For US travelers in 2026, the Tanzania eVisa ($100) is the recommended option. It offers pre-approved entry, online payment, and avoids airport queues. The visa on arrival ($100 cash) is still available but carries longer wait times, cash-only payment, and no guarantee of a smooth process. Last reviewed: August 2026.
Deciding between evisa vs visa on arrival tanzania depends on your travel style: the eVisa allows pre-approval and avoids queues, while VoA requires waiting up to two hours. Both options grant entry for tourism, business, or transit, but the online eVisa system lets you complete the application from home and receive a visa grant notice before departure.
At a Glance: eVisa vs Visa on Arrival Side-by-Side
The evisa vs visa on arrival tanzania decision favors the eVisa: it saves US travelers up to 90 minutes at the airport, offers online payment and pre-approved entry, while VoA requires $100 cash and 30 min-2 hour queues.
| Attribute | Tanzania eVisa | Visa on Arrival | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application Method | Online | Airport counter | eVisa |
| Processing Time | 10 to 15 business days | Minutes at counter | VoA |
| Cost (US Citizens) | $100 USD | $100 USD | Tie |
| Wait Time | None at airport | 30 min to 2 hours | eVisa |
| Required Documents | Digital uploads | Physical copies | eVisa |
| Eligibility | Eligible nationalities | Eligible nationalities | Tie |
| Payment Method | Visa/MasterCard | Cash USD only | eVisa |
| Extension Possibility | Yes | Yes | Tie |
| Risk of Rejection | Low (pre-approved) | Higher (officer discretion) | eVisa |
| Convenience | High | Low | eVisa |
| Validity | 90 days | 90 days | Tie |
| Guarantee of Entry | Pre-approved | No guarantee | eVisa |
How to Apply for a Tanzania eVisa (Step-by-Step)
Apply at the Tanzania Immigration portal (visa.immigration.go.tz): create an account, upload a passport scan and photo, and pay $100 via Visa or Mastercard. Support email: visatanzania@immigration.go.tz.
- Create an account on the eVisa system (Google Chrome recommended).
- Fill the application form with personal and travel details. No post-submission modifications are allowed.
- Upload documents: passport scan, headshot, flight itinerary, and accommodation booking.
- Pay $100 using Visa Card or MasterCard only.
- Track your application by logging in with your Application Identification Number.
- Download the Visa Grant Notice and print a hard copy.
Apply 3-4 weeks before departure (10-15 business days processing; longer in peak season June-October). The Visa Grant Notice is not a final entry guarantee – the Immigration Officer at the port of entry has final authority. Applications are rejected when wrongly applied or lacking sufficient information or attachments, with no formal appeal process. If rejected, reapply with corrections or fall back to the visa on arrival. Visa regulations are subject to change at any time without prior notification to applicants.
Getting a Visa on Arrival at the Airport
Visa on arrival remains available at Tanzania airports in 2026 but requires an arrival form, queuing, and $100 in USD cash. While it suits spontaneous travel, it involves longer wait times and cash-only payment.
Complete the arrival form
Provided on the plane or at the terminal.
Join the visa queue
At the immigration counter.
Present your documents
Passport, return ticket, and accommodation booking details.
Pay the visa fee
In USD cash (small, clean bills).
Receive your visa stamp
Proceed to immigration clearance.
Queue times at all major airports (DAR, JRO, ZNZ): 30 minutes to 2 hours. The Tanzania Immigration Department confirmed on November 5, 2024 that visa on arrival was not stopped, following November 1, 2024 Ministry of Foreign Affairs suspension rumors and a November 4, 2024 portal outage. March 2026 technical issues confirmed VoA remains operational. Policy direction favors eVisa as the sole mode of entry, but VoA is not yet abolished.
VoA fees: US citizens $100 (90-day stay), UK/EU citizens $50, transit visa $30 (up to 7 days). Credit card acceptance is unreliable; carry USD cash only. Tanzanian shillings not accepted for visa payment.
Documents Needed, Visa Validity & Extension Options
Both the Tanzania eVisa and visa on arrival Tanzania require a passport valid for 6+ months with at least one unused visa page, a return ticket, and proof of accommodation. The eVisa demands digital uploads; VoA requires physical copies at the counter.
- Passport valid 6+ months, 1 unused visa page
- Passport-sized photo (digital for eVisa, physical for VoA)
- Return or onward ticket
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking)
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if arriving from an endemic country; required for transit over 12 hours through high-risk countries)
- Zanzibar mandatory travel insurance: $44 USD via Zanzibar Insurance Corporation, effective October 1, 2024 (covers health issues, accidents, emergency evacuation, lost baggage, passport mishaps; purchase from September 1, 2024 at Visit Zanzibar online)
Single-entry visas allow a 90-day maximum stay. Multiple-entry eVisas for US citizens are valid up to 1 year with 90-day entries. Transit visa: up to 7 days ($30). A separate Zanzibar visa is not needed if you hold a valid Tanzania visa.
