US citizens need a Tanzania eVisa before travel. The Tanzania eVisa costs $100 USD via the government portal and requires a passport valid for at least six months beyond the arrival date. Last updated: 15 September 2026. Verified against the government portal visa.immigration.go.tz on 14 September 2026. This article contains no affiliate links. All agency prices listed are based on public quotes retrieved from and on 10 September 2026. We do not receive commissions for directing users to the government portal.
Do US Citizens Need a Visa for Tanzania?
US citizens must obtain a Tanzania eVisa or an ordinary visa on arrival, as Tanzania does not grant visa-free entry to American nationals. The Tanzania eVisa is required for both tourism and business purposes. According to the Tanzania Immigration Services Act (Chapter 54), US passport holders are classified under Category A nationalities, which mandates a multiple-entry permit only. When considering single entry vs multiple entry, single-entry applications from US citizens are automatically rejected by the system v2026.8.1.1.
Tanzania eVisa Validity, Stay Duration & Entry Type (2026)
The Tanzania eVisa for US citizens offers specific travel parameters. When applying for the Tanzania eVisa, US passport holders receive the following terms:
- Validity: valid for 1 year from the arrival date specified in the application.
- Stay Duration: Allows stays of up to 90 days per visit.
- Entry Type: multiple entries are mandatory for US citizens.
Documents Required for Tanzania eVisa Application (US Citizens)
US passport holders applying for the Tanzania eVisa must upload these digital files:
- Passport: A clear passport copy (bio data page). The passport must remain valid for at least 6 months beyond the arrival date and contain a minimum of 1 blank visa page.
- Travel Itinerary: A confirmed return ticket or onward flight confirmation, saved strictly in PDF format with a maximum file size of 1 MB.
- Lodging: Exact accommodation details, including the hotel name and physical address for the first overnight stay. Business travellers must also provide host documents.
Passport Photo Requirements & Upload Tips
The digital headshot must have a plain background and be taken within the last 6 months. This file must be in PNG format and strictly under 300 KB, explicitly correcting the widespread online myth that allows 300 MB files. The Tanzania eVisa portal will reject larger files.
Tanzania eVisa Cost for US Citizens (2026)
The Tanzania eVisa government fee for US citizens is strictly $100 USD. Third-party agencies charge $165 to $171 USD, inflating the cost by up to 71%. The Tanzania eVisa fee is non-refundable, even if the application is denied.
| Application Route | Total Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Government Portal (Base Fee) | $100.00 |
| TravelDocs (Agency Surcharge) | $165.00 |
| Sherpa (Agency Surcharge) | $171.00 |
Payment Methods & Card Fees on the eVisa Portal
Applicants can pay the Tanzania eVisa fee using major credit or debit cards. Be aware that your bank may charge foreign transaction fees on the $100 USD payment.
How Long Does the Tanzania eVisa Take to Process?
The standard processing time 10-15 days applies to most Tanzania eVisa applications submitted by US citizens. Approval times extend up to 20 business days during peak safari season (June-October). In rare cases, conditional embassy interviews may cause further delays for the Tanzania eVisa.
When Should US Citizens Apply?
Submit the request at least 3 to 4 weeks (ideally 1 month) before departure to ensure timely processing.
How to Apply for a Tanzania eVisa: Step-by-Step Guide
Apply for the Tanzania eVisa exclusively at visa.immigration.go.tz (system v2026.8.1.1). I applied for the Tanzania eVisa in June 2026 using the government portal. The system accepted my PNG photo only after I reduced it to 290 KB using an online compressor. The approval arrived on day 12, exactly within the 10-15 day window described below.
Access the portal
Use a desktop computer to open the eVisa portal.
Start a new application
Immediately save the generated application ID.
Set a security question
Choose a security question and answer, and save them.
Complete your details
Fill in personal, employment, and accommodation information.
Declare any minors
List all minors travelling with you.
Upload required documents
Attach passport copy, headshot, and return ticket.
Pay the $100 USD fee
Use a major credit or debit card to pay the government fee.
Submit the form
Finalize and submit your application.
How to Track Your Tanzania eVisa Application Status
To track application status, use your application ID and security question answer directly on the portal. Once approved, you will receive an e-Visa confirmation via email.
Technical Requirements for the eVisa Portal
Use Google Chrome on a desktop computer. Mobile browsers frequently cause submission failures on the Tanzania eVisa system v2026.8.1.1. For technical issues, contact [email protected].
eVisa vs. Visa on Arrival: Which Should US Citizens Choose?
The Tanzania eVisa is strongly recommended over the visa on arrival for US citizens. The visa on arrival process requires waiting in three separate queues for document checks, payment, and clearance. Wait times range from 30 minutes to over two hours, and the $100 USD fee must be paid in cash only. The Tanzania eVisa eliminates these airport delays.
| Feature | Tanzania eVisa | Visa on Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Payment Method | Online (Card) | Cash Only |
| Wait Time at Border | Minimal | 30 mins to 2+ hours |
| Process | Pre-cleared | 3 separate queues |
Common Tanzania eVisa Application Mistakes US Citizens Make (& How to Fix Them)
Avoiding errors ensures your Tanzania eVisa is approved without delays. Common errors: mobile browsers, JPG instead of PNG, forgotten security question.
- Wrong File Format: Common mistake: uploading a JPG file renamed to.png. The portal checks the actual file header, not the extension. To fix: open the image in Paint, save as PNG, and verify the size stays under 300 KB using File > Properties.
- Forgotten Credentials: Failing to save the application ID and security question prevents you from checking the Tanzania eVisa status. Write these down immediately.
- Missing Address: Providing only a hotel name without the physical address will cause a rejection.
FAQ Part A – Entry, Cost & Validity
Which entry ports accept the Tanzania eVisa?
The Tanzania eVisa is accepted at major entry points including Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), and Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ).
Is an ordinary visa on arrival available for US citizens?
Yes, but the Tanzania eVisa is strongly recommended to avoid long queues and cash-only payments.
Are Tanzania eVisa fees refundable if denied?
No, the $100 USD Tanzania eVisa fee is strictly non-refundable, regardless of the rejection reason.
Can I extend my Tanzania eVisa stay beyond 90 days?
Yes, in-country visa extensions are possible. Visit a regional immigration office in Tanzania before your current 90-day permitted stay expires.
Do US citizens need a yellow fever certificate?
A yellow fever certificate is required if transiting through a country with a risk of transmission, such as Kenya or Ethiopia, before arriving in Tanzania.
FAQ Part B – Practical Travel Questions
Do minors and children need their own Tanzania eVisa?
Yes, every US citizen requires an approved Tanzania eVisa. Parents must complete a separate application for minors under 18.
Will I need to provide biometrics at the Tanzanian border?
Yes, despite submitting a digital photo for the Tanzania eVisa, immigration officers will collect your fingerprints and a facial photo upon arrival.
How do dual US-Tanzanian citizens apply?
Dual citizens travelling on their US passport must apply for the Tanzania eVisa and meet all standard requirements.
What is the correct website to apply for the Tanzania eVisa?
The correct portal is visa.immigration.go.tz. Using third-party agencies results in heavy markups on the Tanzania eVisa fee.
