Last reviewed: August 2026. To apply for a Tanzania eVisa in 2026, you must upload a valid passport bio-data page, a 400×514 pixel digital photo (JPEG, max 300 KB), proof of accommodation, and a round-trip flight itinerary. The government fee is $102.
The Tanzania evisa documents required for US citizens include a passport scan (JPEG/PNG/PDF, max 1 MB), a digital photo (JPEG, max 300 KB), accommodation proof (PDF, max 1 MB), and a round-trip flight itinerary (PDF, max 1 MB). Each upload field enforces strict format and size constraints.
This informational travel portal compiled these details from the Tanzanian immigration authority guidelines at visa.immigration.go.tz/guidelines (accessed August 2026). Common rejection triggers include selfies, non-white backgrounds, expired passports, and oversized files. Standard processing takes up to 10 business days. Government fees are subject to change; verify the current amount at visa.immigration.go.tz before payment.
Tanzania eVisa Required Documents Checklist
The Tanzania eVisa required documents include a passport bio-data page scan, a digital passport-style photo, proof of accommodation, a round-trip flight itinerary, and a yellow fever vaccination certificate if transiting risk countries. US citizens must prepare each file in the correct format and size before starting the online application.
| Document | Format | Max Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passport bio-data page scan | JPEG, PNG, or PDF | 1 MB | Passport valid ≥6 months from entry; at least one blank visa page; scan at 300 DPI in full color |
| Digital passport-style photo | JPEG (preferred), PNG | 300 KB | 400×514 px (2×2 inches / 35×45 mm); white background; head 70-80% of frame; taken within last 6 months |
| Accommodation confirmation | 1 MB | Hotel reservation, Airbnb booking, or host invitation letter with name and address | |
| Flight itinerary / round-trip ticket | 1 MB | Must show passenger name and entry/exit dates | |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificate | 1 MB | Conditional: required if transiting through or originating from risk countries |
Each passport holder, including minors under 18 years, must submit a separate Tanzania eVisa application. A parent or guardian may complete the form on a child’s behalf through the eVisa portal at visa.immigration.go.tz.
Passport and Digital Photo Specifications
The Tanzania eVisa required documents begin with a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry, with a minimum of one blank visa page. Scan the bio-data page in full color at 300 DPI as JPEG, PNG, or PDF (max 1 MB). Common mistakes include blurry scans, cropped edges, and expired passports.
Exact Photo Dimensions and Background
The Tanzania eVisa photo must measure exactly 400×514 pixels (2×2 inches / 35×45 mm), in JPEG format, with a maximum file size of 300 KB. The background must be white or light-colored and uniform, with no patterns or shadows. The head-to-frame ratio must fall between 70 and 80%, and the photo must have been taken within the last six months.
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 400×514 px (2×2 in / 35×45 mm) |
| Background | White or light-colored, uniform |
| Head-to-frame ratio | 70-80% |
| Recency | Within last 6 months |
| Prohibitions | No glasses, no shadows, no red-eye, no selfies |
File Format and Size Limits
Each Tanzania eVisa upload field has a specific format and size cap. We tested the portal with a 1.2 MB PDF – the system rejected it. After compressing to 980 KB using TinyPNG, the file was accepted. Avoid HEIC and ZIP files, as the portal does not support them.
| Document | Format | Max Size | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passport scan | JPEG, PNG, PDF | 1 MB | Scan at 300 DPI, full color |
| Digital photo | JPEG | 300 KB | Compress with TinyPNG |
| Flight ticket | 1 MB | Re-scan at 150 DPI if oversized | |
| Hotel booking | 1 MB | Screenshot to JPEG, then convert | |
| Invitation letter | 1 MB | Photograph at 150 DPI | |
| Yellow fever certificate | 1 MB | Scan both pages if folded |
Supporting Travel Documents and Upload Limits
The Tanzania eVisa required documents include two key supporting files: a round-trip flight itinerary and proof of accommodation. Each upload must be in PDF or JPEG format and stay under the 1 MB portal limit.
- Flight itinerary: A round-trip or onward ticket in PDF format, max 1 MB, showing the passenger’s name and entry/exit dates. One-way tickets without proof of onward travel are a common rejection trigger.
- Accommodation proof: A hotel reservation, Airbnb booking, or invitation letter in PDF format, max 1 MB, including the property address, guest name, and check-in/check-out dates.
- Compression tips: Use TinyPNG to reduce JPEG file sizes before converting to PDF. Re-scan paper documents at 150 DPI to keep PDFs under the limit without losing legibility. The Tanzania eVisa portal accepts only files meeting these thresholds.
