Last updated: August 18, 2026. Visa rules may change; always verify on the official portal before applying.
The standard Tanzania eVisa processing time is up to 10 business days from payment confirmation, with most approvals arriving within 6 to 10 days. There is no official rush or expedited processing option available for the Tanzania eVisa. Travelers should apply at least 15 to 20 days before departure and carry 50 to 100 USD in cash for a Visa on Arrival backup, though this option is not guaranteed. Align your visa approval with your travel dates by knowing processing and validity deadlines.
How Long Does a Tanzania eVisa Take to Process in 2026?
The Tanzania eVisa processing time is officially 10 business days, with traveler reports ranging from 6 to 14 days.
The 10 business days countdown starts only after payment confirmation, not upon initial form submission. The Tanzanian Immigration portal (visa.immigration.go.tz) requires applications to be lodged at least ten days before the travel date. A recent TripAdvisor case from December 2025 documents an application submitted on December 14 with approval received on December 22 – 8 days – for a January 9 departure, consistent with the 6 to 14 day range reported by most travelers.
| Source | Stated Time | Reliability | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tanzanian Immigration portal | 10 business days | High | Starts after payment confirmation |
| TripAdvisor (2025 reports) | 6 to 14 days | Medium | Actual traveler experiences |
| Commercial sites (angola-visa.com) | 3 to 10 days | Low | Unverified commercial claims |
Is There a Rush or Expedited Processing Option for the Tanzania eVisa?
No official rush processing exists for the Tanzania eVisa. Unverified commercial sites claiming 72-hour turnaround contradict the Immigration Department’s system (version 2026.5.2.1), which offers no rush selection or fee at visa.immigration.go.tz. Apply 15 to 20 days before departure instead; carry $50 to $100 cash for Visa on Arrival as a backup (not guaranteed).
Tanzania eVisa Types and Their Processing Times
All standard Tanzania eVisa types follow the same 10-business-day processing window, while Referral Visas require a 2-month lead time.
| Visa Type | Processing Time | Key Requirement & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary Visa | 10 days | Standard processing for tourism and leisure. |
| Business Visa | 10 days | Standard processing for business activities. |
| Transit Visa | 10 days | Standard processing for transiting travelers. |
| Referral Visa | Submit at least two months before travel | Requires approval from the Office of the Commissioner General of Immigration. |
Referral Visa applicants should not book flights or accommodation until they receive approval from the Commissioner General of Immigration.
How Long Is a Tanzania eVisa Valid After Approval?
A Tanzania Single Entry eVisa is valid for 90 days from issuance with a 30-day maximum stay, while a Multiple Entry visa lasts 12 months with a 90-day max stay per entry. The Tanzania eVisa validity period begins on the date the visa is issued, not the date of arrival.
| Visa Type | Validity Period | Max Stay Per Entry | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Entry | 90 days from issuance | 30 days | $50 |
| Multiple Entry | 12 months | 90 days | $100 |
The Visa Grant Notice (emailed to you) specifies your visa’s start and end dates. Print it and carry it with your passport. An Immigration Officer at the port retains the authority to refuse entry if requirements are unmet. Download the notice at visa.immigration.go.tz/checkapplicationstatus.
Tanzania eVisa Processing for US Citizens
US citizens must apply for a Tanzania Multiple Entry eVisa costing $100 with a 12-month validity and a 90-day maximum stay per entry.
American passport holders are required to apply for a Multiple Visa through the eVisa system, not the Ordinary Visa available to other tourists for leisure or holiday purposes. Single-entry tourist visas are unavailable to US citizens through the online portal, according to the Tanzanian Immigration Department.
The Tanzania eVisa processing time for US citizens follows the same 10-business-day window as other nationalities, counting from payment confirmation. Because the Multiple Entry visa grants a 12-month validity window with a 3-month maximum consecutive stay, American travelers can plan multiple trips within that period without reapplying.
Tanzania eVisa Application Process and Timeline
The Tanzania eVisa application spans 8 steps from account creation to Visa Grant Notice download, with processing starting after payment confirmation.
Create your application
Use the eVisa portal with Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome. Each passport holder must submit a separate application.
Upload required documents
Include a passport valid for at least six months from date of entry with one unused visa page.
