La Tanzania will undergo a major change in its immigration policies from the 30 January 2025. The country will stop issuing visas on arrivalThis means that all travellers are obliged to purchase a electronic visa before their departure. This initiative aims to streamline entry procedures and improve the travel experience, while transforming the landscape of the tourism in this fascinating region of East Africa.
From 30 January 2025Tanzania will be making a significant change to its migration policy by ending the issuance of visas on arrival for international travellers. This decision to modernise and streamline entry procedures will require visitors to obtain a electronic visa before they arrive in the country. This change in the way tourist flows are managed is already sending shockwaves through the travel industry.
Tanzania, known for its magnificent landscapes and diverse wildlife, has long been distinguished by its open-door policy, allowing visitors to obtain a visa as soon as they arrive. However, the Tanzanian authorities plan to put an end to this practice on 30 January 2025. On that date, travellers will be obliged to use the electronic visaavailable via the government's online portal.
This seemingly ambitious project aims to improve the efficiency and fluidity of entry processes, while relieving the strain on airport resources that are often congested by long queues. The aim of these changes is to improve organisation and security when visitors arrive.
Changes announced against a backdrop of confusion
Before the official announcement of the end of visas on arrival, the situation was tinged with rumour and uncertainty. A circular shared on social networks had already hinted at the abolition of this option as early as November 2024, causing concern among industry professionals and travellers alike. The Tanzanian government had to intervene quickly to confirm that visas on arrival would remain valid, while encouraging the use of the electronic visa.
Despite this, a number of foreign ministries, including those of the France and CanadaThe Tanzanian authorities have updated their recommendations, confirming the information in order to alert travellers. Although Tanzanian channels have not yet officially confirmed this suspension, foreign governments seem convinced that it will be implemented.
e-Visa: the new entry standard
With the introduction of e-VisaTravellers should prepare themselves by submitting their application on the official Tanzanian government website (visa.immigration.go.tz) or via an approved agency such as Visamundi. The aim of this change is to make it easier for people to enter the country, so that tourist flows can be better managed.
The e-Visa offers a number of significant advantages:
- Faster processing visa applications, considerably reducing waiting times.
- Reduced waiting times at entry points, making the arrival experience more pleasant.
- Better management tourism flows for the authorities, enabling efficient resource planning.
- Improved security immigration procedures, via a more organised online system.
However, this transition could also have an impact on spontaneous forms of tourism. The option of obtaining a visa on arrival facilitated last-minute travel, and this is likely to reduce the scope for visitors to improvise.
Zanzibar and its new demands
At the same time, the authorities of Zanzibar, a semi-autonomous archipelago in Tanzania, have introduced an additional requirement: all visitors will now have to take out a travel insurance. This measure is designed to protect tourists in the event of health problems or other unforeseen events during their stay. Details are available on the Zanzibar authorities' website (Visit Zanzibar).
For more information on the documents required to obtain an e-Visa, the cost of obtaining it and processing times, please consult the articles on the official websites.
Documents required for the e-Visa : Click here.
e-Visa prices : Details here.
Using e-Visa : Further information.
Lead times : Find out more.
Comparison: Visas on arrival vs e-Visa in Tanzania
| Aspect | Visa on arrival | e-Visa |
| Availability | Until 29 January 2025 | From 30 January 2025 |
| Procedure | Obtained on site | Prior online request |
| Processing time | Immediate but often a long wait | Fast, usually within a few hours |
| Cost | Varies, payment on site | Fixed amount, indicated at the time of application |
| Flexibility | Allows spontaneity | Reduces last-minute unforeseen events |
| Documents required | Valid passport | Valid passport, online form |
| Queues | Generally long | Reduced thanks to anticipated demand |
An agency service 