Tanzania Visa for Australian Citizens 2026 — How to Apply

Do Australian Citizens Need a Visa for Tanzania?

Yes. Australian passport holders are required to obtain a visa before entering Tanzania, including mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. Australia is specifically listed as a country whose nationals must apply for entry authorization; Commonwealth exemptions do not apply to Australian citizens. You can apply online via the official eVisa portal or obtain a visa on arrival at the border, though the online application is faster and recommended.

Visa Types for Australian Citizens

Tanzania offers several visa categories. The most common for Australian travellers are the tourist eVisa (single-entry and multiple-entry) and the visa on arrival option. Business visas and transit visas are also available for specific purposes.

Tourist eVisa (Single-Entry)

• Validity: 90 days from date of issue
• Maximum stay: 90 consecutive days per entry
• Purpose: Tourism, visiting friends and family, meetings
• Cost: USD 50–100+ depending on processing speed
• Processing time: 5–15 working days

Tourist eVisa (Multiple-Entry)

• Validity: 12 months from date of issue
• Maximum stay: 90 days per entry (multiple entries permitted within 12 months)
• Purpose: Tourism, visiting friends and family, meetings
• Cost: Confirm the current fee on the official portal
• Processing time: 10 working days standard

Transit Visa

The transit visa is strictly for travellers whose sole purpose is transiting through Tanzania to another country. It is not valid for tourism or other purposes. The visa costs USD 30 and allows passage through Tanzania without undertaking other activities.

Visa on Arrival

Australian citizens may also apply for a visa on arrival at Tanzanian entry points (airports, land borders). However, queue times typically range from 30 minutes to over 2 hours, and the process involves multiple steps (document verification, payment, immigration clearance). The online eVisa is recommended to avoid delays.

How to Apply for a Tanzania eVisa: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Visit the Official Portal

Go to the official Tanzania eVisa website at visa.immigration.go.tz. Do not use third-party visa services unless you prefer professional handling; the government portal is free and straightforward. Click "New Application" to begin.

Step 2: Complete Your Personal Information

Enter the following details:

• Full name (as shown in your passport)
• Email address (you will receive your approved visa here)
• Passport number
• Passport issuance country (Australia)
• Date of birth
• Nationality
• Purpose of visit (tourism, business, transit)

Step 3: Provide Travel Details

You will need to enter:

• Intended arrival date: Your planned entry date to Tanzania
• Port of entry: The airport or border crossing (e.g., Julius Nyerere International Airport, Dar es Salaam; Kilimanjaro International Airport; land borders)
• First destination: Your first town or accommodation in Tanzania
• Accommodation details: Hotel name, address, or host details for your stay
• Departure date/plan: Your intended exit date and onward destination (if applicable)

Step 4: Upload Required Documents

Prepare and upload the following:

Passport Copy

Upload a clear scan or photograph of the biographic data page (the page with your photo, name, passport number, and expiry date). Ensure the image is legible and all text is visible.

Passport Photograph

Upload a recent colour photograph meeting these specifications:

• Background: Plain white or neutral (no patterns, shadows, or distracting elements)
• Face visibility: Full face, front-facing, showing the applicant from top of hair to bottom of chin with eyes open
• Expression: Natural (neutral or slight smile)
• Dimensions: 45 mm (length) × 35 mm (width)
• File size: Not exceed 500 KB
• File format: JPG or JPEG only
• Glasses: Permitted if you wear them regularly; face must remain clearly visible
• Head coverings: Not permitted except for genuine religious reasons; facial features from bottom of chin to top of forehead and both edges of face must be fully visible

Common mistake: Uploading blurred, cropped, dark, or low-quality images. Test your photo lighting and clarity before submission.

Return Ticket or Onward Travel Proof

Upload proof of your return flight or onward journey (e.g., flight itinerary, booking confirmation). This demonstrates your intention to leave Tanzania within the visa validity period.

Step 5: Review and Submit

Double-check all information for accuracy, especially passport number, spelling of your name, and travel dates. Mismatches between your application and documents can cause delays or rejection. Click "Submit Application."

Step 6: Make Payment

Pay the visa fee online using an accepted payment method (Visa, Mastercard, or other credit/debit cards). Keep proof of payment. Note: Payment initiates processing but does not guarantee approval; the Tanzania Immigration Department will review your application and documents before making a decision.

Step 7: Receive Your eVisa

Once approved, you will receive your eVisa by email to the address you provided. Check your spam folder as well. You should have both a printed and digital copy of your eVisa for your records and to present at the border. Most applicants receive approval within 5–15 working days, depending on processing speed selected.

Visa Fees & Payment Methods

Tourist eVisa Fees

The base visa fee for an Australian citizen is set by the Tanzania Immigration Department. Actual fees vary by visa type and processing speed. Use the official portal fee calculator to confirm the exact cost for your chosen visa type and processing option.

