Comparison Between Tanzania Visa on Arrival and eVisa

When visiting Tanzania, travelers can choose between a Tanzania Visa on Arrival and an Tanzania eVisa. Both options grant entry, but they differ in terms of application process, waiting times, payment methods, and convenience. Understanding these differences can help you choose the best option for a smooth and hassle-free trip.

Overview of Tanzania Visa on Arrival and eVisa

Travelers visiting Tanzania can choose between a Visa on Arrival and an eVisa. Both allow entry, but they differ in terms of application process, waiting times, and convenience. Below is a comparison to help you decide which option suits you best.

Feature	Visa on Arrival	eVisa
Application Process	Applied for upon arrival at Tanzania entry points	Applied online before travel
Processing Time	Issued on the spot (may involve long wait times)	10 - 12 Working Days
Payment Method	Cash (USD)	Online payment (credit/debit card, mobile money)
Entry Points	Available only at select airports, land borders, and seaports	Can be used at all designated entry points
Risk of Rejection	Possible if documents are insufficient or requirements not met	Approved before travel, reducing the risk of denial upon arrival

What is a Tanzania Visa on Arrival?

A Visa on Arrival is a visa that travelers can obtain after arriving at one of Tanzania’s designated entry points, such as airports and land borders.

Requirements for a Tanzania Visa on Arrival

Make sure you have these documents to avoid delays:

Valid Passport – Must be valid for at least six months and have at least one blank page.

Return Ticket – To show you plan to leave Tanzania before your visa expires.

Proof of Funds – You may need to show cash or a bank statement to confirm you can cover your stay.

Hotel Booking or Invitation Letter – If staying in a hotel, bring a confirmed booking. If staying with friends or family, an invitation letter may be needed.

Visa Fee (USD Cash Preferred) – Some entry points do not accept credit cards, so carrying cash in US dollars is recommended.

How to Apply for a Tanzania Visa on Arrival

Once you arrive at a Tanzanian entry point, follow these steps to obtain your visa:

Arrive in Tanzania – Available at major airports and land borders.
Fill Out the Application Form – Get a form from immigration and complete it.
Submit Your Documents – Provide your passport, visa form, return ticket, and hotel booking.
Pay the Visa Fee – Use USD cash as card payments may not always work.
Get Your Visa – If approved, you’ll receive a visa stamp in your passport.

Where Can You Get a Tanzania Visa on Arrival?

You can obtain a Tanzania Visa on Arrival at major entry points, including:

Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) – Dar es Salaam
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) – Kilimanjaro
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) – Zanzibar

The pros and cons of obtaining a Tanzania Visa on Arrival

Pros	Cons
No prior application required – Travelers can obtain the visa directly upon arrival at the airport or border entry point.	Long waiting times – Immigration queues can be time-consuming, especially during peak travel periods.
Convenient for last-minute travelers – Ideal for those who did not apply for an eVisa beforehand.	Uncertainty of approval – There is a slight risk of visa rejection at the border if requirements are not met.
Available at major entry points – Issued at major airports and border crossings in Tanzania.	Limited payment options – Only cash (USD) is accepted, and card payments are often unavailable.
Same validity as eVisa – Allows a stay of up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes.	Potential documentation issues – Travelers must have all required documents (passport, return ticket, proof of funds) ready, or they may face delays.
No need for online processing – Some travelers prefer handling their visa on-site rather than dealing with online applications.	Not available at all borders – Some remote entry points may not issue visas on arrival.

What is a Tanzania eVisa?

The Tanzania eVisa is an online visa that travelers must apply for before departure. It is processed electronically by the Tanzanian Immigration Department.

Application Process for Tanzania eVisa

Applying for a Tanzania eVisa is simple and can be done online from anywhere. Follow these four easy steps to get your visa approved before traveling.

Visit the Tanzania eVisa Portal – Go to the official website and select your visa type (tourist, business, transit).

Fill Out the Application Form – Enter your personal details and upload the required documents.

Pay the Visa Fee – Use a credit/debit card or mobile money to complete the payment securely online.

Receive Your eVisa – Once approved, the eVisa will be sent to your email. Print it and carry it for travel.

Benefits of Tanzania eVisa

Applying for a Tanzania eVisa offers several benefits, making it a preferred option for many travelers. Here’s why:

✅ Convenient Online Application – No need to visit an embassy or wait in long airport queues. You can apply from anywhere.

✅ Faster Entry at Immigration – Since the visa is approved before travel, you can skip the long Visa on Arrival lines.

✅ Secure Payment Process – Pay online using a credit or debit card, avoiding the hassle of carrying cash.

✅ Reduced Risk of Rejection at Border – With pre-approved entry, you minimize the chances of being denied upon arrival.

✅ Available to Most Travelers – Many nationalities are eligible to apply online, making it a widely accessible option.

✅ Trackable Application Status – You can check your Tanzania eVisa status online and receive updates.

✅ Multiple Visa Options – Apply for different types of visas (e.g., tourist, business) depending on your travel needs.

Key Differences Between Tanzania Visa on Arrival and eVisa

When traveling to Tanzania, you can choose between a Visa on Arrival or an eVisa. Both allow entry, but they differ in terms of application process, convenience, and waiting times. Understanding these differences will help you choose the best option for your trip.

Feature	Tanzania Visa on Arrival	Tanzania eVisa
Application Process	Done at the airport or land border upon arrival.	Applied online before traveling.
Waiting Time	Can take a long time due to queues.	Faster, as approval is received before travel.
Payment Method	Usually cash in USD (credit cards may not be accepted).	Paid online using credit/debit card.
Approval Time	Instant but subject to delays at immigration.	Takes a few days, so applying in advance is required.
Required Documents	Passport, return ticket, proof of funds, hotel booking.	Same documents but uploaded online in advance.
Availability	Only at major airports and land borders.	Available to eligible travelers worldwide.
Convenience	May involve long queues and delays.	More convenient, as approval is granted before travel.

Which Visa Option is Better?

Choosing the right visa depends on your travel situation:

Choose a Visa on Arrival if:

✅ You didn’t apply in advance and need an immediate visa.

✅ You are comfortable carrying cash for the visa fee.

✅ You are traveling from a country where online payments are difficult.

Choose an eVisa if:

✅ You want to avoid long queues and waiting times.

✅ You prefer a secure online payment option.

✅ You want to minimize the risk of visa denial upon arrival.

Conclusion

Both the Tanzania Visa on Arrival and eVisa are convenient options for travelers, but the eVisa is generally the better choice due to faster processing at entry points, online payment options, and lower risk of denial. However, if you are making last-minute travel plans or do not have access to online applications, the Visa on Arrival remains a viable option.

Frequently Asked Questions

The eVisa is faster because it is approved before travel, while the Visa on Arrival may involve long queues at the airport.

No, you only need one. If you get an eVisa, you should not apply for a Visa on Arrival.

The Visa on Arrival usually requires cash in USD, while the eVisa is paid online using a credit/debit card or mobile money.

Visa on Arrival has a higher rejection risk if documents are missing or requirements are not met. With an eVisa, you get pre-approval, reducing the chance of denial at the border.

The eVisa is recommended because it ensures a smoother entry process, avoids long wait times, and provides secure online payment options.

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.