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Tanzania Tourist Visa: eVisa Process, Advantages and How to Apply

Most international travelers need a tourist visa to enter Tanzania for safari, Zanzibar beach holidays, family visits, Kilimanjaro trips and leisure travel. The Tanzania eVisa system lets eligible visitors apply online before departure, upload documents, pay securely and receive a Visa Grant Notice by email.

Apply for Tanzania Tourist Visa Official Tanzania eVisa Portal

Tourist eVisa explained

How the Tanzania tourist eVisa process works

The Tanzania Electronic Visa Application System allows foreign citizens to apply online for travel to the United Republic of Tanzania, including Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar. Applicants fill in the online form, make payment and submit the application for internal review and processing.

After submission, applicants are notified by email whether the application is accepted or rejected. The system also allows applicants to continue an existing application with an Application ID and to track application status online.

Important official rule

Choose the correct visa category

Tourism applicants normally apply for an Ordinary Visa. However, Tanzania Immigration guidance states that USA passport holders visiting for tourism or holiday must apply for a Multiple Visa, even if they plan only one entry.

Wrong visa category, missing information or insufficient attachments can lead to rejection. Travelers should review the category before submitting because changes are not normally possible after submission.

Advantages

Why apply for the Tanzania tourist eVisa before departure?

Less arrival stress

Avoid long airport queues

Online preparation helps reduce uncertainty at busy airports and land borders, especially during safari and holiday seasons.

Better document control

Fix errors before travel

Applying early gives time to review passport details, photo quality, travel dates, return tickets and accommodation information.

Status tracking

Track your application online

Applicants can use the online system to continue an application or check visa status using their Application ID and email information.

Planning confidence

Useful for safari and Zanzibar

A grant notice before departure makes it easier to coordinate flights, safari lodges, beach hotels, transfers and tour operators.

Separate applications

Organized family travel

Every passport holder needs a separate application, so online preparation helps families and groups organize each traveler’s documents.

Reduced cash issues

No exact-cash airport pressure

Online payment can reduce the need to manage exact USD notes at the border for eligible travelers who would otherwise use visa on arrival.

Visa types and cost

Tanzania tourist visa types, fees and validity

Tanzania tourist visa cost and validity comparison
Visa route	Cost	Validity / stay rule	Who should use it?
Ordinary / Single Entry Tourist Visa	USD 50	Valid up to 90 days for tourism, holiday, safari, Zanzibar travel, family visit and similar short non-work purposes.	Most eligible tourists, including many UK, EU, Canadian, Australian and other global travelers.
Multiple Entry Visa for US Citizens	USD 100	Can be valid up to 12 months, but each consecutive stay cannot exceed 90 days.	Required for USA passport holders visiting Tanzania for tourism or holiday, even for a single trip.
Visa on Arrival	Usually USD 50 or USD 100 depending on category	Depends on nationality and category at the entry point.	Available for many eligible travelers, but online eVisa is recommended to avoid long queues and border uncertainty.
Referral Visa	Depends on approved category	Requires advance approval and must be completed before travel.	Listed referral-country nationals, stateless persons and travelers with refugee status.

Fees and rules can change. Always verify the current category and amount before payment.

Requirements

Tanzania tourist visa entry and application requirements

Passport validity

Your passport should have at least six months validity and at least one unused visa page before you submit the application.

Passport photo

Prepare a recent passport-style photo with a plain background. The image must be clear and match the applicant.

Return or onward ticket

Visitors must show a return ticket upon arrival. Transit or onward routes should be consistent with the application.

Hotel or tour booking

Prepare hotel reservation, safari itinerary, tour package receipt, host information or first-night accommodation details.

Funds for the stay

Travelers should be able to show they have sufficient funds to support their stay and return or onward travel.

Health and insurance checks

Yellow fever certificate may apply based on travel route. Zanzibar visitors should also check mandatory inbound insurance.

