Planning a trip to Tanzania has an exciting side — safaris, Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar beaches, postcard sunsets — and a less thrilling but equally important one: the visa. Nobody dreams of filling in forms before seeing lions in the Serengeti, but doing it properly saves you nerves, queues and surprises at the border.
The Tanzania visa is mandatory for many travellers, including Spanish citizens. You may also see it referred to as the visa for Tanzania, the Tanzania tourist visa or the visa to travel to Tanzania, but the idea is the same: an authorisation, obtained in advance or at the border, that lets you enter the country.
For tourist trips, the most common route is to apply for the ordinary single-entry visa, designed for stays of up to three months for purposes such as holidays, visits, leisure or other legally recognised activities.
In this guide you'll find the main options, the price, the documents you need, the steps to apply for the Tanzania visa online, the processing times, what happens if you travel to Zanzibar and the most common mistakes people make when filling in the application.
Do you need a visa to travel to Tanzania?
Yes. If you're travelling on a Spanish passport for tourism, you need a visa for Tanzania. Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs states that the tourist visa is valid for up to 90 days and costs 50 US dollars.
This visa covers leisure trips: safaris, holidays in Zanzibar, family visits, health treatments or other legally recognised activities, as long as they don't involve working. For most travellers doing holidays, safari and beach, the ordinary visa is the right option.
That said, having an approved visa doesn't mean entry is automatically guaranteed. On arrival, the immigration authorities may ask for your passport, your visa or the documentation to apply for one on arrival, an onward or return ticket and proof of sufficient funds for your stay.
The norm is to have no problems at all if your paperwork is in order, but it's best not to travel with a passport about to expire, without an onward ticket or with details that don't match.
Types of Tanzania visa: which one you need for your trip
Most people looking for information about the Tanzania visa need the ordinary tourist visa. Even so, there are other categories. Choosing well from the start avoids delays, refusals and that moment of tension when you land in the country.
The official fees published by Tanzania's Immigration Department set the ordinary visa at 50 dollars, the multiple-entry visa at 100 dollars, the business visa at 250 dollars, the transit visa at 30 dollars and the student visa from 50 dollars, depending on the case.
Ordinary or tourist visa
This is the most common visa for a holiday trip. It covers going on safari, spending a few days in Zanzibar, visiting family or friends, sightseeing and other non-work activities.
For Spanish travellers, it's usually the right option if the purpose of the trip is tourism. The ordinary visa allows a single entry and a stay of no more than three months.
Transit visa
The transit visa is designed for those passing through Tanzania on their way to another country. It's not a shortcut to cheap tourism, nor a valid option if you want to spend several days on safari or at the beach.
This visa only makes sense if Tanzania is a stopover and you can prove you're continuing your journey to another destination.
Business, student or work visa
If you're travelling to Tanzania for a professional, academic or work-related reason, you shouldn't use a tourist visa. For meetings, one-off professional assignments or short-term tasks, a business visa may apply. If you're going to study, do research, complete an internship or take part in an academic programme, you may need a student visa.
And if the trip involves real, ongoing work, you'll probably need specific permits, not just an entry visa.
The rule is simple: the declared purpose must match what you'll actually be doing.
Multiple-entry visa and special cases
The multiple-entry visa lets you enter Tanzania several times, but it isn't designed for everyone. It can apply to specific profiles, recurring trips or certain nationalities. The official visa portal also notes that some applicants must follow special or prior-approval procedures before travelling.
If you hold dual nationality, a non-Spanish passport or a route with several entries and exits from the country, check your specific case before paying for the application.
Online visa or visa on arrival: which option is better
One of the big questions is this: do I get the Tanzania visa online before travelling, or sort it out when I arrive? Tanzania allows applications through the official e-visa system and, for many nationalities, also on arrival at authorised entry points. The official portal recommends using the online application system and reminds travellers to use only the official immigration website.
For a trip from Spain, the most convenient option is usually to sort out the visa before you fly. That way you arrive with the approval downloaded, you reduce uncertainty and you avoid having to resolve everything after a long flight.
The visa on arrival may be possible for Spanish citizens, but the online route gives you more control and means you're not depending on queues, payment systems or operational changes at the border.
