Tanzania Visa for Spanish Citizens 2026 — Requirements & How to Apply

Do Spanish Citizens Need a Visa for Tanzania?

Yes, Spanish citizens require a visa to enter Tanzania. Spain is not among the countries exempt from Tanzania's visa requirement, so all Spanish passport holders must obtain either an ordinary (single-entry) visa or a multiple-entry visa before or upon arrival. The ordinary visa costs $50 USD and is valid for 90 days; the multiple-entry visa costs $100 USD and is valid for one year.

Visa Types for Spanish Citizens

Tanzania offers several visa categories. For tourism purposes—the most common reason Spanish citizens visit—you have two main options:

• Ordinary Visa (Single-Entry): Valid for a single entry, up to 90 days, for tourism, leisure, visiting family, or health treatment. Cost: $50 USD.
• Multiple-Entry Visa: Allows multiple entries over 12 months, useful if you plan to leave and re-enter Tanzania. Cost: $100 USD.
• Transit Visa: For travelers passing through Tanzania for up to 7 days. Cost: $30 USD.
• Business Visa: For short-term business activities. Cost: $250 USD.

Spanish citizens visiting for tourism should apply for the Ordinary Visa unless they plan multiple entries within 12 months, in which case the Multiple-Entry Visa is more economical.

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

The recommended method for Spanish citizens is to apply online via the official Tanzania Immigration eVisa portal. This avoids long queues at airports and provides certainty before travel.

1. Access the Official Portal

Visit the official Tanzania Immigration eVisa portal at visa.immigration.go.tz. Be cautious: scam visa websites exist. Use only the official government link to avoid fraud and rejected applications.

2. Create an Account & Complete the Application Form

Register with your email address and fill out the online application form with your personal details, passport information, and travel itinerary. Ensure all information matches your passport exactly.

3. Prepare & Upload Required Documents

You will need to upload the following documents in digital format:

• Passport Biographical Page (Bio Page): A clear, colored scan or photograph of the first page of your passport showing your name, photo, passport number, and expiry date. Your passport must have at least 6 months validity beyond your intended stay.
• Passport-Sized Photograph: A recent, colored photograph (45 mm length × 35 mm width, not exceeding 500 KB in file size). The photo must show your full face from top of hair to bottom of chin, with eyes open and a natural expression, against a plain background. JPG or JPEG format only.
• Return Ticket: A copy of your return flight booking or itinerary confirming your exit from Tanzania.

Photo Requirements (Critical)

Tanzania's eVisa system has strict photo specifications. Your photograph must:

• Be in color with a plain (white or light) background
• Show your full face directly facing the camera, from top of hair to bottom of chin
• Display your eyes open with a natural expression
• Not contain distracting shadows, reflections, or objects
• Be 45 mm (length) × 35 mm (width)
• Not exceed 500 KB when uploaded
• Be in JPG or JPEG format

If you regularly wear eyeglasses, you may wear them in the photo. Head coverings are only permitted for religious reasons, provided your facial features from chin to forehead and both sides of your face are clearly visible.

4. Pay the Visa Fee

Select your visa type and pay the corresponding fee via the portal using a credit or debit card. The fee is non-refundable, even if your application is rejected. For Spanish citizens on tourism visits, the ordinary visa fee is $50 USD.

5. Wait for Approval

The Tanzania Immigration Department typically processes eVisa applications within 4–6 working days. You will receive a confirmation email with your approval status. Do not book non-refundable flights until you receive your grant notice.

6. Download & Print Your eVisa

Once approved, download your "grant notice" or eVisa approval letter from the portal and print it in color. You must present this printed document to the Immigration Officer upon arrival at your Tanzanian airport or border point. The visa will then be stamped into your passport.

Visa Fees & Payment Methods

Visa Type	Validity	Entry	Fee (USD)	Purpose
Ordinary Visa	90 days	Single	$50	Tourism, leisure, visiting family, health
Multiple-Entry Visa	12 months	Multiple	$100	Tourism, business, frequent visitors
Transit Visa	7 days	Single	$30	Passing through Tanzania
Business Visa	90 days	Single	$250	Business meetings, conferences

Payment Methods: The official Tanzania Immigration portal accepts international credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard). Payment is made directly to the Tanzanian government; no third-party processing fees apply when using the official portal. If you encounter payment issues, have a backup card ready or contact the official immigration email: info@immigration.go.tz or visatanzania@immigration.go.tz.

