Key takeaways
- Tanzania immigration is fully online: apply via visa.immigration.go.tz for tourist/business/transit visas.
- Standard tourist visa costs $50 (single entry, 90 days); US citizens pay $100 for a mandatory multiple‑entry visa valid 12 months.
- Processing takes 5–10 working days normally; allow up to 14 days in peak season (Jun–Oct, Dec).
- Residence and work permits use the separate e‑Immigration portal (eservices.immigration.go.tz) and require employer sponsorship.
- Always use official.go.tz domains; third‑party agents cannot speed up processing and often charge double.
Quick answer: Tanzania immigration is now fully digital. Most travelers apply for an eVisa at visa.immigration.go.tz, pay $50 (US citizens $100 for mandatory multiple entry), and receive approval in 5–10 working days. Residence and work permits use the separate eservices.immigration.go.tz portal.
How to apply for a Tanzania immigration visa online (step by step)
- Create an account on the Tanzania eVisa Portal with a valid email and strong password. Verify via the link sent to your inbox.
- Select your visa category — Ordinary Tourist Visa, Business Visa, Multiple-Entry Visa, etc. — and fill in exact travel dates, passport details, and accommodation address in Tanzania.
- Upload scanned documents: passport bio-page (valid 6+ months, two blank pages), a recent white-background passport photo (no glasses), confirmed return/onward flight, and proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter).
- Pay the fee via the secure gateway (Visa, Mastercard, or other authorized methods). The system shows the exact amount in USD before you confirm.
- Save your acknowledgment code emailed to you. Use it to track progress on the portal; you’ll also get email updates at each stage.
Tip: Double‑check every field against your physical passport. A single typo in the passport number or date of birth is the most common reason for automatic rejection.
After submission, you can log in anytime to see the status. The portal also allows you to download the approved eVisa as a PDF, which you should print and carry with your passport. Border officers at Julius Nyerere International Airport, Kilimanjaro International Airport, and land borders will scan the QR code on the printout.
Tanzania immigration visa requirements (documents checklist)
- Passport: Ordinary passport with at least six months validity from entry date and two blank visa pages.
- Photo: Color, 35×45 mm, white background, neutral expression, no headwear (except religious).
- Travel itinerary: Confirmed return or onward ticket showing departure from Tanzania.
- Accommodation proof: Hotel reservation, tour operator confirmation, or a notarized invitation letter from a host in Tanzania.
- Financial evidence: Recent bank statement (last three months) or credit‑card limit screenshot showing sufficient funds for the stay.
- Yellow fever certificate: Required if arriving from or transiting through a yellow‑fever endemic country.
For business visas, add a letter of invitation from the Tanzanian company, a copy of their business licence, and a cover letter from your employer. Student passes require an admission letter from a recognised Tanzanian institution and proof of tuition payment.
Tanzania tourist visa cost 2026 (by nationality)
Fees are set by the Immigration Service Department Tanzania and are payable only through the official portal. The table below reflects the rates as of November 2026.
| Visa Category / Nationality | Fee (USD) | Entries | Validity | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Tourist Visa (most nationalities) | $50 | Single Entry | 90 days | Immigration Service Department |
| US Citizen Tourist Visa | $100 | Multiple Entry (mandatory) | 12 months | Tanzania eVisa Portal |
| Business Visa (Single Entry) | $50 | Single Entry | 90 days | Immigration Service Department |
| Transit Visa | $30 | Single Entry | 7 days | Tanzania eVisa Portal |
Note: Fees can change without notice. Always confirm the amount on the payment page before submitting.
Tanzania immigration visa types explained
Beyond the standard tourist visa, Tanzania immigration offers several categories tailored to different travel purposes. Understanding which one fits your situation can save time and money.
| Visa Type | Purpose | Typical Validity | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ordinary Tourist Visa | Leisure, visiting friends/family | 90 days single entry | Return ticket, accommodation proof |
| Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa | Frequent short visits (US citizens only) | 12 months | Reciprocity agreement, higher fee |
| Business Visa | Meetings, conferences, short-term work | 90 days single entry | Invitation letter from Tanzanian company |
| Transit Visa | Connecting flights through Tanzania | 7 days | Onward ticket, visa for next destination |
| Student Pass | Full-time study at accredited institution | Duration of course | Admission letter, tuition proof |
| Volunteer Visa | Unpaid charitable work | Up to 6 months | NGO registration, invitation letter |
If you are unsure which category applies, the eVisa portal includes a visa‑type selector that guides you based on your answers.
