Most foreign nationals need a visa to enter Tanzania. Previously, tourists had two options to obtain a tourist visa: to get a visa upon arrival or apply in advance through their nation’s Tanzanian consulate, which required sending their passport away in the mail and waiting for it to be returned. The latter option was less than ideal, time-consuming, and somewhat risky if you’ve ever experienced the postal system losing your passport.
Thankfully, the process has become easier. Now tourists can apply for an Electronic Visa to enter Tanzania as a tourist. Don’t let the prospect of a visa deter you—it is a very simple step, similar to the requirements nearly every nation in the world has for travelers.
The cost of a Tanzanian tourist visa is $50 USD for most travelers and $100 USD for American citizens. Citizens of some countries (such as several neighboring African countries) can enter Tanzania for free without a visa.
To see if your country is exempt from requiring a tourist visa, please check out Tanzania’s official visa exemption list here.
For convenience and peace of mind, we highly recommend applying for a tourist visa in advance through the official Tanzania Immigration website.
Visit the Tanzania Immigration Department website to complete and pay for your application securely online.
Official online visa guidelines may be found here.
Key Guidelines:
Important Tips:
Completing the Online Application Form
The authentic E-Visa application portal can be accessed here.
To apply for your E-Visa, visit the official Tanzania Immigration website. Be sure to use the authentic portal and avoid sharing your passport number or other important details with unofficial sites.
If you are unable to complete your application in one sitting, you can return to it using your email address and application number. Simply select “Continue Application” when revisiting.
You can check the status of your application on the Visa Status page, which indicates if your visa is received, in process, or approved.
Important Details:
Provide a physical address in Tanzania and the names of your host.
Under the Local Host section:
If the E-Visa process feels complicated or you face technical issues, you can still obtain a visa upon arrival. However, completing the E-Visa in advance saves significant time at the airport.
E-Visa Advantage:
Visa on Arrival:
Citizens of certain countries must apply for a referred visa in advance. This process can take over 60 days, so plan accordingly.
Countries requiring referred visas include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Somalia, and others. For the full list, refer to Tanzania Immigration guidelines.
If you need assistance with a referral visa, Shiri Adventures can guide you through the application process and ensure a smooth experience.
Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Tanzania. If your passport’s expiration date is close, consider renewing it before applying for your E-Visa.
For additional questions about visitor visas to Tanzania, feel free to contact Shiri Adventures, we’re happy to help!
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