Losing your Tanzania eVisa can create serious travel complications, especially if you are about to depart or have already arrived at the border. Since the eVisa is required for entry, you may face delays, additional costs, or even denial of entry if you cannot present it. Understanding the possible consequences and knowing the steps to recover or replace your eVisa can help you avoid travel disruptions.
Understanding the Tanzania eVisa
The Tanzania eVisa is an electronic visa issued by the Immigration Services Department to eligible foreign travelers. Since it is issued digitally, travelers receive it via email and must present a printed or digital copy upon arrival in Tanzania.
The eVisa is crucial for entry into Tanzania, and losing it can create delays or entry issues. However, because it is stored electronically, recovering it is generally easier than replacing a lost physical visa.
What to Do If You Lose Your Tanzania eVisa?
If you lose access to your Tanzania eVisa, follow these steps to recover it:
1. Check Your Email Inbox and Downloads
- Your eVisa approval letter was originally sent to the email address you provided during the application process.
- Search your email inbox for a message from the Tanzania Immigration Services Department.
- If you previously downloaded the eVisa, check your device’s Downloads folder or cloud storage.
2. Retrieve Your eVisa from the Tanzania eVisa Website
If you cannot find your eVisa in your email, you may be able to retrieve it from the official Tanzania eVisa portal:
- Visit the Tanzania eVisa website.
- Log in using your application ID and passport number.
- Check your application status and download the eVisa approval again.
3. Contact Tanzania eVisa Support
Reach out to the official visa support team for assistance. You can contact them through:
- Official eVisa Portal – Log in to the Tanzania eVisa website and check the "Contact Us" section.
- Email Support – Send an email to the official visa support address with your full name, passport number, and application reference number.
- Embassy or Consulate – If you are already traveling, visit the nearest Tanzanian embassy or consulate for help.
When contacting support, provide as many details as possible to speed up the process.
4. Print a New Copy
Once you retrieve your eVisa from email or the official portal, print a new copy. It is advisable to carry both a physical copy and a digital backup on your phone or other devices.
Requesting of a Reissue of Your Tanzania eVisa
If your Tanzania eVisa is missing or wasn’t received, you can request a duplicate copy by contacting the official Tanzania eVisa support team. Here are the steps involved to request a reissue of an eVisa:
- Check your application status – Log in to the Tanzania eVisa portal using your application reference number to confirm approval.
- Contact eVisa Support – Send an email or call the Tanzania Immigration office, providing your full name, passport number, and application details.
- Request a duplicate eVisa – Ask for a reissue of the eVisa and request it to be resent to your email.
- Check your email and print the eVisa – Once received, download and print a copy to present at immigration.
Consider Reapplying for Tanzania eVisa if Necessary
If you are unable to retrieve your Tanzania eVisa despite all efforts, you may need to submit a new application.
When to Reapply for a Tanzania eVisa:
- Your eVisa was not received and cannot be reissued.
- Your original application was lost or incorrectly processed.
- You are traveling soon and cannot wait for further support responses.
How to Reapply:
- Visit the official Tanzania eVisa portal and start a new application.
- Ensure all details are correct to avoid processing delays.
- Upload the required documents and pay the visa fee again.
- Save a copy of your application reference number and email confirmation for future tracking.
Reapplying should be a last resort after exhausting all other options to recover your missing eVisa.
What If You Lose Your eVisa While in Tanzania?
If you are already in Tanzania and lose access to your eVisa, follow these steps:
- Check Your Digital Records: Search your email or online storage for a copy of your visa. If you have a photo of the visa, it may still be accepted at checkpoints.
- Visit the Nearest Immigration Office: If you cannot retrieve your eVisa, go to the nearest Immigration Office. Provide your passport and travel details to verify your visa status.
- Inform Your Embassy (if necessary): If you face difficulties at immigration, contact your country’s embassy or consulate in Tanzania for assistance.
- Keep Extra Identification Documents: Having copies of your passport, entry stamp, and travel itinerary can help resolve visa issues more smoothly.
Consequences of Losing Your Tanzania eVisa
Losing your Tanzania eVisa can lead to several issues, especially if you are close to your travel date or already in transit. Here are the key consequences:
- Denied Boarding by Airlines – Many airlines require a valid visa before allowing passengers to board flights to Tanzania. Without it, you may be refused travel.
- Entry Denial at Immigration – Upon arrival, the immigration officials will ask for your eVisa. If you cannot present it, you may be denied entry.
- Delays and Additional Costs – You may need to contact support, request a reissue, or reapply, which can lead to unexpected costs and delays.
- Possible Need to Reapply – If your eVisa cannot be retrieved, you may have to submit a new application and repay the visa fee.
- Disruptions to Travel Plans – Missing your visa may cause delayed or canceled flights, hotel bookings, and tour arrangements.
- Immigration Issues for Future Travel – Losing important documents frequently or failing to follow visa requirements could affect future travel approvals.
Preventive Measures: How to Avoid Losing Your eVisa
To prevent the hassle of losing your eVisa, consider the following tips:
Print Multiple Copies: Always print at least two copies of your eVisa and keep one in your carry-on luggage.
Save a Digital Copy: Store a digital copy of your eVisa on your phone, tablet, or laptop. Email yourself a copy so you can access it from anywhere.
Use Cloud Storage: Upload a copy of your eVisa to Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud for easy retrieval.
Keep a Backup in Your Travel Folder: Place a laminated copy in your passport holder for safekeeping.
Record Your Application Details: Write down your application ID, passport number, and visa approval date in a notebook or notes app.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I enter Tanzania without a printed eVisa?
It is highly recommended to carry a printed copy of your eVisa, as immigration officers may request it upon arrival. If you lose it, showing a digital copy on your phone might be acceptable, but a printout is safer.
2. What if I lose my eVisa and forget my application ID?
If you don’t remember your application ID, you can still retrieve your visa using your passport number and registered email on the official Tanzania eVisa website.
3. Will I have to apply for a new visa if I lose my eVisa?
No, you do not need to apply for a new visa unless your visa is expired. You can retrieve the existing visa from the official portal or contact Tanzania eVisa website.
4. Can I get a copy of my eVisa at the airport?
Tanzania airports do not offer visa printing services. You should retrieve and print your eVisa before traveling.
5. How long does it take to recover a lost eVisa?
If you have your application details, you can retrieve and print your eVisa in minutes. If you need assistance from immigration authorities, it may take 1-2 business days.
Content Disclaimer: While this information was last updated in March 2025, we strongly suggest confirming all travel details with the appropriate governmental agencies, embassies, and airlines.
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How to Apply for a Tanzania eVisa
The Tanzania eVisa process is simple and fully online. Follow these steps to get your visa quickly:
- Fill out the Tanzania eVisa application form online with your passport details.
- Pay the visa fee securely online using your credit card.
- Check your email for payment confirmation and receive your Tanzania eVisa electronically.
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I am applying for a new visa to Tanzania having travelled there before in 2015. In the application it’s asking for my old visa number which I have since lost, is there anyway to get round this?