How to Apply for a Tanzania Visa Smoothly

An online visa application generally refers to the process of applying for a visa directly through an official online portal, typically offered by a country’s government or a visa service provider. For travelers going to Tanzania, the online visa application allows them to apply for an e-Visa without having to visit an embassy or consulate in person.

Here’s an overview of how the online (e-Visa) application process works for Tanzania:

Steps to Apply for an Inline Visa (e-Visa) to Tanzania:

  1. Access the Official e-Visa Website:

    • Go to the official Tanzania Immigration Services e-Visa portal. The URL is: www.immigration.go.tz.
    • Ensure that you’re using the official government website to avoid any scams or extra fees charged by third-party agencies.
  2. Create an Account:

    • On the e-Visa portal, travelers must first create an account. This will require basic personal details, such as:
      • Full name
      • Nationality
      • Email address
      • Phone number
    • You’ll receive a confirmation email to activate your account.
  3. Fill in the Application Form:

    • After logging in, you will need to fill out the visa application form. You’ll be asked to provide details such as:
      • Passport information (passport number, date of issue, date of expiration)
      • Travel details (intended arrival date, flight details, and accommodation)
      • Purpose of visit (tourism, business, etc.)
      • Intended entry point into Tanzania (such as Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, or Zanzibar)
  4. Upload Required Documents:

    • Passport Copy: A clear scan or photo of the biodata page of your passport. It should be valid for at least 6 months after your planned arrival in Tanzania.
    • Passport-sized Photo: A recent passport-style photo (usually a digital image of 2×2 inches).
    • Travel Itinerary: Your flight details and proof of accommodation.
    • Visa Fee Payment: Payment for the visa fee (typically done online via credit or debit card). The fee varies depending on the type of visa and nationality.
  5. Submit the Application:

    • Once all required fields are filled out and documents are uploaded, submit your application for processing.
    • After submission, you will receive an email confirmation indicating that your application has been received.
  6. Processing Time:

    • Processing time usually takes around 3-7 business days. However, it may vary, so it’s recommended to apply well in advance of your travel date.
    • You can check the status of your application online through the portal.
  7. Approval or Rejection:

    • If your application is approved, you will receive an e-Visa approval notice via email. You will need to print this approval notice and carry it with you during your travel to Tanzania.
    • If your application is rejected, you will be informed about the reasons, and you may need to apply again or resolve the issues (such as submitting missing documents).
  8. Entry into Tanzania:

    • Upon arrival in Tanzania, you’ll need to present your printed e-Visa approval notice along with your passport at the immigration desk.
    • Immigration officials will check your documents and grant you entry into the country.

Key Points to Remember:

  • Eligibility: Not all countries are eligible for the e-Visa to Tanzania. Check the eligibility list on the Tanzania immigration website before applying(https://www.immigration.go.tz/index.php/visa-and-pass-information).
  • Visa Types: Tanzania offers different types of e-Visas, such as tourist visas, business visas, and transit visas. Make sure to select the correct visa type for your purpose of travel.
  • Validity: The e-Visa is usually valid for a single entry, and the duration of stay is typically up to 90 days.
  • Travel Insurance: While not a requirement for obtaining an e-Visa, it is strongly recommended to have travel insurance for your trip.