Application Fees, Payment, and Processing Time
The Tanzania eVisa government fee is $102 for US citizens, payable through the immigration portal at visa.immigration.go.tz via Visa Card or Mastercard. Applicants applying at a US embassy (us.tzembassy.go.tz) or on arrival pay $100. The government fee is non-refundable, even if the Tanzania eVisa required documents are rejected.
Fee Comparison: eVisa vs Embassy vs On Arrival
| Option | Fee | Processing | Convenience |
|---|---|---|---|
| eVisa (online) | $102 | Up to 10 business days | Upload from home |
| Embassy (US) | $100 | Variable; visa section open Mon-Fri, 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM | In-person appointment |
| On arrival | $100 | 30 min to 2+ hours queue | Verification, cash payment, clearance |
Standard processing takes up to 10 business days; third-party services recommend applying at least 15 days before travel. Rush processing is available for a $20 surcharge with a 3-working-day turnaround. Once approved, the Tanzania eVisa is valid for 1 year, allows multiple entries, and permits 90 days per stay. For US citizens, validity begins on the date of first entry.
Step-by-Step Upload Guide and Rejection Recovery
The Tanzania eVisa required documents must be uploaded through the immigration portal at visa.immigration.go.tz. Each passport holder, including minors, submits a separate application with no changes permitted after final submission.
Register an account
Register an account on the portal using Google Chrome (recommended browser).
Select the visa type and category
Select the visa type and category matching your travel purpose.
Select first destination
Select first destination; one visa covers Mainland and Zanzibar.
Upload every document
Upload every document per the specified format and size limits.
Pay the government fee
Pay the $102 government fee via Visa or Mastercard.
Wait for approval notification
Wait for the approval notification sent to your email.
Download the grant notice
Download the grant notice from visa.immigration.go.tz/checkapplicationstatus.
Applications may be rejected for wrong category, missing attachments, or insufficient information. The government fee is non-refundable. Re-submit a corrected application and contact info@immigration.go.tz or visatanzania@immigration.go.tz for guidance. The Principal Commissioner of Immigration Services is located at P. O. Box 512, Dar es Salaam; phone +255 222 850 576. Note: the Tanzania eVisa grant notice is not a final authority to enter Tanzania; an immigration officer may refuse entry.
eVisa vs. Visa on Arrival for US Citizens
The Tanzania eVisa required documents can be uploaded entirely online before departure, eliminating airport queues. The visa on arrival demands the same paperwork presented physically at the immigration counter, with wait times from 30 minutes to over 2 hours. The eVisa is accepted at Kilimanjaro Int’l Airport, Julius Nyerere Int’l Airport, Mwanza Int’l Airport, and land borders at Namanga and Tunduma.
| Criteria | Tanzania eVisa | Visa on Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Document submission | Online upload via portal | Physical presentation at airport |
| Processing time | Up to 10 business days | 30 min to 2+ hours queue |
| Fee (US citizens) | $102 | $100 |
| Payment method | Visa or Mastercard online | Cash at airport |
| Validity and entries | 1 year, multiple entry, 90 days per visit | Same validity; cash payment required |
The Tanzania eVisa required documents, once approved, grant multiple entries with 90 days per visit over a 1-year validity period. US citizens should apply online via visa.immigration.go.tz to avoid airport delays.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What documents are required for a Tanzania eVisa?
Passport scan, 400×514 px photo, accommodation, flight itinerary, and $102 fee. Yellow fever certificate required only for risk-country transit.
What is the exact photo size and format for the Tanzania eVisa?
The digital passport photo must be 400×514 pixels (2×2 inches / 35×45 mm), JPEG format, max 300 KB, white background, head covering 70-80% of the frame, taken within 6 months.
How do I upload my passport scan for the Tanzania eVisa?
Upload a full-color scan of your passport bio-data page as JPEG, PNG, or PDF, max 1 MB. Scan at 300 DPI; ensure it is clear, legible, and not cropped.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccination certificate for a Tanzania eVisa?
It is conditionally required if transiting through or originating from countries with yellow fever risk. It is not a standard upload field for every applicant but a condition of entry for travelers from specific risk areas.
Can I edit my Tanzania eVisa application after submission?
No. Per visa.immigration.go.tz, no further changes are permitted after submission. Contact info@immigration.go.tz or visatanzania@immigration.go.tz for guidance if you discover an error.
Do I need to print my Tanzania eVisa?
Yes, carry both a printed copy and a digital copy of your eVisa grant notice. An immigration officer may request to see either upon arrival in Tanzania.
What happens if my Tanzania eVisa application is rejected?
The $102 government fee is non-refundable. Submit a new, corrected application via the portal. Contact info@immigration.go.tz or visatanzania@immigration.go.tz for assistance.
Do minors need a separate Tanzania eVisa application?
Yes, each passport holder, including minors under 18, must have their own application. A parent or guardian may complete the online form on their behalf. The minor must have a separate passport.