Pay the visa fee
Pay online via Mastercard. Fees are pre-paid, non-refundable, and non-transferable.
Receive payment confirmation
The 10-business-day Tanzania eVisa processing time begins at this point.
Wait for review
The immigration authority reviews your application. No changes are permitted after submission.
Receive decision notification
You will receive an email notification when a decision is reached.
Download Visa Grant Notice
Download from the status portal. The notice specifies your visa start and end dates.
Print and carry
Print the Visa Grant Notice and carry it with your passport for presentation at the entry point.
What If Your Tanzania eVisa Isn’t Approved Before Departure?
Travelers without an approved Tanzania eVisa at departure should print their application confirmation and proceed to the Visa on Arrival counter with $50-$100 USD in cash.
Check your status online
Use the Visa Grant Notice portal with your application ID before leaving for the airport.
Print your application confirmation
Keep the application ID visible as proof you applied through the eVisa system.
Proceed to Visa on Arrival counter
According to the Embassy of Tanzania in Washington D.C., VOA is possible for tourists at any entry point, but not guaranteed.
Pay in cash
$50-$100 USD in cash (amount depends on citizenship; US citizens pay $100). Credit cards are not accepted for VOA.
Present your passport and completed form
The immigration officer stamps your passport on the spot.
Requirements to Avoid Tanzania eVisa Processing Delays
Tanzania eVisa applicants need a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry with one unused visa page, plus a return ticket and digital photo.
Tanzania eVisa processing time depends on submitting a complete, error-free application. Required documents sourced from the Tanzanian Immigration portal:
- Passport valid for at least six months from your planned entry date
- At least one unused visa page available for stamping
- Return or onward ticket proving departure plans
- Separate application for each passport holder, including minors who require their own visa
- Correct visa type selected at submission, as no changes are allowed afterward
Quick Checklist: [ ] Passport valid 6+ months [ ] One blank visa page [ ] Return ticket [ ] Digital photo [ ] Mastercard for payment
Selecting the wrong visa type, providing insufficient information, or omitting required attachments results in automatic rejection. All visa fees are non-refundable and non-transferable, meaning a rejected application requires a new payment and a fresh submission, resetting the entire Tanzania eVisa processing timeline.
Verify your application status at visa.immigration.go.tz/checkapplicationstatus or contact immigration support at visatanzania@immigration.go.tz.
Tanzania eVisa Processing Time and Validity FAQ
What is the standard Tanzania eVisa processing time?
The standard Tanzania eVisa processing time is up to 10 business days from payment confirmation. Traveler reports indicate approvals arrive within 6 to 14 days.
Is there a rush processing option for the Tanzania eVisa?
No official rush, expedited, or express processing option exists for the Tanzania eVisa. Commercial claims of 72-hour turnaround are unverified.
How long is a Tanzania Single Entry eVisa valid?
A Tanzania Single Entry eVisa is valid for 90 days from issuance with a 30-day maximum stay. The fee is 50 USD.
What are the Tanzania eVisa processing rules for US citizens?
US citizens must apply for a Multiple Entry Visa ($100, 12-month validity, 90-day max stay per entry). Single-entry tourist visas are unavailable to Americans through the eVisa system.
When should I apply for my Tanzania eVisa before travel?
Apply at least 15 to 20 days before your travel date to buffer against the 10-business-day processing window and potential delays. Referral Visa applicants must submit at least two months before travel.
What happens if my Tanzania eVisa is not approved before my flight?
Print your application confirmation and proceed to the Visa on Arrival counter with $50 to $100 USD in cash. VOA is not guaranteed.
How can I track my Tanzania eVisa application status?
Track your Tanzania eVisa status at visa.immigration.go.tz/checkapplicationstatus using your application ID. For delays beyond 10 days, email visatanzania@immigration.go.tz.
Can I extend my Tanzania eVisa after arrival?
Extensions are only possible in person at the Immigration Centre in Dar es Salaam. Online extensions are not available, and overstaying is a penal offence.
What payment methods are accepted for the Tanzania eVisa?
The Tanzania eVisa fee is paid online via Mastercard. All fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. Visa on Arrival requires cash (USD) only.