Tanzania immigration for business travelers: what you need
Business visitors should prepare a few extra documents to avoid delays:
- Company letterhead from your employer stating the purpose, duration, and financial responsibility.
- Invitation letter from the Tanzanian host company on their letterhead, including their business licence number.
- Copy of the host company’s Certificate of Incorporation and Tax Clearance (TRA).
- If attending a conference, include the event agenda and organiser contact details.
The business visa fee is $50 for a single entry. For multiple entries, consult the e‑Immigration portal as rules differ for long‑term business engagements.
Tanzania immigration health and vaccination rules
Health requirements are enforced at all entry points. As of November 2026:
- Yellow fever: Mandatory if you arrive from or have transited through a WHO‑listed yellow‑fever risk country within the past six months. Carry the original International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card).
- COVID‑19: No vaccination or testing requirement for entry, but airlines may have their own rules.
- Malaria prophylaxis: Not a legal requirement, but strongly recommended for all regions below 1,800 m.
- Other vaccinations: Routine immunisations (MMR, diphtheria‑tetanus‑pertussis, polio) should be up to date. Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines are advised for most travellers.
Check the WHO International Travel and Health page for the latest country‑specific advice.
Tanzania immigration processing times by season
Processing times vary depending on the time of year and visa type. The table below shows typical working-day ranges based on portal data and traveller reports as of November 2026.
| Period | Tourist / Business eVisa | Residence / Work Permit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low season (Jan–May, Nov) | 3–7 working days | 10–20 working days | Faster turnaround |
| Peak season (Jun–Oct, Dec) | 7–14 working days | 15–30 working days | High volume; apply early |
| Public holidays (Eid, Christmas) | Add 2–3 days | Add 5–7 days | Office closures |
Official Tanzania immigration portals (verified links)
Only use government domains ending in .go.tz. Third‑party agencies often charge double the official fee and cannot expedite processing.
- eVisa Portal (tourist, business, transit): visa.immigration.go.tz
- e‑Immigration Portal (residence permits, work permits, passes): eservices.immigration.go.tz
- Immigration Service Department main site: immigration.go.tz
Before entering any personal or payment data, verify the padlock icon and the exact domain in your browser’s address bar.
How to check Tanzania immigration visa status
- Log in to the eVisa portal (or e‑Immigration portal for residence/work permits).
- Enter your application reference number and passport number in the status‑check tool.
- The system displays one of: Submitted, Under Review, Additional Documents Required, Approved, or Rejected.
Standard processing is 5–10 working days. During peak season (June–October, December) allow up to 14 days. If extra documents are requested, upload them immediately — delays of more than 48 hours may cause the application to lapse.
Tanzania immigration department services (residence, work, passes)
The Immigration Service Department, headquartered in Kurasini, Dar es Salaam, handles far more than tourist visas. Key services include:
- Residence Permits: Class A (investors/self‑employed), Class B (employees), Class C (students/retirees).
- Work Permits: For expatriates in sectors where local talent is unavailable; requires employer sponsorship and labour‑market test.
- Dependent Passes: For spouses and children of permit holders.
- Student Passes: For enrolled foreign students at accredited Tanzanian institutions.
- Citizenship & Naturalisation: Applications for Tanzanian citizenship by descent, marriage, or naturalisation.
All long‑term permits are processed exclusively through the e‑Immigration Online Portal.
Using the Tanzania e‑immigration portal for residence permits
- Employer or applicant registers an organisational profile on eservices.immigration.go.tz.
- Upload corporate documents: certificate of incorporation, tax clearance (TRA), business licence, and the employee’s qualifications.
- Complete the applicant’s personal details, passport copy, medical report, and police clearance from country of origin.
- The system auto‑calculates statutory fees (e.g., Class A permit ≈ $1,000/year, Class B ≈ $500/year). Pay online.
- Receive a digital receipt and tracking reference. Processing typically takes 15–30 working days.
Renewals must be initiated at least 60 days before expiry to avoid penalties.
Tanzania immigration at land borders and airports
Entry procedures differ slightly by port of entry:
- Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR): Dedicated eVisa lanes; QR code scanned, fingerprint taken.
- Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO): Similar eVisa lanes; expect shorter queues in low season.
- Namanga (Kenya border): Busiest land crossing; have printed eVisa and passport ready. Officers may ask for proof of onward travel.
- Tunduma (Zambia border) & Rusumo (Rwanda border): Smaller posts; processing can be slower, carry extra passport photos.