Tanzania visa price: official fees and possible extras
The price of the Tanzania visa for ordinary tourism is 50 US dollars. This fee applies to the ordinary visa for most visitors travelling for tourism. Tanzania's Immigration Department warns that if an applicant is charged more than 50 dollars for an ordinary visa, they may be using an intermediary or an unauthorised link.
These are the most common official fees:
The price can vary by nationality and visa type. That's why it's important to check the fee for the passport you're travelling on, not for the country where you live or where you're departing from.
There may also be indirect costs: bank commissions, currency exchange or agency charges if you decide to delegate the paperwork. You need to distinguish between the official fee and the cost of the service.
Requirements for applying for the Tanzania visa
Before starting the application, get your documents ready.
For the ordinary visa, the official information asks for a valid passport with at least six months' validity, a passport-style photo, a return ticket and payment of the corresponding fee. In the online process you also need to complete the form and attach the required documentation.
Basic checklist for the Tanzania visa from Spain:
- Passport with at least six months' validity.
- A clear copy of the passport's main page.
- A recent passport-style photo.
- An onward or return ticket.
- Your first accommodation address in Tanzania.
- A working email address.
- A card to pay the fee.
- Entry and exit dates.
- Entry point: airport, port or land border.
- A digital copy and a printed copy of the approval, once it arrives.
If you're travelling with minors, each person must have their own application if they have their own passport. On family trips, also check whether additional documentation is needed, especially if the minor is travelling with only one parent.
How to apply for the Tanzania visa online, step by step
Applying for the official Tanzania visa online isn't especially difficult, but it's worth doing calmly. The official system lets you start a new application, continue one you've already begun and check the status of your application.
Step 1: go to the official website
Always start from Tanzania's official visa portal. The official site states that the online application is for visiting the United Republic of Tanzania, both the mainland and Zanzibar, and that you need to fill in the form, make the payment and submit the application for review.
Avoid websites that look official but charge much more without clearly explaining what added service they offer. If the cost is far above the official fee, stop and double-check before paying.
Step 2: start a new application
To begin, the system asks for basic details such as email address, passport number, passport-issuing country, a security question and its answer. When you start the application, it generates an identification number you'll use to continue the process or check its status.
Save this number in two places: in your email and in your phone notes, for example. If you later want to retrieve your Tanzania visa application, check its status or download the approval, you'll need it.
Step 3: choose the correct visa type
For tourism, safari or Zanzibar, the usual choice is the ordinary visa. Don't select business, student, transit or multiple-entry visas if they don't fit your trip.
This step seems obvious, but it's one of the most common mistakes. If you're going on safari and spending a few days at the beach, you're not in transit. If you're on holiday, you're not doing business. And if you're only entering once, you normally don't need a multiple-entry visa, apart from specific cases or nationalities.
Step 4: fill in your personal and trip details
Write your name exactly as it appears in your passport.
If your passport shows two surnames, enter two surnames. If there's a middle name, include it.
You'll also need to give your travel dates, purpose, entry point and first accommodation address. If you're doing a safari with a route through several parks, you can enter your first lodge or a real, consistent reference address.
Some fields can raise doubts, such as the countries where you've lived. Answer calmly and give correct information.
Step 5: attach documents and pay
Prepare files that are legible, lightweight and in the requested format. The official visa system guide states that the photo must be in colour, with a plain background and in the right format, and that documents such as the passport copy and the return ticket must also be provided as applicable.
Payment is made online with a Visa or Mastercard. On completion, the applicant receives a confirmation.
If you have problems paying for the Tanzania visa, try the basics first: check that your card allows international payments, lift any temporary blocks, use a different browser, avoid unstable connections and don't repeat the payment compulsively. If the charge shows up at your bank but the system doesn't move forward, keep the receipt and check the application status before starting a new one.
Step 6: wait for approval and download the document
The application isn't approved instantly. The form is submitted, reviewed, and the response is communicated through the system's channels. The official portal also lets you check the status of your application.
When you receive the approval, download it and carry it in two formats: digital and printed.
How long does the Tanzania visa take?
The official guide indicates that online visa applications are processed within ten days, except for cases requiring prior approval.
Even so, the sensible move is not to cut it fine. Apply for the visa once you have firm dates, flights and your first accommodation, but don't leave it for the final days. Doing it several weeks ahead buys a lot of peace of mind.
