Dreaming of a trip that mixes city excitement, market wanders, beach relaxation, and wild safari adventures? Then a Tanzania or Zanzibar trip is your perfect match! With breathtaking scenes, loads of wildlife, and rich culture, these places promise an epic journey.

If you’re traveling from the U.S., kick-start your adventure by snagging that visitor visa. Don’t sweat it – Tanzania’s got a simple online visa process. Let me guide you through getting your tourist visa, making your Tanzania or Zanzibar dream trip a reality, step by step.

Types of Tanzanian E-Visas:

1. Tourist Visa: Tailored for explorers eager to discover Tanzania’s natural wonders, wildlife, and cultural heritage. This visa allows for a stay of up to 90 days. (Cost: $50, except $100 for U.S. Citizens)
2. Business Visa: Ideal for those embarking on work-related activities like meetings, conferences, or investment opportunities.
3. Student Visa: Designed for individuals pursuing education or research ventures in Tanzania.
4. Transit Visa: Suited for travelers passing through Tanzania en route to other destinations.

Visa Upon Arrival: While some nationalities have the option of obtaining a tourist visa upon arrival at Tanzanian airports and border crossings, it’s advisable to avoid this route as approval is not guaranteed. Failure to gain entry would necessitate an immediate return flight.

The Visa Application Process & Essential Document Checklist:

Step 1: Identify Your Visa Type

Begin by determining the purpose of your visit and select the appropriate visa category. Visa costs vary depending on the type and duration, ranging from $50 to $200 or more.

Step 2: Visit the Official Tanzania eVisa Website

Access the official Tanzania eVisa website to initiate your application. It’s imperative to use the official government link to avoid potential scams. Tanzania eVisa Official Website

Step 3: Essential Information at Your Fingertips

For an efficient form completion process, ensure you have the following information ready:

• A valid U.S. passport with at least six months of validity.
• A scanned copy of your passport’s information page.
• A passport-sized photo with a white background.
• Yellow fever vaccination (optional but highly recommended).

Upon arrival in Tanzania, you must possess a return ticket to the United States or another onward destination. Failure to produce this documentation may result in denied entry.

Step 4: Providing Personal Information

Follow these steps:

• • Click on the link to ‘begin your E-Visa Application’ Tanzania eVisa Application
  • Select “New Application” unless you already have an ongoing application.
  • Safeguard your User ID by copying and pasting it into a document for reference.
  • There’s an option to copy this ID, conveniently located just to the right of the ID number.
  • Choose your nationality, typically American if you were born or reside in the USA.

Step 5 & 6: Contact, Employment Details and Travel Info

To establish your intention to return to your home country, Tanzania requires information about your employment. 

• Under “Employment Status,” select “unemployed” or use “NA” if retired.
• Choose your country of issue, which is typically the country you reside in (e.g., United States of America for U.S. citizens).

In the Travel Info section, you’ll choose the type of visa you’re applying for. Depending on your selection, you may need to specify the purpose of your visit.

• • Provide information about your accommodation and host. For independent travelers, “self” can be used as the host, and your hotel address should be entered as the accommodation.
  • Choose the nearest embassy to handle your application, such as New York, New York, or Washington, DC, if you’re in the USA.
  • Indicate the type of visa requested (multiple entry for USA citizens, single entry for others).
  • Select the purpose of your visit (e.g., Leisure and Holiday for USA citizens).
  • Specify your destination as Zanzibar.
  • Provide port details for both arrival and departure.

Step 6: Travel Information

In this section, you’ll choose the type of visa you’re applying for. Depending on your selection, you may need to specify the purpose of your visit.

• Provide information about your accommodation and host. For independent travelers, “self” can be used as the host, and your hotel address should be entered as the accommodation.
• Choose the nearest embassy to handle your application, such as New York, New York, or Washington, DC, if you’re in the USA.
• Indicate the type of visa requested (multiple entry for USA citizens, single entry for others).
• Select the purpose of your visit (e.g., Leisure and Holiday for USA citizens).
• Specify your destination as Zanzibar.
• Provide port details for both arrival and departure.

Step 7: Stay Duration, Host & Accommodation

• Enter the number of days you plan to stay in Tanzania.
• For the host, use “Self” or the name of the tour company you’re utilizing.
• Specify your accommodation type as a hotel and provide the address of your first hotel.

Step 8: Travel Companions

Step 8: Travel Companions This section requires you to indicate whether you’ll be traveling alone or with a group or organization. If you’re traveling with a group, you’ll need to provide the group’s name. Additionally, if you’re accompanied by a minor, you’ll need to furnish their personal details.

• Indicate whether you’re traveling as part of a group or organization.
• If accompanied by minors, provide their names and birthdates.
• If needed, click on the “+Add minors” option for additional spaces.

Step 9: Flight Reservation and Document Submission

To finalize your application, prepare the following documents:

• An electronic version of your passport-sized photo, saved as a jpeg, png, or jpg file with a maximum size of 300KB.
• A photo or scanned copy of your passport’s data page (first page), which displays your photo, passport expiration date, and ID number.
• A PDF of your return ticket. Ensure it is ‘confirmed,’ not pending, and clearly indicates your arrival and departure dates, airports, and your name.
• Review your application data, make any necessary corrections, and acknowledge the declaration statement.
• Provide your credit card information for payment. If you receive a notice that your card requires verification, refrain from clicking “Continue” until you have contacted the provided number for guidance.

Tanzania eVisa Processing Time

• Upon submitting your visa application, allow up to 10 business days for processing. Remember, entry into Tanzania without a visa is not permitted.

Although approvals can occur in less than 36 hours, it’s prudent to apply well in advance to avoid last-minute inconveniences. 

• Check your visa status by logging into your account and accessing Visa Status. Enter your ID and security answer. Rely not only on email notifications but regularly verify your status online.
• Once your eVisa is approved, print a hard copy and carry it with you when traveling to Tanzania. Present the hard copy to the Tanzanian immigration officer upon arrival, and you’re all set for your incredible journey.

Take Necessary Vaccines Before A Trip:

Other Pre-Departure Tips:

• Apply Early: Initiate your visa application at least three days in advance to accommodate standard processing times. Even though the process is straightforward, any errors could potentially delay your approval.
• Check Passport Validity: Ensure your passport remains valid for at least 180 days from your entry date into Tanzania. If it’s within six months of expiration, consider renewing it before applying for your visa.
• Entry Points: Confirm the designated entry points for visas upon arrival to avoid any inconveniences.
• Pack Light: Overpacking can hamper your travel experience. Opt for a lighter packing approach to make your journey more comfortable and enjoyable.

By meticulously following these steps and adhering to these travel tips, you’ll be thoroughly prepared to obtain your Tanzania visa and embark on your dream vacation. Brace yourself for an extraordinary adventure in Tanzania!