How to apply

Step-by-step Tanzania tourist eVisa application process

Check your route

Confirm whether you need an Ordinary Visa, US Multiple Visa, referral visa, visa exemption or another travel document.

Prepare documents

Gather passport, photo, return ticket, hotel or tour booking, travel dates and Zanzibar insurance information if relevant.

Start a new application

Open the Tanzania eVisa portal and start a new visa application, or use Visit-TZ support to organize your application details.

Complete the online form

Enter personal details, passport information, purpose of visit, arrival point, destination and accommodation information accurately.

Upload documents and pay

Upload clear files, pay the relevant fee online and submit the application for review.

Track, approve and travel

Track the application status, print the Visa Grant Notice after approval and present it with your passport on arrival.

eVisa vs visa on arrival

Online eVisa is the safer tourist route

Many eligible travelers may still be able to obtain a visa at major entry points, including international airports. However, visa on arrival can involve queues, exact cash expectations, airline questions and uncertainty if documents are incomplete.

The online eVisa route helps travelers review the correct category and receive a decision before departure. This is especially useful for first-time visitors, safari travelers, families, groups and travelers connecting to Zanzibar.

Avoid tourist visa mistakes

Common errors that delay or reject applications

USA citizen applying for Ordinary Visa instead of Multiple Visa.
Passport valid for less than six months.
Wrong arrival date, destination or travel purpose.
Unclear passport scan or low-quality photo.
Missing return ticket or accommodation details.
Trying to use tourist visa for work or business activity.
Forgetting Zanzibar inbound insurance when visiting Zanzibar.

Zanzibar and safari travel

Does a Tanzania tourist visa cover Zanzibar?

The official Tanzania eVisa system covers the United Republic of Tanzania, including Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar. If an applicant wants to visit both Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, the official guidance says the traveler should select the first destination while filling the form and will be allowed to visit both places without needing a new visa.

Zanzibar has a separate inbound insurance requirement for foreign visitors. Travelers adding Zanzibar after a safari or Kilimanjaro climb should check insurance before departure and keep proof available for travel.

Check Zanzibar Insurance

Related guides

Continue Tanzania tourist visa planning

Tanzania eVisa

Main online visa guide for Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar.

Tanzania Visa Requirements

Prepare passport, documents, photos and travel proof correctly.

Tanzania Visa Fees

Compare tourist, multiple-entry, business and transit fees.

Tanzania Visa Validity

Understand validity, maximum stay and extension planning.

Plan visa documents for Serengeti, Ngorongoro and safari routes.

Zanzibar Travel Insurance

Check Zanzibar insurance if your tourist trip includes the island.

Ready to apply for your Tanzania tourist visa?

Prepare your passport, photo, return ticket, accommodation, travel dates, safari or Zanzibar details before starting the online process.

Start Tourist Visa Application

FAQ

Tanzania Tourist Visa FAQs

What is a Tanzania tourist eVisa?

A Tanzania tourist eVisa is an online visa route for eligible travelers visiting Tanzania for tourism, holiday, safari, Zanzibar beach travel, family visits or other eligible short non-work purposes.

How much does a Tanzania tourist visa cost?

The ordinary tourist visa fee is generally 50 USD. USA passport holders travelling for tourism must apply for a multiple entry visa, which is generally 100 USD.

How long is a Tanzania tourist visa valid?

The ordinary single-entry tourist visa is valid for up to 90 days. The multiple entry visa can be valid for up to one year, but each consecutive stay cannot exceed 90 days.

Can I get a tourist visa on arrival in Tanzania?

Visa on arrival may be available for many eligible nationalities, but online eVisa is recommended because it reduces airport uncertainty, lines and document pressure on arrival.

Do I need a separate tourist visa for Zanzibar?

No separate Tanzania visa is normally required for Zanzibar if the Tanzania visa route covers the trip. If visiting both Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, choose the first destination on the application and review Zanzibar inbound insurance requirements.