Visa Type	Processing Speed	Timeframe	Estimated Cost*
Single-Entry Tourist eVisa	Normal	10–15 working days	USD 50–100
Single-Entry Tourist eVisa	Rush	7–10 working days	USD 50–100 + USD 50 rush fee
Single-Entry Tourist eVisa	Super Rush	5–7 working days	USD 50–100 + USD 99 super rush fee
Multiple-Entry Tourist eVisa	Standard	10 working days	Confirm on official portal
Transit Visa	Standard	Varies	USD 30

*Fees shown are estimates based on available data. Always confirm the current fee on the official Tanzania eVisa portal (visa.immigration.go.tz) before applying, as rates may change.

What the Fee Includes

The total fee typically covers:

• Base visa cost set by Tanzania Immigration
• Service fee for application handling and document review
• Processing speed charge (if Rush or Super Rush is selected)

Accepted Payment Methods

The official portal accepts major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express). If you experience payment issues with Visa, try Mastercard as an alternative.

Processing Times & Visa Validity

Official Processing Times

According to Tanzania Immigration Department guidance, standard eVisa applications are processed within 10 working days, except for referral visa cases. However, processing times vary:

Processing Option	Timeframe	Notes
Normal Processing	10–15 working days	Standard option; no additional cost
Rush Processing	7–10 working days	Application prioritized; additional fee applies
Super Rush Processing	5–7 working days	Highest priority; additional fee applies
Referral Visa Cases	2+ months recommended	Apply at least 2 months before travel; do not purchase non-refundable tickets until approval received

Important: These are guidelines, not guarantees. Government processing times can vary due to application volume, completeness of submissions, or background checks. Always submit your application well in advance of your planned travel date.

Visa Validity & Length of Stay

• Single-entry tourist eVisa: Valid for 90 days from the date of issue; allows one continuous stay of up to 90 days from the date of entry.
• Multiple-entry tourist eVisa: Valid for 12 months from the date of issue; allows multiple entries with stays of up to 90 days per visit.
• Transit visa: Valid for a single transit passage only.

The visa validity period (when you can use it to enter) is separate from your length of stay (how long you can remain once inside). For example, a 90-day tourist eVisa is valid for 90 days from issue, but you can only stay for 90 consecutive days once you enter.

How to Check Your Application Status

Track your eVisa application in real time using the Tanzania eVisa portal. You will need:

• Your application ID
• Email address used for the application
• Security question and answer

Note: You cannot check status using your passport number alone. Log in to the portal where you submitted your application to view updates. You can also contact the eVisa support team if your application remains "in process" beyond the estimated processing time.

Passport Requirements

Before applying for a Tanzania eVisa, ensure your Australian passport meets these requirements:

• Validity: At least 6 months remaining validity from your planned date of entry to Tanzania
• Unused pages: At least one blank visa page available
• Condition: Not damaged, water-stained, or illegible

Common mistake: Applying with an old passport and then travelling with a renewed passport. Use the same passport for your application and travel.

What Happens at Immigration on Arrival

If You Have an Approved eVisa

Present your printed or digital eVisa (on your phone) along with your passport at the immigration desk. The officer will verify that:

• The visa matches your passport number and name
• Your passport is valid
• You have not overstayed the allowed period
• Your arrival date falls within the visa's validity window

Processing is usually quick (5–10 minutes) if your documents are in order.

Health & Vaccination Checks

Tanzania may require proof of yellow fever vaccination if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk. Keep your International Certificate of Vaccination (Yellow Book) accessible. For more details on recommended vaccinations for Australian travellers, see health requirements for Tanzania.

Customs Declaration

You may be asked to declare items such as large amounts of cash, electronics, or restricted goods. Be honest and cooperative.

If You Have a Visa on Arrival

You will join a separate queue to apply for your visa at the immigration counter. Bring your passport, return ticket, accommodation details, and payment (cash in USD or local currency, or card if the airport accepts it). Wait times can be 30 minutes to 2+ hours, especially during peak travel times.

Extending Your Stay or Changing Your Visa

Extensions

If you wish to stay longer than your eVisa allows, you may be able to extend your visa while in Tanzania. However, extensions are not guaranteed and must be applied for before your current visa expires. Contact the Tanzania Immigration Department office in your location (Dar es Salaam, Arusha, etc.) for extension procedures and fees. Plan extensions well in advance, as processing can take several weeks.

Overstaying

Do not overstay your authorized period. Overstaying can result in:

• Fines
• Detention
• Deportation
• Future visa denial

Always depart on or before your visa's expiration date.

Common Application Mistakes & Rejections

Photo Issues

The most common reason for rejection or delays is a poor-quality photo. Avoid:

• Blurred or pixelated images
• Dark or underexposed photos
• Photos with shadows on the face
• Cropped photos (head must be fully visible)
• Non-white backgrounds
• Sunglasses or dark glasses (unless medically required)
• File sizes over 500 KB or wrong format (must be JPG/JPEG)

Information Mismatches

Ensure that:

• Your name in the application matches your passport exactly (spelling, order, accents)
• Your passport number is entered correctly
• Your travel dates align with your flight itinerary and accommodation bookings
• Your port of entry is correctly selected

Discrepancies can trigger manual review or rejection.