If you see your application "in progress", it means it's still under review:
- Check your spam folder.
- Check the application status on the official portal.
- Confirm that the payment went through.
- Don't create a second application without good reason.
- Contact immigration if the stated deadline has passed.
The official system's terms also warn about possible problems arising from duplicate payments or from submitting a new application before the first one has been resolved.
Visa for Tanzania and Zanzibar: what you need to know
The visa for Tanzania and Zanzibar is not a separate visa. The official e-visa system states that the application covers visits to the United Republic of Tanzania, including mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.
If your trip combines a safari on the mainland with beach time in Zanzibar, you normally don't need a second visa. That said, Zanzibar may run its own checks when you arrive by airport or port. Keep your passport, visa approval and travel documents to hand. Don't leave them in checked luggage.
In addition, since 1 October 2024, the Zanzibar authorities require mandatory travel insurance for foreign visitors arriving on the island by airport or port. The official portal for this insurance lets you start the application, select the type of insurance, fill in the form and make the payment.
This insurance doesn't replace the visa. They're two different things: one is the immigration authorisation and the other is an entry requirement specific to Zanzibar.
Tanzania visa from Spain: specific tips for Spanish travellers
The Tanzania visa for Spanish citizens is a relatively simple process if you're travelling for tourism. The usual route is to apply for an ordinary single-entry visa, with a fee of 50 dollars and validity of up to 90 days.
Practical tips for getting it right:
- Check that your passport will have at least six months' validity.
- Apply for the visa with time to spare, not the night before your flight.
- Always use the official portal.
- Enter your details exactly as they appear in your passport.
- Save the application number and the payment receipt.
- Carry the approval printed and downloaded on your phone.
- Check the additional requirements if you're travelling to Zanzibar.
If you're doing a combined trip through East Africa, don't mix up your paperwork. The visa for Kenya and Tanzania is not a single visa: each country has its own rules and its own systems. If you enter via Kenya, continue to Tanzania and then return to Kenya, also check the Kenyan requirements before buying flights or locking in the route.
It's also advisable to check the health recommendations before travelling. The Tanzanian authorities may require health documentation in certain cases, for example in relation to yellow fever depending on your country of origin or the route you've taken.
Common mistakes when applying for the Tanzania visa
The visa form isn't complicated, but there are mistakes that keep coming up. Some only delay the application. Others can end in refusal.
Using an unofficial website
The classic. You search for the visa, click too fast and end up on a page that looks official but isn't. Some sites charge considerably more to handle the process. The official source warns that an amount above the official price of the ordinary visa may indicate an intermediary or an unauthorised link has been used.
Getting the passport number wrong
One switched digit can cause you real trouble. Check your passport number, issue date, expiry date, first name and surnames before submitting.
Choosing the wrong visa type
If you're travelling for tourism, the ordinary visa is usually the correct one. The transit visa doesn't cover tourism, and the business visa must not be used for prolonged work.
Attaching blurry documents
A dark photo, a cropped passport or an illegible file can cause delays. Better to take a clear photo, in good light and without reflections.
Not saving the application number
The application number is what lets you continue the process and check its status. If you lose it, everything gets more complicated.
Confusing a submitted application with an approved visa
Submitting the form and paying doesn't mean you have the visa. You must wait for the approval notification before considering the process closed. The official system explains that the application is submitted, reviewed internally and then processed.
Not checking Zanzibar
If you're travelling to Zanzibar, check the island's specific entry requirements, including the mandatory insurance. Don't leave it until the check-in desk.
Final checklist before travelling to Tanzania
Before heading to the airport, run through this:
- Passport with at least six months' validity.
- Approved visa, or the documentation ready to apply on arrival, if applicable.
- Printed and digital copies of the approval.
- Onward or return ticket.
- First accommodation address.
- Travel insurance.
- Mandatory Zanzibar insurance if you're going to the island.
- Health certificate if applicable to your route or country of origin.
- Bank card enabled for international payments.
- Some cash in good-condition dollars.
- A copy of your passport saved in your email or the cloud.
- Your visa application number.
It sounds like a lot, but it all fits in a small folder. And that folder can save you a scare at the border.
Frequently asked questions about the Tanzania visa
Can I get the Tanzania visa on arrival?
