Where Can You Apply for a Visa in Tanzania? A Complete Guide for 2025 Travelers
If you’re dreaming of witnessing the Great Migration in the Serengeti, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, or soaking in the sun on Zanzibar’s beaches, your journey to Tanzania starts with one essential step—applying for a visa.
Fortunately, Tanzania offers multiple visa application options, including an easy-to-use online system. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about where and how to apply for a Tanzania visa in 2025.
✅ Who Needs a Visa to Enter Tanzania?
Most foreign nationals are required to obtain a visa to enter Tanzania, except for citizens of a select group of visa-exempt countries. Always check with the official Tanzania Immigration website or a Tanzanian Embassy near you to verify your requirements based on your nationality.
✈️ Where to Apply for a Tanzania Visa
Tanzania provides three convenient ways to apply for a visa:
1. Online Through the Tanzania eVisa Portal (Most Recommended)
The Tanzania e-Visa system is the most popular and convenient method for obtaining a tourist or business visa. Accessible to most travelers, it simplifies the process and reduces wait times at the border.
How to Apply:
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Visit the official eVisa portal: https://visa.immigration.go.tz
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Complete the digital application form.
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Upload required documents:
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Passport bio page (valid for at least 6 months)
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Passport-size photo
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Proof of return/onward travel
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Accommodation details or invitation letter
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Pay the visa fee online (Visa, Mastercard, or other accepted methods).
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Wait for approval via email (typically within 2–10 business days).
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Print your eVisa and present it upon arrival in Tanzania.
✅ Best For: Tourists, business visitors, and transit travelers from countries eligible for eVisas.
2. At a Tanzanian Embassy or Consulate
For travelers from countries not eligible for the eVisa, or for those who prefer traditional processing, you can apply at a Tanzanian Embassy or Consulate in your country.
What You Need:
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Completed visa application form
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Valid passport and passport-size photos
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Proof of travel itinerary and accommodation
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Visa fees (varies by embassy)
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Additional supporting documents depending on visa type
Processing time varies but usually takes 5–7 business days.
✅ Best For: Travelers needing multi-entry visas, or those from countries excluded from the eVisa system.
3. On Arrival (Not Recommended Unless Necessary)
Tanzania does allow some nationals to obtain a Visa on Arrival at major points of entry, such as:
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Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam)
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Kilimanjaro International Airport
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Zanzibar Abeid Amani Karume International Airport
However, this method is not ideal, as it can involve long queues, potential delays, and uncertainty. It’s safer and faster to apply online or through an embassy in advance.
✅ Best For: Emergency or last-minute travel situations.
📅 When Should You Apply?
To avoid delays or entry issues, it’s best to apply for your Tanzania visa at least 2–3 weeks before your intended departure date. For busy travel seasons (June–October), apply even earlier to allow ample processing time.
💵 Tanzania Visa Costs (2025 Update)
While fees vary based on nationality and visa type, here’s a general guide for 2025:
Visa Type | Approximate Cost (USD) |
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Tourist Visa | $50 – $100 |
Business Visa | $250 – $300 |
Transit Visa | $30 – $40 |
Multiple-Entry | $100 – $250 |
Always check the official Tanzania Immigration website or contact the embassy for the most accurate and up-to-date fee structure.
📌 Required Documents for Tanzania Visa
Here’s what you’ll typically need for a tourist visa:
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A valid passport (minimum six months validity)
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A recent passport-sized photo
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Round-trip flight reservation
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Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter)
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Payment receipt (for online or embassy applications)
💡 Travel Tips for a Smooth Entry into Tanzania
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Print your eVisa and keep it with your travel documents.
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Have USD cash available, especially if applying on arrival.
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Be respectful and patient at immigration checkpoints.
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Carry copies of your vaccination certificates (especially yellow fever, if traveling from endemic regions).
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Keep all documents in digital and printed formats.
🎒 Travel With Confidence: Partner With a Trusted Tour Operator
Getting your visa is just the first step. Once you’re in Tanzania, you’ll want expert guidance to explore the country’s rich beauty, wildlife, and cultural treasures.
Great Image Expedition, a Tanzania-based travel agency, offers personalized safari experiences, Kilimanjaro trekking, and Zanzibar escapes—with 24/7 local support.
📩 Contact: info@gie.co.tz
🌍 Website: www.gie.co.tz
Popular Safari Packages Include:
Final Thoughts
Applying for a visa to Tanzania is a straightforward and stress-free process—especially when done online. Whether you’re heading to the wild savannahs of the Serengeti or the spice-scented markets of Zanzibar, securing your visa in advance guarantees a smooth and exciting start to your adventure.
Start your journey right—plan ahead, apply early, and travel smart. Tanzania is waiting!