Incomplete or Unclear Documents

Ensure all uploaded documents are:

• Clear and legible
• Fully visible (no cropping)
• Properly scanned or photographed with good lighting
• In the correct file format

Missing Return Ticket

A return or onward ticket is required to demonstrate your intention to leave Tanzania. Ensure you upload a valid flight itinerary or booking confirmation.

Applying with an Expired Passport

Your passport must have at least 6 months validity remaining. If your passport expires soon, renew it before applying for a visa.

Related Entry Requirements

Before travelling to Tanzania, also review full entry requirements including customs regulations and currency declarations. If you're planning a multi-day safari, you may also want to review national park fees and availability to budget for park entry costs alongside your visa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last checked July 2026 — always confirm with official sources before travelling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Australian citizens need a visa for Tanzania?

Yes. Australian passport holders are required to obtain a visa before entering Tanzania for any purpose, including tourism, business, or transit. Australia does not qualify for visa-free or visa-on-arrival exemptions. You can apply online via the official eVisa portal (visa.immigration.go.tz) or obtain a visa on arrival, though the online application is faster.

What is the cheapest visa option for Australian citizens travelling to Tanzania?

The single-entry tourist eVisa with normal processing (10–15 working days) is typically the most affordable option, with fees starting around USD 50–100 depending on the service provider and any additional fees. The transit visa costs USD 30 if you are only passing through Tanzania to another country.

How long does a Tanzania eVisa take to process?

Standard processing takes 10–15 working days. Rush processing (7–10 days) and Super Rush processing (5–7 days) are available for an additional fee. Referral visa cases require at least 2 months and should be applied for well in advance. Always submit your application before your planned travel date.

How long can I stay in Tanzania with an eVisa?

A single-entry tourist eVisa allows a continuous stay of up to 90 days from your date of entry. A multiple-entry eVisa allows stays of up to 90 days per entry over a 12-month validity period. You cannot exceed 90 days per visit; extensions must be applied for separately while in Tanzania.

Can I get a visa on arrival in Tanzania as an Australian citizen?

Yes, Australian citizens can apply for a visa on arrival at Tanzanian entry points (airports and land borders). However, queue times typically range from 30 minutes to over 2 hours, with multiple steps required (document verification, payment, immigration clearance). Applying for an eVisa online in advance is recommended to avoid delays.

What documents do I need to apply for a Tanzania eVisa?

You need: a valid Australian passport (at least 6 months validity remaining), a recent colour passport photo (45 mm × 35 mm, white background, JPG/JPEG format, max 500 KB), a copy of your passport's biographic data page, proof of return or onward travel (flight itinerary or booking), and your accommodation details in Tanzania. You will also need a valid email address and a payment card.

What are the passport photo requirements for a Tanzania eVisa?

Your photo must be a recent colour image with a plain white or neutral background, showing your full face from top of hair to bottom of chin, front-facing with eyes open and natural expression. The dimensions must be 45 mm × 35 mm, file size not exceeding 500 KB, and format JPG or JPEG only. Glasses are permitted if you wear them regularly; head coverings are not allowed except for genuine religious reasons.

How much does a Tanzania eVisa cost for Australian citizens?

The base eVisa fee varies by visa type and processing speed. Single-entry tourist eVisas typically range from USD 50–100+ with normal processing; rush and super rush options add USD 50 and USD 99 respectively. Confirm the exact current fee on the official Tanzania eVisa portal (visa.immigration.go.tz) before applying, as rates may change.

Can I travel to Tanzania before my eVisa is approved?

No. You must wait for approval notification or a visa grant notice from the Tanzania Immigration Department before starting your journey. Travelling without an approved visa or visa on arrival can result in denial of entry.

What is the difference between a single-entry and multiple-entry eVisa?

A single-entry eVisa allows one continuous stay of up to 90 days and is valid for 90 days from issue. A multiple-entry eVisa allows multiple entries with stays of up to 90 days per visit and is valid for 12 months from issue. Multiple-entry visas are useful if you plan to leave and re-enter Tanzania within a year.

Do children need their own Tanzania eVisa?

Yes. All travellers, including minors and infants, must have their own valid passport and a separate eVisa to enter Tanzania. A child cannot be included on a parent's visa; each child requires an individual application.

What should I do if my Tanzania eVisa application is denied?

If your application is denied, you will receive notification by email explaining the reason (e.g., incomplete documents, photo quality, information mismatch). You can reapply after correcting the issues. Contact the Tanzania Immigration Department or check the official portal for guidance on resubmission. Do not purchase non-refundable travel until you receive approval.