Yes, in many cases it's possible to apply for the visa on arrival at official entry points. Even so, for a more relaxed trip, the official system recommends applying online before you travel.
What is the official Tanzania visa website?
The application must be made through the official visa system of the Tanzanian government. This portal lets you start a new application, continue one you've begun and check the status of the process.
How much does the Tanzania tourist visa cost?
The ordinary tourist visa costs 50 US dollars for most visitors. There are exceptions depending on nationality and visa type, so always check the fee that applies to the passport you're travelling on.
How long does the Tanzania online visa take?
The official guide indicates a processing time of ten days for online applications, except for cases requiring prior approval.
Does the Tanzania visa cover Zanzibar?
Yes. The e-visa covers visits to mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. If you're visiting both, you don't need a different visa to move between the mainland and the island.
Do Spanish citizens need a visa for Tanzania?
Yes. Spanish citizens need a visa to travel to Tanzania for tourism. Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicates that the tourist visa is valid for up to 90 days and costs 50 dollars.
What do I do if I have problems with the payment?
First, don't repeat the payment without checking the status. See whether the charge appears at your bank, keep the receipt, try the continue-application or check-status section and, if the problem persists, contact immigration. The official system accepts online payments by Visa or Mastercard.
Do I need another visa if I'm travelling to Tanzania and Kenya?
There is no single visa for Kenya and Tanzania. If you're visiting both countries, you need to check each one's entry requirements. This is especially important if you're doing a combined safari or entering and exiting several times through different land borders or airports.
Conclusion: the Tanzania visa is simple if you don't leave it to the last minute
The Tanzania visa shouldn't complicate your trip. For most Spanish travellers, the usual path is to apply for the ordinary tourist visa online, pay the official fee, wait for the approval and carry it printed and downloaded.
The key is to do three things well: use the official portal, fill in your details calmly and apply with time to spare. If you're also travelling to Zanzibar, check the mandatory insurance and keep all your documentation to hand.
That way you can spend your energy on what really matters: choosing your safari, getting your camera ready and deciding how many beach days you'll need after seeing Kilimanjaro on the horizon.
Planning a trip to Tanzania has an exciting side — safaris, Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar beaches, postcard sunsets — and a less thrilling but equally important one: the visa. Nobody dreams of filling in forms before seeing lions in the Serengeti, but doing it properly saves you nerves, queues and surprises at the border.
The Tanzania visa is mandatory for many travellers, including Spanish citizens. You may also see it referred to as the visa for Tanzania, the Tanzania tourist visa or the visa to travel to Tanzania, but the idea is the same: an authorisation, obtained in advance or at the border, that lets you enter the country.
For tourist trips, the most common route is to apply for the ordinary single-entry visa, designed for stays of up to three months for purposes such as holidays, visits, leisure or other legally recognised activities.
In this guide you'll find the main options, the price, the documents you need, the steps to apply for the Tanzania visa online, the processing times, what happens if you travel to Zanzibar and the most common mistakes people make when filling in the application.
Do you need a visa to travel to Tanzania?
Yes. If you're travelling on a Spanish passport for tourism, you need a visa for Tanzania. Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs states that the tourist visa is valid for up to 90 days and costs 50 US dollars.
This visa covers leisure trips: safaris, holidays in Zanzibar, family visits, health treatments or other legally recognised activities, as long as they don't involve working. For most travellers doing holidays, safari and beach, the ordinary visa is the right option.
That said, having an approved visa doesn't mean entry is automatically guaranteed. On arrival, the immigration authorities may ask for your passport, your visa or the documentation to apply for one on arrival, an onward or return ticket and proof of sufficient funds for your stay.
The norm is to have no problems at all if your paperwork is in order, but it's best not to travel with a passport about to expire, without an onward ticket or with details that don't match.
Types of Tanzania visa: which one you need for your trip
Most people looking for information about the Tanzania visa need the ordinary tourist visa. Even so, there are other categories. Choosing well from the start avoids delays, refusals and that moment of tension when you land in the country.
The official fees published by Tanzania's Immigration Department set the ordinary visa at 50 dollars, the multiple-entry visa at 100 dollars, the business visa at 250 dollars, the transit visa at 30 dollars and the student visa from 50 dollars, depending on the case.
