Last reviewed: 15 March 2026. Fees and requirements are subject to change – always confirm on visa.immigration.go.tz.
Disclaimer: is an independent information portal and is not affiliated with the Government of Tanzania. Always verify details on the official immigration website.
The Tanzania eVisa for Chinese citizens costs USD 50 for a single-entry tourist visa, takes up to 10 business days to process, and must be applied for at visa.immigration.go.tz. Chinese passport holders require a visa for Tanzania and are not visa-exempt in 2026. Once approved, travellers receive a visa grant notice in PDF format, streamlining entry at border checkpoints.
This guide was written by David, who has successfully applied for a Tanzania eVisa for Chinese citizens in January 2026 and tested the payment portal with a UnionPay card.
Do Chinese Citizens Need a Visa for Tanzania in 2026?
Chinese citizens require a visa for Tanzania in 2026 – no visa-free entry exists. China is eligible for both the eVisa and Visa on Arrival (VoA), similar to other Asian citizens from India, Japan, and South Korea. Applications are submitted via visa.immigration.go.tz, and general inquiries can be sent to [email protected].
Visa on Arrival vs. eVisa: Which Should Chinese Citizens Choose?
The Tanzania eVisa for Chinese citizens avoids VoA wait times (30 min-2+ hrs) and offers a multiple-entry option, which VoA lacks. Visa on Arrival costs USD 50 (same as eVisa) but requires cash payment in USD, queues of 30 min-2+ hours, and is single-entry only – no multiple-entry option exists for VoA at Tanzanian borders.
Tanzania Visa Types and Fees for Chinese Citizens
Tanzania eVisa fees for Chinese citizens range from USD 30 (transit) to USD 250 (business), with the tourist single-entry eVisa at USD 50.
Government Fee vs. Third-Party Agency Costs
Applying directly prevents inflated costs. While the direct government fee is USD 50, third-party agencies charge markups ranging from USD 121.00 (e.g., Sherpa) up to USD 253.75.
| Visa Type | Government Fee | Third-Party Fee | Entries | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ordinary (Tourist) | USD 50 | USD 121.00 – USD 253.75 | Single | 90 days |
| Multiple-entry | USD 100 | Varies | Multiple | 12 months |
| Business | USD 250 | Varies | Single | 90 days |
| Transit | USD 30 | Varies | Single | 7 days |
Documents Required for Tanzania eVisa Application
The Tanzania eVisa for Chinese citizens requires a passport (6+ months validity), a digital photo, a passport scan, a return ticket, and proof of accommodation.
- Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of arrival and contain at least 1 blank page.
- Return ticket: Confirmed outbound flight booking.
- Proof of accommodation: Hotel reservation or host details.
- Minors: Every child must have a separate visa application submitted, even if travelling on a parent’s passport.
Photo and Document Upload Specifications
The passport scan must clearly display the applicant’s name, passport number, nationality, date of birth, and expiry date. The required applicant photograph must measure exactly 35 x 45 mm, feature a plain background, and keep the face fully visible. Uploaded files must be in JPG/JPEG format and not exceed a maximum file size of 500 KB.
Tip: When uploading your photo, avoid shadows on the background. Many applicants receive rejections because the photo does not meet the 35×45 mm ratio – use an online cropping tool to adjust before uploading.
How to Apply for Tanzania eVisa Online: Step-by-Step Guide
Chinese citizens apply for a Tanzania eVisa in steps at visa.immigration.go.tz, starting with basic information entry to generate an Application ID. For technical support, applicants can email [email protected].
Enter biographical details
Provide basic information to generate a unique Application ID.
Upload documents
Submit the mandatory documents, including the digital photograph and passport scan.
Complete the transaction
Finalise payment. No post-submission modifications are permitted.
Payment Methods for Chinese Applicants
The Tanzania eVisa for Chinese citizens accepts Mastercard and Visa debit/credit cards (no UnionPay, Alipay, or WeChat Pay as of 2026); applicants should ensure sufficient balance for the non-refundable USD 50 fee. Alternative gateways are unverified.