Referral Visa Category warning: Citizens of Afghanistan, Abkhazia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Chad, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Equatorial Guinea, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Palestine, Senegal, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Somaliland, Sierra Leone, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, plus stateless persons and refugees, are NOT eligible for visa on arrival. They must obtain approval from the Commissioner General of Immigration at least two months before travel. Do not book flight tickets or accommodation until approved; submit a trip itinerary instead. Local host physical address and contacts are vital.
Visa Extension: Both eVisa and VoA can theoretically be extended. Visit the Immigration office in Dar es Salaam or regional offices. Contact: Principal Commissioner of Immigration Services, P.O. Box 512, Dar es Salaam, +255 222 850 576, consular@immigration.go.tz. For Zanzibar: P.O. Box 1354, Zanzibar, +255 242 239 149.
Lost or Stolen Passport with Valid eVisa: Report to local police, contact your nearest Tanzanian embassy or consulate, and reapply for an eVisa on your replacement passport. The eVisa is passport-specific and cannot be transferred.
eVisa vs Visa on Arrival: Pros, Cons & Common Mistakes
In the evisa vs visa on arrival tanzania comparison, Tanzania eVisa pros include pre-approved entry and card payment; cons are the 10-15 day wait and no post-submission edits. VoA suits only spontaneous travel.
| Factor | Tanzania eVisa | Visa on Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Pros | Pre-approved entry; skip airport queues; pay by Visa/Mastercard; apply from home; clear documentation trail; covers Mainland and Zanzibar | No advance planning needed; available for spontaneous travel; no internet required |
| Cons | 10-15 business day processing wait; no post-submission changes; rejection risk with no formal appeal; requires internet access | Cash only (unreliable cards); long queues (30 min-2 hours); risk of system outages; no guarantee of smooth process; stressful arrival experience |
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Applying too late (miss the 10-15 business day eVisa window)
- Uploading a photo that doesn’t meet specifications
- Submitting typos (no post-submission edits allowed)
- Arriving without clean USD cash for VoA
- Assuming credit cards work at the VoA counter
- Forgetting the yellow fever certificate when transiting an endemic country
- Not printing the eVisa visa grant notice (carry both digital and paper copy)
Our recommendation for US travelers in 2026: The Tanzania eVisa is the safer, more convenient choice. Apply 3-4 weeks before departure to avoid airport queues and payment issues.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tanzania eVisa vs Visa on Arrival
Is the Tanzania visa on arrival still available in 2026?
Yes. The Immigration Department confirmed on November 5, 2024 that VoA was not stopped, and March 2026 technical issues confirmed it remains operational. Policy direction favors eVisa-only but VoA is not yet abolished.
How much does a Tanzania eVisa cost for US citizens in 2026?
The government fee is $100 USD for US nationals (Ordinary Visa, functioning as multiple-entry, valid up to 1 year). Payment via Visa or MasterCard at visa.immigration.go.tz.
Can I get a Tanzania visa on arrival with a credit card?
No. Card acceptance is inconsistent and unreliable. Bring $100 USD in cash (small, clean bills). Tanzanian shillings not accepted.
How long does eVisa approval take?
Government stated processing: within 10 days. Practical: 10-15 business days. Peak season (June-October) may take longer. Apply 3-4 weeks before departure.
Do children need their own visa for Tanzania?
Yes, each child needs their own visa. If not traveling with both parents, present their birth certificate at the port of entry.
What happens if my eVisa application is rejected?
No formal appeal process. Rejection occurs if wrongly applied or lacking sufficient information/attachments. Reapply with corrections or fall back to visa on arrival.
Can I extend my tourist visa while in Tanzania?
Yes, both eVisa and VoA can theoretically be extended. Visit the Immigration office in Dar es Salaam. Contact: +255 222 850 576 or consular@immigration.go.tz.
Do I need travel insurance for a Tanzania visa?
Not for the mainland visa itself. However, Zanzibar requires mandatory travel insurance ($44 USD via Zanzibar Insurance Corporation) since October 1, 2024.
Can I transit through Tanzania without a visa?
A transit visa is available: $30 USD, up to 7 days, confirmed onward ticket required. Airside layover rules are not documented; apply for a transit visa to be safe.
What should I do if my passport is lost or stolen with a valid eVisa?
Report to local police, contact your nearest Tanzanian embassy or consulate, and reapply for an eVisa on your replacement passport. The eVisa is passport-specific and cannot be transferred.