Ordinary or tourist visa
This is the most common visa for a holiday trip. It covers going on safari, spending a few days in Zanzibar, visiting family or friends, sightseeing and other non-work activities.
For Spanish travellers, it's usually the right option if the purpose of the trip is tourism. The ordinary visa allows a single entry and a stay of no more than three months.
Transit visa
The transit visa is designed for those passing through Tanzania on their way to another country. It's not a shortcut to cheap tourism, nor a valid option if you want to spend several days on safari or at the beach.
This visa only makes sense if Tanzania is a stopover and you can prove you're continuing your journey to another destination.
Business, student or work visa
If you're travelling to Tanzania for a professional, academic or work-related reason, you shouldn't use a tourist visa. For meetings, one-off professional assignments or short-term tasks, a business visa may apply. If you're going to study, do research, complete an internship or take part in an academic programme, you may need a student visa.
And if the trip involves real, ongoing work, you'll probably need specific permits, not just an entry visa.
The rule is simple: the declared purpose must match what you'll actually be doing.
Multiple-entry visa and special cases
The multiple-entry visa lets you enter Tanzania several times, but it isn't designed for everyone. It can apply to specific profiles, recurring trips or certain nationalities. The official visa portal also notes that some applicants must follow special or prior-approval procedures before travelling.
If you hold dual nationality, a non-Spanish passport or a route with several entries and exits from the country, check your specific case before paying for the application.
Online visa or visa on arrival: which option is better
One of the big questions is this: do I get the Tanzania visa online before travelling, or sort it out when I arrive? Tanzania allows applications through the official e-visa system and, for many nationalities, also on arrival at authorised entry points. The official portal recommends using the online application system and reminds travellers to use only the official immigration website.
For a trip from Spain, the most convenient option is usually to sort out the visa before you fly. That way you arrive with the approval downloaded, you reduce uncertainty and you avoid having to resolve everything after a long flight.
The visa on arrival may be possible for Spanish citizens, but the online route gives you more control and means you're not depending on queues, payment systems or operational changes at the border.
Tanzania visa price: official fees and possible extras
The price of the Tanzania visa for ordinary tourism is 50 US dollars. This fee applies to the ordinary visa for most visitors travelling for tourism. Tanzania's Immigration Department warns that if an applicant is charged more than 50 dollars for an ordinary visa, they may be using an intermediary or an unauthorised link.
These are the most common official fees:
The price can vary by nationality and visa type. That's why it's important to check the fee for the passport you're travelling on, not for the country where you live or where you're departing from.
There may also be indirect costs: bank commissions, currency exchange or agency charges if you decide to delegate the paperwork. You need to distinguish between the official fee and the cost of the service.
Requirements for applying for the Tanzania visa
Before starting the application, get your documents ready.
For the ordinary visa, the official information asks for a valid passport with at least six months' validity, a passport-style photo, a return ticket and payment of the corresponding fee. In the online process you also need to complete the form and attach the required documentation.
Basic checklist for the Tanzania visa from Spain:
- Passport with at least six months' validity.
- A clear copy of the passport's main page.
- A recent passport-style photo.
- An onward or return ticket.
- Your first accommodation address in Tanzania.
- A working email address.
- A card to pay the fee.
- Entry and exit dates.
- Entry point: airport, port or land border.
- A digital copy and a printed copy of the approval, once it arrives.
If you're travelling with minors, each person must have their own application if they have their own passport. On family trips, also check whether additional documentation is needed, especially if the minor is travelling with only one parent.
How to apply for the Tanzania visa online, step by step
Applying for the official Tanzania visa online isn't especially difficult, but it's worth doing calmly. The official system lets you start a new application, continue one you've already begun and check the status of your application.
Step 1: go to the official website
Always start from Tanzania's official visa portal. The official site states that the online application is for visiting the United Republic of Tanzania, both the mainland and Zanzibar, and that you need to fill in the form, make the payment and submit the application for review.
Avoid websites that look official but charge much more without clearly explaining what added service they offer. If the cost is far above the official fee, stop and double-check before paying.
Step 2: start a new application
To begin, the system asks for basic details such as email address, passport number, passport-issuing country, a security question and its answer. When you start the application, it generates an identification number you'll use to continue the process or check its status.