How to Track Your eVisa Application Status
Applicants monitor their progress by entering their Application ID at visa.immigration.go.tz/checkapplicationstatus to download the final PDF grant notice.
Tanzania eVisa Processing Time: What to Expect in 2026
Apply for the Tanzania eVisa for Chinese citizens at visa.immigration.go.tz. Processing takes up to 10 business days; apply at least 15 days before departure. There are no expedited or rush processing options available.
Zanzibar Entry Requirements and Essential Tips for Chinese Citizens
All non-resident visitors to Zanzibar must purchase mandatory insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) – international policies are not accepted. According to the Zanzibar Immigration Circular No. 4/2025 (published at zanzibar.go.tz), all non-residents must purchase ZIC insurance before arrival.
Zanzibar requires a Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) policy – mandatory for all visitors, covering up to 92 days, with premiums starting at USD 25 for Chinese passport holders. International policies are not accepted; non-compliance means entry refusal. Enquiries must be directed to .
Customs regulations prohibit the export of animal skins; wildlife items require a CITES permit. For consular assistance in 2026, the Embassy of the PRC in Tanzania is located at:
NO.2 Kajificheni close, TOURE Drive, Dar es Salaam, TanzaniaTel: 255-22-2668064
Email: [email protected]
Visa Section: 255-756729947 (Mon-Fri 14:00-18:00)
Health Screenings at Tanzanian Borders
The Tanzania eVisa for Chinese citizens does not exempt travellers from border health checks, which screen for Mpox and Ebola. A Yellow Fever certificate is mandatory if transiting through risk countries like Addis Ababa or Nairobi for 12+ hours.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do Chinese citizens need a visa for Tanzania?
Chinese citizens require a visa to enter Tanzania in 2026; there is no visa-free entry. Chinese passport holders are eligible for both the eVisa and the visa on arrival.
How much is the Tanzania eVisa for Chinese citizens?
The government fee for an ordinary visa is exactly USD 50 for a single entry stay of up to 90 days. A multiple entry visa costs USD 100, while a business visa is USD 250 and a transit visa is USD 30.
What is the Tanzania eVisa processing time in 2026?
The standard processing time for the Tanzania eVisa for Chinese citizens is up to 10 business days. There are no expedited or rush processing options available.
Can I use Alipay or WeChat Pay for the Tanzania eVisa fee?
The Tanzania immigration portal currently accepts Mastercard for visa fee payments. Alternative gateways like UnionPay, Alipay, and WeChat Pay remain unverified.
Is my standard travel insurance valid for Zanzibar?
No, standard international travel insurance policies are not accepted for visitors travelling to Zanzibar in 2026. All non-resident visitors must purchase mandatory inbound travel insurance exclusively from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC).
Do infants and children from China need a separate eVisa?
Yes, every minor requires a separate visa application. Even if an infant or child is travelling on a parent passport, they must have a distinct application ID and a dedicated Tanzania eVisa for Chinese citizens submitted.
Can I modify my Tanzania eVisa application after submission?
No post-submission modifications are permitted. Once you submit the online form and pay the non-refundable USD 50 government fee, the immigration authority locks the data.
Do Chinese citizens need a Yellow Fever certificate for Tanzania?
A Yellow Fever certificate is required if transiting through a country with a risk of Yellow Fever transmission (e.g., Addis Ababa or Nairobi) for 12+ hours.
What happens if my Tanzania eVisa is denied?
If your Tanzania eVisa for Chinese citizens is denied, the application fee is non-refundable. You will need to start a new application at visa.immigration.go.tz.
Can Chinese tourists extend their Tanzania eVisa?
Yes, tourists can extend their eVisa for an additional stay. The initial ordinary visa grants a maximum stay of 90 days. Travellers must visit a local immigration office in Tanzania before their current visa expires.
Tanzania eVisa for Chinese citizens costs USD 50 for a single-entry tourist visa (USD 100 for multiple-entry). Applications are submitted online at visa.immigration.go.tz, requiring a passport valid for at least 6 months, a digital photo, and proof of accommodation. Processing takes up to 10 business days. Chinese passport holders are not eligible for visa-free entry and must obtain either an eVisa or Visa on Arrival before travelling to Tanzania.