At all points, keep your passport, printed eVisa, yellow fever card (if required), and accommodation details accessible.
Tanzania immigration recent changes 2026
- Full discontinuation of visa‑on‑arrival for almost all nationalities (effective January 2026).
- Introduction of a mandatory multiple‑entry visa for US citizens at $100, replacing the previous single‑entry option.
- New online payment gateway supporting local mobile money (M‑Pesa, Tigo Pesa) for applicants inside Tanzania.
- Biometric capture (fingerprints) now collected at all major entry points for first‑time visitors.
Always check the Immigration Service Department news page for the latest announcements before you apply.
Common mistakes that delay Tanzania immigration visa approval
- Passport expiry less than six months from intended entry date.
- Uploaded photo not meeting specifications (background, size, glasses).
- Mismatch between passport name and application form (e.g., missing middle name).
- Insufficient proof of funds — bank statement older than three months.
- Using unofficial agents who submit incomplete applications.
If your application is rejected, the portal will state the reason. Correct the issue and submit a new application; fees are non‑refundable.
Tanzania immigration contact details and support
For technical issues with the portal, email support@visa.immigration.go.tz or call +255 22 285 0581 (Dar es Salaam office hours: Mon–Fri 08:00–15:30 EAT). For urgent border‑entry queries, contact the Immigration Headquarters at Kurasini, Dar es Salaam, +255 22 285 0581.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I get a Tanzania visa on arrival?
- No. Since the full rollout of the eVisa system, visa‑on‑arrival is discontinued for most nationalities. Apply online before travel.
- What if my eVisa application is rejected?
- The portal will state the reason (often mismatched passport data or insufficient funds). Correct the issue and submit a new application; fees are non‑refundable.
- Do I need a yellow fever certificate for Tanzania?
- Only if you are arriving from or have transited through a yellow‑fever risk country within the past six months. Carry the WHO‑approved card.
- How long can I stay on a tourist visa?
- A single‑entry tourist visa allows up to 90 days. Extensions are possible at the Immigration Headquarters in Dar es Salaam for an additional fee.
- Is the $100 US‑citizen fee definitely mandatory?
- Yes. It reflects a bilateral reciprocity agreement. US passport holders cannot purchase the $50 single‑entry option.
- Can I apply for a Tanzania immigration visa from a third country?
- Yes, you can apply from anywhere with an internet connection. The eVisa is linked to your passport, not your location.
- What is the difference between the eVisa portal and the e‑Immigration portal?
- The eVisa portal (visa.immigration.go.tz) handles short‑stay visas: tourist, business, transit. The e‑Immigration portal (eservices.immigration.go.tz) handles residence permits, work permits, passes, and citizenship applications.
Key takeaways
- Tanzania immigration is fully online: apply via visa.immigration.go.tz for tourist/business/transit visas.
- Standard tourist visa costs $50 (single entry, 90 days); US citizens pay $100 for a mandatory multiple‑entry visa valid 12 months.
- Processing takes 5–10 working days normally; allow up to 14 days in peak season (Jun–Oct, Dec).
- Residence and work permits use the separate e‑Immigration portal (eservices.immigration.go.tz) and require employer sponsorship.
- Always use official.go.tz domains; third‑party agents cannot speed up processing and often charge double.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a Tanzania visa on arrival?
No. Since the full rollout of the eVisa system, visa‑on‑arrival is discontinued for most nationalities. Apply online before travel.
What if my eVisa application is rejected?
The portal will state the reason (often mismatched passport data or insufficient funds). Correct the issue and submit a new application; fees are non‑refundable.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate for Tanzania?
Only if you are arriving from or have transited through a yellow‑fever risk country within the past six months. Carry the WHO‑approved card.
How long can I stay on a tourist visa?
A single‑entry tourist visa allows up to 90 days. Extensions are possible at the Immigration Headquarters in Dar es Salaam for an additional fee.
Is the $100 US‑citizen fee definitely mandatory?
Yes. It reflects a bilateral reciprocity agreement. US passport holders cannot purchase the $50 single‑entry option.
Can I apply for a Tanzania immigration visa from a third country?
Yes, you can apply from anywhere with an internet connection. The eVisa is linked to your passport, not your location.
What is the difference between the eVisa portal and the e‑Immigration portal?
The eVisa portal (visa.immigration.go.tz) handles short‑stay visas: tourist, business, transit. The e‑Immigration portal (eservices.immigration.go.tz) handles residence permits, work permits, passes, and citizenship applications.