Save this number in two places: in your email and in your phone notes, for example. If you later want to retrieve your Tanzania visa application, check its status or download the approval, you'll need it.
Step 3: choose the correct visa type
For tourism, safari or Zanzibar, the usual choice is the ordinary visa. Don't select business, student, transit or multiple-entry visas if they don't fit your trip.
This step seems obvious, but it's one of the most common mistakes. If you're going on safari and spending a few days at the beach, you're not in transit. If you're on holiday, you're not doing business. And if you're only entering once, you normally don't need a multiple-entry visa, apart from specific cases or nationalities.
Step 4: fill in your personal and trip details
Write your name exactly as it appears in your passport.
If your passport shows two surnames, enter two surnames. If there's a middle name, include it.
You'll also need to give your travel dates, purpose, entry point and first accommodation address. If you're doing a safari with a route through several parks, you can enter your first lodge or a real, consistent reference address.
Some fields can raise doubts, such as the countries where you've lived. Answer calmly and give correct information.
Step 5: attach documents and pay
Prepare files that are legible, lightweight and in the requested format. The official visa system guide states that the photo must be in colour, with a plain background and in the right format, and that documents such as the passport copy and the return ticket must also be provided as applicable.
Payment is made online with a Visa or Mastercard. On completion, the applicant receives a confirmation.
If you have problems paying for the Tanzania visa, try the basics first: check that your card allows international payments, lift any temporary blocks, use a different browser, avoid unstable connections and don't repeat the payment compulsively. If the charge shows up at your bank but the system doesn't move forward, keep the receipt and check the application status before starting a new one.
Step 6: wait for approval and download the document
The application isn't approved instantly. The form is submitted, reviewed, and the response is communicated through the system's channels. The official portal also lets you check the status of your application.
When you receive the approval, download it and carry it in two formats: digital and printed.
How long does the Tanzania visa take?
The official guide indicates that online visa applications are processed within ten days, except for cases requiring prior approval.
Even so, the sensible move is not to cut it fine. Apply for the visa once you have firm dates, flights and your first accommodation, but don't leave it for the final days. Doing it several weeks ahead buys a lot of peace of mind.
If you see your application "in progress", it means it's still under review:
- Check your spam folder.
- Check the application status on the official portal.
- Confirm that the payment went through.
- Don't create a second application without good reason.
- Contact immigration if the stated deadline has passed.
The official system's terms also warn about possible problems arising from duplicate payments or from submitting a new application before the first one has been resolved.
Visa for Tanzania and Zanzibar: what you need to know
The visa for Tanzania and Zanzibar is not a separate visa. The official e-visa system states that the application covers visits to the United Republic of Tanzania, including mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.
If your trip combines a safari on the mainland with beach time in Zanzibar, you normally don't need a second visa. That said, Zanzibar may run its own checks when you arrive by airport or port. Keep your passport, visa approval and travel documents to hand. Don't leave them in checked luggage.
In addition, since 1 October 2024, the Zanzibar authorities require mandatory travel insurance for foreign visitors arriving on the island by airport or port. The official portal for this insurance lets you start the application, select the type of insurance, fill in the form and make the payment.
This insurance doesn't replace the visa. They're two different things: one is the immigration authorisation and the other is an entry requirement specific to Zanzibar.
Tanzania visa from Spain: specific tips for Spanish travellers
The Tanzania visa for Spanish citizens is a relatively simple process if you're travelling for tourism. The usual route is to apply for an ordinary single-entry visa, with a fee of 50 dollars and validity of up to 90 days.
Practical tips for getting it right:
- Check that your passport will have at least six months' validity.
- Apply for the visa with time to spare, not the night before your flight.
- Always use the official portal.
- Enter your details exactly as they appear in your passport.
- Save the application number and the payment receipt.
- Carry the approval printed and downloaded on your phone.
- Check the additional requirements if you're travelling to Zanzibar.
If you're doing a combined trip through East Africa, don't mix up your paperwork. The visa for Kenya and Tanzania is not a single visa: each country has its own rules and its own systems. If you enter via Kenya, continue to Tanzania and then return to Kenya, also check the Kenyan requirements before buying flights or locking in the route.
It's also advisable to check the health recommendations before travelling. The Tanzanian authorities may require health documentation in certain cases, for example in relation to yellow fever depending on your country of origin or the route you've taken.
