Comparison Between Tanzania Visa on Arrival and eVisa

When visiting Tanzania, travellers can choose between a Tanzania Visa on Arrival and a Tanzania eVisa. Both options grant entry, but they differ in application process, waiting times, payment methods, and convenience. Knowing these differences may help you choose the best option for an easy and trouble-free trip.

Overview of Tanzania Visa on Arrival and eVisa

Travellers visiting Tanzania can choose between a Visa on Arrival and an eVisa. Both allow entry, but they vary in their application processes, waiting times, and convenience. Below is a comparison to help you decide which option best suits you.

What is a Tanzania Visa on Arrival?

A Visa on Arrival is a visa you get when you arrive at one of Tanzania’s main entry points, like airports or land borders.

Requirements for a Tanzania Visa on Arrival

Make sure you have these documents to avoid delays:

• Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months and have at least one blank page.
• Return Ticket: This shows that you plan to leave Tanzania before your visa expires.
• Proof of Funds: You may need to present cash or a bank statement to demonstrate your ability to pay for your stay.
• Hotel Booking or Invitation Letter: If staying in a hotel, bring a confirmed hotel booking or an invitation letter. If staying with friends or family, an invitation letter may be needed.
• Visa Fee (USD Cash Preferred): Some entry points do not accept credit cards, so carrying cash in US dollars is recommended.

How to Apply for a Tanzania Visa on Arrival

When you get to a Tanzanian entry point, here’s what you need to do to get your visa:

1. Arrive in Tanzania: Available at major airports and land borders.
2. Fill out the Application Form: Get a form from immigration and complete it.
3. Submit Your Documents: Hand in your passport, visa form, return ticket, and hotel booking.
4. Pay the Visa Fee: Use cash in US dollars, since card payments may not always work.
5. Get Your Visa: If approved, you’ll receive a visa stamp in your passport.

Where Can You Get a Tanzania Visa on Arrival?

You can obtain a Tanzania Visa on Arrival at major entry points, including:

• Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), Dar es Salaam.
• Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), Kilimanjaro.
• Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ), Zanzibar.

The pros and cons of obtaining a Tanzania Visa on Arrival

Pros

• No prior application required: Travelers can obtain the visa directly upon arrival at the airport or border entry point.
• Convenient for last-minute travellers: Ideal for those who did not apply for an eVisa beforehand.
• Available at major entry points: Issued at major airports and border crossings in Tanzania.
• Same validity as eVisa: Allows a stay of up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes.
• No need for online processing: Some travellers prefer handling their visa on-site rather than dealing with online applications.

Cons

• Long waiting times: Immigration queues can be time-consuming, especially during peak travel periods.
• Approval uncertainty: There is a slight risk of visa rejection at the border if requirements are not met.
• Limited payment options: Only cash is accepted, and card payments are often unavailable.
• Potential documentation issues: Travellers must have all required documents (passport, return ticket, proof of funds) ready, or they may face delays.
• Not available at all borders: Some remote entry points may not issue visas on arrival.

What is a Tanzania eVisa?

The Tanzania eVisa is an online visa you need to apply for before you travel. The Tanzanian Immigration Department processes it electronically.

Application Process for Tanzania eVisa

It’s easy to apply for a Tanzania eVisa online from anywhere. Just follow these four steps to get your visa approved before you travel.

• Visit the Tanzania eVisa Portal: Go to our Tanzania eVisa portal and select your eVisa type (tourist, business, transit).
• Fill Out the Application Form: Enter your personal details and upload the required documents.
• Pay the Visa Fee: Use a credit or debit card, or internet banking, to pay securely.
• Receive Your eVisa: After approval, your eVisa will be emailed to you. Print it and bring it with you when you travel.

Benefits of Tanzania eVisa

Applying for a Tanzania eVisaprovides multiple benefits, making it a preferred option for many travellers. Here’s why:

• Convenient Online Application: You don’t have to visit an embassy or wait in long airport lines. You can apply from anywhere.
• Faster Entry at Immigration: Because your visa is approved before you travel, you can skip the long Visa on Arrival lines.
• Secure Payment Process: You can pay online with a credit or debit card, so you don’t have to worry about carrying cash.
• Reduced Risk of Rejection at Border: Since you’re pre-approved, you’re less likely to be denied entry when you arrive.
• Available to Most Travellers: Many nationalities can apply online, making it widely accessible.
• Trackable Application Status: You can check your Tanzania eVisa status online and receive updates.
• Multiple Visa Options: Apply for different types of visas based on your travel needs.

Key Differences Between Tanzania Visa on Arrival and eVisa

When you travel to Tanzania, you can pick either a Visa on Arrival or an eVisa. Both let you enter, but the way you apply, how convenient they are, and how long you have to wait differ. Knowing these differences will help you choose the best option for your trip.

Which Visa Option is Better?

Choosing the right visa depends on your travel situation:

Choose a Visa on Arrival if:

• You didn't apply in advance and need a visa immediately.
• You are comfortable carrying the visa fee in cash.
• You are travelling from a country where online payments are difficult.

Choose an eVisa if:

• You want to avoid long queues and waiting times.
• You prefer a secure online payment option.
• You want to minimise the risk of visa denial upon arrival.

Conclusion

Both the Tanzania Visa on Arrival and eVisa are convenient. Still, the eVisa is usually the better choicebecause it’s faster at entry points, allows online payment, and has a lower risk of denial. Still, if you’re travelling at the last minute or can’t apply online, theVisa on Arrival is a good alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions

Content Disclaimer: Although this information was last updated in February 2026, we recommend verifying with the appropriate agencies, embassies, and airlines to ensure complete accuracy regarding your travel plans.