Independent visa information and application-assistance service. We are not a government authority. Visa rules can change and final immigration decisions are made by the competent Tanzanian authorities.

Tanzania eVisa eligibility ยท Policy reviewed 23 August 2026

Check Your Tanzania eVisa Eligibility Before Applying

Choose your nationality, passport type, travel purpose and planned stay. The result explains the visa route that most closely matches current Tanzania Immigration policy before you begin an application.

All foreign nationalitiesPolicy-based route matchingReferral-case screeningNo eligibility-check fee

This checker is guidance, not an approval decision. It uses nationality and category rules from Tanzania Immigration policy; individual circumstances can require additional review.

US$50Ordinary Visa
US$100Multiple Entry Visa
US$250Business Visa
US$30Transit Visa
10 daysstated normal online processing; referral cases excluded

Start with the right route

What the Tanzania eVisa Process Means for Travellers

Tanzania operates an online visa application route for travellers who require a visa and meet the relevant category rules. Your correct route depends on nationality, passport or travel-document type, purpose of travel and intended length of stay.

An approved visa allows a traveller to present themselves for entry clearance; it does not guarantee admission. At arrival, immigration officers can verify the visa, passport and supporting travel information before admitting the traveller.

Step by step

How to Apply for a Tanzania eVisa

Prepare your information before beginning. Incomplete or inconsistent applications can delay a decision.

  1. 1

    Check eligibility

    Confirm whether your nationality is visa-exempt, uses a normal visa route, requires referral processing, or needs a different immigration permission.

  2. 2

    Choose the visa type

    Select the category that matches tourism, business, transit, study, official duty or another permitted purpose.

  3. 3

    Prepare passport details

    Enter your name, nationality, passport number, issue and expiry dates exactly as shown in the passport.

  4. 4

    Add travel information

    Provide intended arrival details, accommodation or host information and onward or return travel information where required.

  5. 5

    Upload documents

    Attach the passport bio page, recent photograph and any category-specific letters, tickets or supporting evidence.

  6. 6

    Review before payment

    Check spelling, dates, passport details, email address and visa category carefully before submission.

  7. 7

    Pay the applicable fee

    Visa fees depend on category. Keep the payment and application references associated with the submission.

  8. 8

    Track the decision

    Retain your application identification details, monitor the status and keep the approved visa documentation available for travel.

Documents

Tanzania eVisa Required Documents

Exact supporting documents vary by visa type and personal circumstances. These are the core documents travellers should prepare before applying.

Passport bio page

A clear copy of the biographical-data page from the passport used for travel. The passport should normally remain valid for at least six months and contain an unused visa page.

Recent passport photograph

Use a recent colour photograph with a clear, front-facing view and plain background. Follow the file-format and size instructions shown during submission.

Return or onward travel

Tourist, visitor and transit applications may require evidence showing onward or return travel plans.

Accommodation or host details

Prepare hotel, accommodation or host information that supports the purpose and location of your stay.

Business supporting documents

Short-term business applicants may need a covering letter, proof of assignment, company information or related supporting evidence.

Study / referral documents

Study and referral cases can require an institution or host letter, invitation information and additional supporting evidence before approval.

Visa categories

Which Tanzania Visa Type Fits Your Trip?

Visa routeTypical purposeKey ruleCurrent fee
Ordinary VisaTourism, holiday, family/private visit and other qualifying short visitsGenerally single entry; normally up to 90 daysUS$50
Multiple Entry VisaQualifying repeated travel; U.S. passport holders travelling for tourism/holiday use this categoryMay be valid up to 12 months; maximum consecutive stay generally 90 daysUS$100
Business VisaQualifying short-term business or professional assignmentsNot a substitute for employment or residence permissionUS$250
Transit VisaPassing through Tanzania to another destinationRequires onward travel evidence; not for tourismUS$30
Student routeStudy, research, internship or qualifying academic programmesSupporting institution documents required; category and duration affect feeVaries by category
Gratis / official routeQualifying diplomatic, service or official travelDepends on travel document and official purposeGratis when eligible

Advance review

Referral Visa Applicants

Some nationalities and travel-document holders are subject to referral processing. These travellers should apply in advance and should not rely on obtaining a visa on arrival. Current policy guidance advises referral cases to allow substantially more time, with at least two months recommended before intended travel.

Referral cases should prepare for:

  • Advance online application
  • Additional immigration review
  • Host or invitation details where applicable
  • Waiting for approval before beginning the journey
  • Possible additional supporting-document requests
Review referral requirements

Before departure

What to Carry When Travelling to Tanzania

Travel passport

Travel using the same valid passport used in the visa application and keep the approved visa documentation accessible.

Return / onward evidence

Be prepared to show onward or return travel and information supporting the purpose and duration of the visit.

Health and supporting records

Carry any health certificate or supporting travel document that applies to your itinerary and current entry rules.

Processing & decisions

How Long Does Tanzania eVisa Processing Take?

Current Tanzania Immigration guidance states that normal online visa applications are processed within about ten days, excluding referral applications. This is a processing guideline, not a guaranteed approval date.

Referral cases require additional review and should be submitted substantially earlier. Travellers should avoid non-changeable travel commitments that depend on a visa decision arriving by a specific date.

Common questions

Tanzania eVisa FAQ

Can every foreign national use this eligibility checker?

Yes. The nationality list covers foreign passport countries and the checker also includes ordinary, diplomatic/official, refugee and stateless travel-document routes. The result is guidance and cannot replace an immigration decision.

Do U.S. citizens apply for the Ordinary Tourist Visa?

No. Current policy states that U.S. passport holders travelling for tourism or holiday should apply under the Multiple Entry Visa category even if they plan only one visit.

Can I use a tourist eVisa for employment?

No. Employment and longer-term work can require a work or residence permission rather than a visitor visa. Use a visa category that matches the real activity.

Does an approved visa guarantee entry?

No. Visa approval allows you to travel for entry clearance, but admission remains subject to immigration inspection and compliance with entry requirements.

Is Zanzibar covered by Tanzania visa rules?

Zanzibar is part of the United Republic of Tanzania. Travellers should still review itinerary-specific health, arrival and travel requirements.

View all Tanzania visa FAQs

Ready for the next step?

Check first. Prepare your documents. Apply with the correct visa route.

Use the checker before starting and review your passport and supporting documents carefully.