Tanzania e-Visa Application Tips: How to Apply Smoothly

For most international visitors, the Tanzania e-visa is the simplest way to arrange entry. You apply online before you travel, receive a grant notice by email and present it with your passport when you land. It removes much of the uncertainty of queuing for a visa on arrival after a long flight.

The process is straightforward, but small mistakes can cause delays. These are the tips we share with every guest before they apply. Always check the current rules for your own nationality, as requirements and fees can change.

Use only the official portal

Apply through the official Tanzania Immigration e-visa portal at visa.immigration.go.tz. Many lookalike websites offer to process applications for an added service fee, and some appear high in search results. They are not necessary, and using them can expose your personal and payment details to unnecessary risk.

Check the web address carefully before entering any information, and bookmark the official site once you find it.

Prepare your documents first

Gather everything before you start the online form, as the session may time out if you step away for too long.

• A scanned copy of your passport bio-data page, clear and fully legible.
• A recent passport-style photo that meets the portal's size and background rules.
• Your return or onward flight details.
• Your first night's accommodation address in Tanzania, or your operator's details.
• A credit or debit card for online payment.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most frequent problems we see are simple data-entry errors. Your name must match your passport exactly, including middle names, and your passport number must be entered without errors. A single wrong character can mean your grant does not match your passport at the immigration desk.

Photos are another common issue. Avoid selfies, glasses glare, shadows and busy backgrounds. Choose the correct visa type for a holiday, which is usually the ordinary tourist visa, and double-check your intended arrival date.

When to apply

Processing times vary. Some applications are approved within days, while others take longer, especially at busy times. We suggest applying several weeks before travel and not leaving it to the final week. At the same time, do not apply too early: check the portal for any rules on how far in advance the visa can be issued and how long it remains valid for entry.

Use the portal's status check to track your application, and look in your spam folder for emails from the immigration service. Keep your application reference number somewhere safe, as you will need it to check progress or contact the immigration service about any problem.

After approval

Once approved, download and print your visa grant notice and keep a digital copy on your phone. Airlines may ask to see it at check-in, and immigration officers will want it on arrival. Your fingerprints and photo are usually taken at the arrival desk.

Remember that the visa covers the whole United Republic of Tanzania, including Zanzibar. If you plan to leave and re-enter, for example on a trip to Kenya, check whether your visa allows multiple entries.