To visit Tanzania for tourism, business, or transit, you must understand your eVisa validity and allowed stay before travel to avoid overstaying or entry issues.
Overview of the Tanzania eVisa
The Tanzania eVisa is an electronic visa that lets eligible travellers apply online before arrival. It is linked to the applicant’s passport and is required for most foreign nationals who do not qualify for visa-free entry into Tanzania.
- Covers both Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar visits
- Does not permit employment. If you intend to work in Tanzania, you must apply for a work permit.
Validity and Stay Duration of Different Tanzania eVisa Types
The stay duration refers to the maximum number of days a traveller is allowed to remain in Tanzania on a single entry. It's important to note that the stay duration is different from the visa validity period. Below is a breakdown of the validity and stay duration for each:
Transit Visa
- Validity: 7 days
- Stay Duration: Up to 7 days
- Purpose: For passing through Tanzania for a short period before continuing your journey to a different country. It is not intended for tourism or extended stays.
Tourism
- Validity: 90 days
- Stay Duration: 90 days per visit
- Purpose: To enjoy sightseeing, recreational activities and cultural experiences during your stay
Example: If your Tanzania eVisa is issued on 1 March, you must enter Tanzania before 30 May and can stay for up to 90 days.
Ordinary Visa
- Validity: 90 days
- Stay Duration: Up to 90 days per visit
- Purpose: Include visiting friends or relatives, receiving medical treatment, or engaging in humanitarian and charity activities.
Multiple Entry Visa
- Validity: 12 months
- Stay Duration: 3 months
- Purpose: Ideal for frequent visitors who need to travel in and out of Tanzania several times within a year.
Example: If your eVisa is issued on 1 March 2026, it will remain valid until 28 February 2027. However, each stay in Tanzania must not exceed 90 days before re-entering.
Business Entry Visa
- Validity: 90 days
- Stay Duration: Up to 90 days
- Purpose: To engage in business-related activities such as setting up a business and facilitating trade and services.
Leisure & Holiday eVisa (For U.S Passport Holders)
- Validity: 12 months (1 year)
- Stay Duration: Must not exceed 3 months
- Purpose: Ideal for enjoying holidays and participating in leisure activities
Quick Document Checklist
- Passport bio page scan
- Return of return or onward ticket
- Applicant Photograph
Important Rules About eVisa Validity & Stay Duration
Entry Must Occur Within the eVisa Validity Period
Your single-entry or multiple-entry eVisa has a set validity period. If your eVisa expires before you enter Tanzania, you must apply for a new eVisa, as you cannot enter with an expired eVisa.
Each Stay Has a Maximum Limit
Even if your Tanzania eVisa is still valid, you cannot stay in Tanzania beyond the permitted number of days per visit. You must leave Tanzania before your allowed stay ends and re-enter if needed.
Overstaying & Longer Stays
Overstaying your eVisa may result in fines, deportation, or even future entry bans. Travellers who wish to stay longer should contact the Tanzania Immigration Department before the permitted stay ends.
No Visa Transfer Between Passports
If you get a new passport after obtaining a Tanzania eVisa, you must reapply for a new Tanzania eVisa; it cannot be transferred to a different passport. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months when applying for an eVisa.
Visa Type Determines Activities Allowed
Each Tanzania eVisa type has a specific set of travel purposes that applicants must choose during application that match their needs.
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