final Thoughts: Why You Should Apply for a Tanzania eVisa

The Tanzania eVisa is the most convenient, secure, and time-saving way to obtain a visa for your trip.

• Apply anytime, anywhere – No need to visit an embassy.
• Fast approval 8 - 10 Working Days – Avoid last-minute visa stress.
• Secure online payment – No cash needed at the airport.
• Skip long queues – Faster immigration processing.
• Valid for Zanzibar & mainland Tanzania – No extra visa required.

Content Disclaimer: While this information was last updated in March 2025, we strongly suggest confirming all travel details with the appropriate governmental agencies, embassies, and airlines.