Are you planning to travel to Zanzibar or Tanzania? We explain who needs an e-Visa for these destinations, how to obtain one from a visa agency or via the official website, and the special features of the e-Visa for Tanzania and Zanzibar.
Why you need an e-Visa to visit Zanzibar and Tanzania
Zanzibar and Tanzania attract thousands of visitors every year thanks to their breathtaking landscapes, heavenly beaches and rich cultural heritage. For easy access to these destinations, the Tanzanian government has introduced an electronic visa system (e-Visa) for foreign travellers wishing to visit the country for tourism, business or study purposes.
The e-Visa avoids the often long and tedious administrative procedures involved in obtaining a traditional visa. What's more, you don't have to go to an embassy or consulate to submit your application.
Who needs an e-visa to travel to Zanzibar or Tanzania?
Most foreign nationals need a visa to enter Tanzania, including Zanzibar. However, some countries offer visa exemption for short stays. It is therefore important to check the conditions specific to your nationality before planning your trip.
Visa exemptions
Citizens of member countries of the East African Community (Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda and Tanzania) do not need a visa to travel to Tanzania. Other nationalities are also visa-free for tourist stays of less than 3 months, such as the Seychelles or the Bahamas.
How do I obtain an e-Visa for Zanzibar or Tanzania?
There are two main options for obtaining an e-Visa:
- Request on the official Tanzanian government website This method is generally the quickest and least expensive. You will need to complete an online form and provide certain supporting documents (passport photo, valid passport, etc.). Visa fees can be paid by credit card.
- Going through a visa agency If you prefer to leave this to a professional, you can use the services of an agency specialising in obtaining visas. These agencies take care of all the administrative formalities for you, for an additional fee.
Once your application has been submitted and accepted, you will receive your e-Visa by email. It is important to print it out and present it to the local authorities when you arrive in Tanzania or Zanzibar.
How long does it take to obtain an e-Visa and is it valid?
The average time taken to obtain an e-Visa is around 7 working days. However, it is advisable to submit your application at least 2 to 4 weeks before the planned date of travel, to allow for any delays or administrative problems.
The period of validity of the e-Visa varies according to its type:
- Tourist e-Visa Valid for a maximum stay of 90 days
- Business e-Visa Valid for a maximum of 90 days
Conditions for entering Tanzania and Zanzibar with an e-Visa
To avoid any problems when you arrive in Tanzania or Zanzibar, make sure you comply with the following entry conditions:
- Present a valid passport Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date of entry.
- Have a valid e-Visa You must present your printed e-Visa to the local authorities on arrival.
- Provide proof of sufficient funds These may include recent bank statements, traveller's cheques or international credit cards.
- Present a return ticket The authorities may require you to produce a return or onward ticket to verify that you will be leaving the country at the end of your stay.
An agency service 