Tanzania eVisa requirements, documents and validity
Understand eligibility, visa categories, document rules, processing, travel between Mainland and Zanzibar, and entry conditions.
What is the Tanzania Electronic Visa?
The Tanzania Electronic Visa is the online visa process for foreign nationals who require a visa for the United Republic of Tanzania, including Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar. Approval is issued as a Visa Grant Notice. Final permission to enter is decided at the point of entry.
Eligibility
Eligibility depends on nationality, passport type, travel purpose and visa category. Some nationalities are visa-exempt. Refugees, stateless persons and Referral-category nationals must obtain approval before travel.
Visa-exempt travellers
Nationals on the current exemption list do not use the normal visa application route. The form checks nationality first and displays an eligibility notice when an exemption may apply.
Referral Visa cases
Referral-category nationals, refugees and stateless applicants must apply online and wait for approval before travelling. Apply at least two months before travel. Host contact details and an invitation or application letter can be essential; a trip itinerary may be used instead of a confirmed ticket where applicable.
Ordinary Single Entry Visa
This category covers tourism and permitted short visits such as meetings, family or friend visits, workshops and exhibitions. It is valid for up to 90 days and does not permit employment or business activity. United States passport holders travelling for tourism must use Multiple Entry Visa.
Business Visa
This single-entry category covers approved short-term professional or business activity for no more than 90 days. It does not replace a work or residence permit for a longer assignment.
Multiple Entry Visa
This category includes United States passport holders travelling for tourism, selected family visits, non-resident company directors, government or bilateral work and other approved cases. It may be valid for up to 12 months, with a maximum stay of 90 consecutive days per visit.
Transit Visa
Transit Visa is only for travel through Tanzania to another country. It may be issued for up to seven days and can require evidence of onward travel or permission to enter the next destination.
Student and Gratis visas
Student Visa covers study, research, internships, volunteering, exchange programmes and other eligible academic purposes. Gratis Visa applies to eligible diplomatic, service, official or international-organization travel and other authorised cases.
Passport requirements
The passport must be valid for at least six months at application and contain at least one unused visa page. Use the same travel document throughout the application and journey.
Documents
Documents are selected according to visa type, purpose, nationality and Referral status. Standard items include a recent photograph, passport biographical page and return or onward travel evidence. Business, study, family, company, government and Referral cases require their relevant supporting records.
Photograph
Use a recent colour photograph on a plain background, facing the camera with the full face and open eyes visible. Religious head coverings are permitted when facial features remain visible. A JPEG image no larger than 45 mm by 35 mm is recommended; uploads remain permissive.
Processing and when to apply
The standard processing range is 1–10 days and applications should be submitted at least ten days before travel. Referral cases are outside the standard period and should be submitted at least two months before travel.
Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar
One visa covers travel between Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar. When visiting both, select the place entered first as the destination.
Travel and entry
A Visa Grant Notice records the issued visa conditions. Carry return or onward travel evidence and observe the approved validity dates. Every passport holder, including each minor, needs a separate application.
Changes and refusals
Submitted applications cannot normally be edited. A wrong category, missing information or documents, or unmet requirements can lead to refusal or a request for more information or an interview.