Visas for US, UK, Aus and most first world country citizens traveling to Tanzania are mandatory. embassies recommends that visitors obtain visas before traveling Tanzania, but visas are also available at ports of entry upon arrival. Please note however that long queues and delays in visa processing are the normal and may mean standing in queues for up to 2 hours. It is best to obtain an online visa via the following portal
https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa/
A passport valid for a minimum of six months beyond visa issuance and/or date of entry, and at least one blank visa page is required. Visitors who enter on visas must present a round-trip ticket and demonstrate they have sufficient funds for their stay.
Be prepared to show your passport and explain your visa status when entering or departing Zanzibar or when traveling around the mainland.
https://www.immigration.go.tz/index.php/en/services/visa-information
E-visas for Tanzania — How To Guide
It is highly recommended to obtain a visa in advance of travel to Tanzania, either an e-visa or a paper visa in your passport from an embassy or high commission. Visas on arrival are still possible for some nationalities but result in long queues of sometimes more than 2 hours.
Arrivals into the following ports in Tanzania are able to obtain an e-visa:
• Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR)
• Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
• Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ)
• Namanga (road border between Arusha and Nairobi)
• Tunduma (road border between Tanzania and Zambia)
Other ports do not have the systems in place currently to process e-visas quickly, although they can still be accepted, but may take longer – e.g. Tarime lsebania border (for arrivals from the Masai Mara).
Where do you apply?
Applications must be made by the individual traveller here: https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa/
There is additional information about the visa options available and required information here: https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa/guidelines
Some nationalities can also apply for visas in person at a local Tanzania Embassy or High Commission.
How long does it take to process the e-visas?
Official processing time is 2–3 weeks, so please apply well before your travel departure date.
What do you need to apply for an e-visa?
Information required varies depending on the type of visa required, but all travellers will need to provide:
• Passport details – JPEG photograph of passport biometric pages
• Photograph of yourself – JPEG smaller than 300kb - does not need to be an official
passport photograph, simply a clear photograph against a plain wall/background
• Copy of return flight ticket – PDF or JPEG
• Contact for first destination – typically your first hotel or you can enquire with us and we will send you contact info for our local agent's office - different for each trip.
• Mother and father’s names and nationalities
• Choose a security question of your own selection - to check visa status later
• One question asks for “Host details” – if you simply write “Self” then you do not need
to complete the rest of that section
What next once I have paid and applied?
We recommend logging in after 10 days – 2 weeks to check the status of your visa and if approved print the confirmation document to take with you, to present on arrival. Printed documents are preferred, not a screenshot on your mobile phone/tablet device, as the paperwork is required as part of visa processing in-country.
Can you still get a visa on arrival?
Yes, anyone who was previously able to, and planning to, get a visa on arrival can still do so. The list of nationalities requiring visas, and pricing has not changed either. However, travellers should now be aware that if they are arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport (and likely the other arrivals ports in time) that there will be several queues to stand in and the whole process can take more than 2 hours before you are through immigration and able to collect your luggage. If you have a tight onward connection we would not recommend getting a visa on arrival.
What advice do you have for people who are not able to get visas on arrival?
Please be aware of the change in processes at Kilimanjaro and the expected time of +/- 2 hours to process through visa and immigration formalities. The best advice is to remain calm and to be prepared: ensure you have the correct US$ currency denominations to pay for your visas, have a pen to complete the arrivals form as well as information such as contact information (first hotel or Asilia address above) and if possible try to get off the plane without too much delay. Take a bottle of water off the flight with you. Expect queues and please exercise patience while the airport authorities adjust to the new process. Your driver will be waiting for you when you have picked up your luggage, no matter how long you take.