Tanzania visa made easy

Once you’ve booked your dream safari in Tanzania or your beach escape to Zanzibar, there’s one important step between you and your African adventure: getting your visa! The good news is that it’s straightforward, and we’re here to guide you through it.

Two ways in… both work just fine

There are two ways to obtain your Tanzania visa: apply online before you travel (eVisa) or get it on arrival at the airport. The main difference is timing, not outcome. With an eVisa, you receive approval before you travel, whereas a visa on arrival is completed at the airport. On arrival, there are separate queues for eVisa holders and visa-on-arrival applicants, so everyone still waits – just in different queues.

One of our travel consultants regularly travels between Germany and Tanzania and has used both visa options many times. Her experience is simple: neither option is better for everyone. The eVisa offers peace of mind, as your approval is sorted before departure, though it can take on average 3 to 10 working days. The visa on arrival involves less planning before you fly, but means handling the entire process after landing. In the end, it comes down to preference…prepare in advance, or keep things flexible until you arrive.

Why we recommend applying online

The online route gives you peace of mind. You’ll arrive in Tanzania with your Visa Grant Notice already in hand, ready to get that stamp in your passport and start your adventure. This is especially valuable if you’re travelling with children or in a group.

The main advantage is knowing everything is sorted before you board the plane. Plus, if you’re travelling with kids and only one parent is going, a written permission document from the other parent is required – in English. This is not something you want to find out upon arrival at the Tanzanian airport! 

When you book with Tanzania Specialist, we take you by the hand through this process. You’ll receive a comprehensive eVisa guide in a separate email, walking you through every step. 

The essentials you need to know

• Timing matters: Apply 3-4 weeks before your departure date. This ensures your visa is processed on time and provides a buffer for any delays or issues.
• The cost: It’s 50 USD or 50 EUR whether you apply online or at the airport. Payment can be made in cash or by credit card, though credit card payments may sometimes experience delays. The ordinary visa is valid for up to 90 days and is intended for a single entry.
• US citizens, take note: You’ll need to apply for a multiple-entry visa costing 100 USD instead of the standard 50 USD single-entry visa. This requirement is due to a bilateral agreement between the US and Tanzania, meaning US passport holders are not eligible for the 50 USD single-entry visa, even for a one-time visit. The visa is valid for one year, though a single stay cannot exceed 90 days.
• Only use the official website: This is crucial. Apply only through the official Tanzania immigration website. Numerous other websites will either scam you or charge hefty service fees for something you can easily do for yourself for free.
• Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least six months upon return from Tanzania.
• One visa covers it all: Whether you’re heading to the mainland, Zanzibar, or both, you only need one visa for Tanzania.
• Travelling with children: If kids are travelling with only one parent, a written permission document from the other parent is required.

A word about the application process

When applying for your Tanzania visa, keep in mind that the system may work differently from what you’re used to. The website can go down for short periods, uploads may fail, or payments may not go through on the first try.

Stay calm and think “TIA” – This Is Africa. Usually, trying again later or switching browsers (Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome work best) solves the issue. One of our clients had to upload documents three times due to timeouts, but after a short wait, everything went through without a problem.

Ready to go?

Both the eVisa and visa on arrival work well. The online option takes a bit more time and requires extra information, but it gives you control and peace of mind – great for those who like to have everything sorted in advance. Visa on arrival is simpler, needing just your passport (and sometimes a return ticket). It’s perfect if you want to skip online forms or don’t have a credit card. Whichever route you choose, make sure to check all requirements, especially passport validity and any documentation needed for children.

Get that visa sorted, and let the adventure begin!