Overview
Most visitors to Tanzania need a visa, and the Immigration Department's self-service eVisa at eservices.immigration.go.tz is the recommended route — apply online, upload your documents, pay, and receive approval by email, typically within 5–10 business days. This is the same portal used for gorilla/safari-adjacent trips through the mainland and Zanzibar alike.
Visa categories
| Single-entry eVisa | Standard tourism route, most nationalities. |
|---|---|
| Multiple-entry eVisa | For frequent visitors, where eligible. |
| East Africa Tourist Visa | A separate joint visa covering Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda together — apply via Kenya's or Rwanda's portal if you plan to visit those countries too, since Tanzania is not currently part of this joint scheme. |
Documents checklist
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from arrival
- Scan of the passport bio-data page
- Recent passport-style photo
- Travel itinerary and accommodation details
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate, if arriving from an endemic country
- Credit or debit card for the $50 USD fee
Step-by-step application process
1. Go to the official portal
Confirm you're on eservices.immigration.go.tz, not a lookalike site.
2. Create an account and complete the form
Enter your passport, travel dates, purpose of visit and accommodation information carefully.
3. Upload your documents
Attach your passport scan and photo per the stated specifications.
4. Pay the $50 USD fee
Pay online by card.
5. Receive your eVisa by email
Processing takes roughly 5–10 business days — apply well ahead of travel.
Fees & processing time
| Fee | $50 USD |
|---|---|
| Processing time | 5–10 business days |
Sources reviewed: eservices.immigration.go.tz (Tanzania Immigration Department), cross-referenced third-party visa guides for fee and processing-time figures. Fees and eligible-country lists change — always confirm on the official portal before applying.