Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For government policy, always refer to the Tanzania eVisa system at https://visa.immigration.go.tz/. This guide was last verified on 15 March 2026 by a travel regulations analyst with 8 years of experience in East African visa processes.
Navigating the Tanzania eVisa refund policy in 2026 requires understanding that the government levy is pre-paid and non-transferable. The Tanzania eVisa fee cannot be recovered, whether the application is rejected or travel plans change. However, you can resolve technical double charges and request refunds for third-party service fees by following specific refund eligibility criteria.
Is the Tanzania eVisa Fee Refundable?
The Tanzania eVisa government fee is 100% non-refundable upon rejection, cancellation, postponement, or double payment under government Terms & Conditions. To avoid forfeiting the non-refundable visa fee, note the standard submission window is 10 days before travel, while the referral submission window is 2 months.
The following 8 scenarios strictly do not qualify for a refund:
- Application Rejection: Denials by immigration authorities.
- Trip Cancellation: Voluntary cancellation by the traveller.
- Travel Changes: Postponement or itinerary alterations.
- Duplicate Applications: Submitting two separate online forms.
- Double Payment Types: Paying online and subsequently paying on arrival.
- Force Majeure: Delays due to Acts of God, emergencies, or terrorism (no fee deferral exists).
- Medical Emergencies: Illness preventing travel.
- Premature Arrival: Arriving in Tanzania before the online application is approved.
Additionally, every applicant must present a passport with a minimum of 6 months validity and at least 1 unused visa page to ensure the Tanzania eVisa remains valid for entry.
What Happens If I Pay Twice? – Double Charges & Duplicate Payments
Duplicate government portal payments and online-plus-on-arrival double charges are non-refundable; only technical gateway duplicates can be escalated via [email protected].
- Duplicate Online Applications: Submitting two distinct forms results in a duplicate application refund denial.
- Paid Online + Paid On Arrival: Forfeits duplicate payments; strictly no reimbursement.
- Technical Gateway Error (GePG): Eligible for a double charge reversal if a single application ID is billed twice.
- Stolen/Unauthorised Card Transactions: Must be reported to your bank immediately, though you should also notify [email protected] for general fraud inquiries regarding your Tanzania eVisa.
Pending Card Authorisation vs. Actual Charge
Pending gateway authorisations auto-release within 5-10 business days and are not actual charges. Before assuming you were billed twice for your Tanzania eVisa, verify your status at https://visa.immigration.go.tz/checkapplicationstatus.
Service Fees vs. Government Visa Fees – Which Fees Can Actually Be Refunded?
Government Tanzania eVisa fees are non-refundable, but TLScontact service fees are refundable within a 14-day cooling-off period, and Visit-TZ fees are conditionally refundable before work begins.
| Fee Type | Refundability Status |
|---|---|
| Government Visa Fee | Strictly non-refundable. |
| TLScontact Service Fee | Refundable within a 14-day cooling-off period. Requires at least 3 days cancellation notice. |
| Visit-TZ Service Fee | Conditionally reviewable before administrative work begins. |
Does Tanzania Offer eVisa Fee Waivers & Exemptions?
EAC and SADC nationals (except Comoros) are visa-exempt; UK, US, Canadian, Indian, Nigerian, Pakistani, Australian, and New Zealand passport holders require a paid Tanzania eVisa.
- EAC & SADC Nationals: Receive a visa fee waiver exception (excluding Comoros).
- Commonwealth Nationals: Generally exempt, EXCEPT for the UK, Canada, Nigeria, India, Pakistan, Australia, and New Zealand, who must pay.
- Minors: Receive no fee reduction. A separate application and full adult fee are required.
How to Request a Refund and Who to Contact
Contact [email protected] with your application ID and payment receipt; refund processing takes 2-8 weeks to the original payment method, with no FX loss recovery.
Step-by-step GePG escalation procedure for a Tanzania eVisa technical error:
Verify status
Verify your application status online.
Obtain bank proof
Obtain official bank documentation serving as proof of double charge (transaction ID).
Email immigration
Email [email protected] (or [email protected] for general inquiries) with your ID and proof.
Wait for refund
Wait for the refund turnaround time of 2 to 8 weeks. Approved funds return to the original payment method.
Note that the fee is denominated in USD. UK travellers face GBP to USD conversion rates; FX losses and bank fees are not covered.
Should I Dispute the Charge With My Bank? – Chargeback Risks
Initiating a bank chargeback before contacting the immigration department risks permanent suspension of immigration services. In 2026, Tanzania strictly enforces this rule. Always use the provided email dispute process first to avoid chargeback risk regarding your Tanzania eVisa.
Frequently Asked Questions – Tanzania eVisa Refund Policy 2026
What is the refund turnaround time for a Tanzania eVisa double charge?
Technical double charge reversals take 2-8 weeks to the original payment method. Duplicate applications or paying online plus on arrival are not refundable.
Can I get a refund if my Tanzania eVisa is rejected?
No. The Tanzania eVisa government fee is non-refundable upon rejection. It covers application processing regardless of the final outcome.
Does the refund policy cover GBP to USD conversion losses?
No. The fee is denominated in USD. GBP to USD conversion fees and exchange rate fluctuations applied by your bank are not covered.
Are there fee waivers for minors applying for a Tanzania eVisa?
No. There is no fee waiver exception for minors. Every applicant, regardless of age, must submit a separate application and pay the full adult fee.
Can I claim a refund due to force majeure or cancelled flights?
No. The government is not liable for force majeure events like emergencies or terrorism. No fee deferral exists for the Tanzania eVisa.
What happens if I arrive in Tanzania before my eVisa is approved?
You must pay for a new visa on arrival. The original online fee becomes a duplicate payment and is strictly non-refundable.
How do I dispute a Tanzania eVisa double charge safely?
Email [email protected] with your proof of double charge (transaction ID). Avoid premature bank chargebacks to prevent service suspension.
Is there a refund deadline for third-party service fees?
Yes. TLScontact has a 14-day cooling-off period requiring 3 days notice. Always check your agency’s processing fee deduction rules and refund deadline.
Can I get a refund if I cancel my trip to Tanzania?
No. The Tanzania eVisa fee is pre-paid and non-transferable. Cancellation of your trip does not entitle you to a refund under any circumstances.
How can I check if a pending card authorisation is a double charge?
Pending gateway authorisations auto-release within 5-10 business days. Verify your status at visa.immigration.go.tz/checkapplicationstatus before assuming a double charge.