Common mistakes when applying for the Tanzania visa
The visa form isn't complicated, but there are mistakes that keep coming up. Some only delay the application. Others can end in refusal.
Using an unofficial website
The classic. You search for the visa, click too fast and end up on a page that looks official but isn't. Some sites charge considerably more to handle the process. The official source warns that an amount above the official price of the ordinary visa may indicate an intermediary or an unauthorised link has been used.
Getting the passport number wrong
One switched digit can cause you real trouble. Check your passport number, issue date, expiry date, first name and surnames before submitting.
Choosing the wrong visa type
If you're travelling for tourism, the ordinary visa is usually the correct one. The transit visa doesn't cover tourism, and the business visa must not be used for prolonged work.
Attaching blurry documents
A dark photo, a cropped passport or an illegible file can cause delays. Better to take a clear photo, in good light and without reflections.
Not saving the application number
The application number is what lets you continue the process and check its status. If you lose it, everything gets more complicated.
Confusing a submitted application with an approved visa
Submitting the form and paying doesn't mean you have the visa. You must wait for the approval notification before considering the process closed. The official system explains that the application is submitted, reviewed internally and then processed.
Not checking Zanzibar
If you're travelling to Zanzibar, check the island's specific entry requirements, including the mandatory insurance. Don't leave it until the check-in desk.
Final checklist before travelling to Tanzania
Before heading to the airport, run through this:
- Passport with at least six months' validity.
- Approved visa, or the documentation ready to apply on arrival, if applicable.
- Printed and digital copies of the approval.
- Onward or return ticket.
- First accommodation address.
- Travel insurance.
- Mandatory Zanzibar insurance if you're going to the island.
- Health certificate if applicable to your route or country of origin.
- Bank card enabled for international payments.
- Some cash in good-condition dollars.
- A copy of your passport saved in your email or the cloud.
- Your visa application number.
It sounds like a lot, but it all fits in a small folder. And that folder can save you a scare at the border.
Frequently asked questions about the Tanzania visa
Can I get the Tanzania visa on arrival?
Yes, in many cases it's possible to apply for the visa on arrival at official entry points. Even so, for a more relaxed trip, the official system recommends applying online before you travel.
What is the official Tanzania visa website?
The application must be made through the official visa system of the Tanzanian government. This portal lets you start a new application, continue one you've begun and check the status of the process.
How much does the Tanzania tourist visa cost?
The ordinary tourist visa costs 50 US dollars for most visitors. There are exceptions depending on nationality and visa type, so always check the fee that applies to the passport you're travelling on.
How long does the Tanzania online visa take?
The official guide indicates a processing time of ten days for online applications, except for cases requiring prior approval.
Does the Tanzania visa cover Zanzibar?
Yes. The e-visa covers visits to mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. If you're visiting both, you don't need a different visa to move between the mainland and the island.
Do Spanish citizens need a visa for Tanzania?
Yes. Spanish citizens need a visa to travel to Tanzania for tourism. Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicates that the tourist visa is valid for up to 90 days and costs 50 dollars.
What do I do if I have problems with the payment?
First, don't repeat the payment without checking the status. See whether the charge appears at your bank, keep the receipt, try the continue-application or check-status section and, if the problem persists, contact immigration. The official system accepts online payments by Visa or Mastercard.
Do I need another visa if I'm travelling to Tanzania and Kenya?
There is no single visa for Kenya and Tanzania. If you're visiting both countries, you need to check each one's entry requirements. This is especially important if you're doing a combined safari or entering and exiting several times through different land borders or airports.
Conclusion: the Tanzania visa is simple if you don't leave it to the last minute
The Tanzania visa shouldn't complicate your trip. For most Spanish travellers, the usual path is to apply for the ordinary tourist visa online, pay the official fee, wait for the approval and carry it printed and downloaded.
The key is to do three things well: use the official portal, fill in your details calmly and apply with time to spare. If you're also travelling to Zanzibar, check the mandatory insurance and keep all your documentation to hand.
That way you can spend your energy on what really matters: choosing your safari, getting your camera ready and deciding how many beach days you'll need after seeing Kilimanjaro on the horizon.
.avif)
.avif)
.avif)
.jpg)
.png){kind=icon}