Processing Times & Visa Validity

Standard Processing: 4–6 working days from submission. Most applications are approved within this timeframe if all documents are correct.

Recommended Timeline: Apply at least 2 weeks before your departure date. This buffer accounts for document verification delays, email delivery issues, and unexpected requests for additional information.

Visa Validity: Your ordinary eVisa is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. You must enter Tanzania within this 90-day window. Once you enter, you can stay for up to 90 days (or as stated on your grant notice).

Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Tanzania, and must have at least one blank visa page.

Visa on Arrival: An Alternative for Spanish Citizens

If you arrive without a pre-approved eVisa, you may apply for a visa on arrival at major Tanzanian airports and border points, including Kilimanjaro International Airport (Arusha), Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam), and Zanzibar Airport. However, this option is not recommended because:

• Queues can be lengthy (30 minutes to over 2 hours)
• You risk denial if documents are incomplete or deemed insufficient
• Processing delays can affect your onward travel plans
• The process is less transparent than pre-arrival eVisa approval

If you do apply on arrival, bring the same documents required for the eVisa: your passport (valid 6+ months), a passport-sized photograph, a return ticket, and cash (USD $50 for an ordinary visa). Payment on arrival is typically accepted in US dollars only.

What to Expect at Immigration Upon Arrival

When you arrive at a Tanzanian airport or border with your eVisa grant notice:

1. Document Check: Present your printed grant notice and passport to the Immigration Officer. They will verify that your grant notice matches your passport details.
2. Passport Stamping: The Officer will stamp your visa into your passport, typically on a blank page. Keep this stamp safe—you'll need it for departure.
3. Health Declaration: You may be asked about vaccinations, particularly yellow fever. If you're arriving from a yellow fever endemic country, you should carry proof of yellow fever vaccination (yellow fever certificate). While not always checked, it's legally required if you've transited through endemic zones.
4. Customs & Immigration Questions: Be prepared to answer standard questions: purpose of visit, accommodation details, length of stay, and proof of funds (credit cards or cash).
5. Onward Travel: Have your return ticket and accommodation details (hotel booking or invitation letter) ready if requested.

The entire process typically takes 10–20 minutes if your documents are in order.

Extending Your Stay & Overstaying

Visa Extension

If you wish to stay longer than your 90-day visa allows, you must apply for an extension before your visa expires. Visit the Tanzania Immigration Department office in the city where you are staying (main offices are in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Zanzibar). Extensions are not guaranteed and depend on your reason for staying (e.g., medical treatment, business, family matters). Plan to extend your visa at least 2 weeks before expiry.

Overstaying

Overstaying your visa is a serious offense in Tanzania. Penalties include:

• Fines (typically $50–$200 USD per day overstayed)
• Detention and potential deportation
• Entry ban (6 months to 5 years) for future visits
• Damage to your immigration record, affecting future visa applications to Tanzania and other countries

Always depart before your visa expires, or formally apply for an extension in advance.

Common Visa Application Mistakes & Rejections

To avoid rejection or delays, pay attention to these common errors:

• Passport Validity: Submitting a passport with fewer than 6 months validity remaining. Check your expiry date before applying.
• Photo Issues: Using an old photo, a photo with a colored background, a photo where your face is partially obscured, or a photo in the wrong format (PNG, BMP, etc.). The photo must be JPG/JPEG, colored, plain background, 45×35 mm, and ≤500 KB.
• Missing Return Ticket: Failing to upload proof of your return flight or onward travel. A hotel booking alone is insufficient; immigration wants evidence you plan to leave Tanzania.
• Incomplete Application Form: Leaving fields blank or providing inconsistent information (e.g., different spelling of your name on the form vs. your passport).
• Wrong Visa Type: Applying for a Business Visa when you're visiting for tourism, or vice versa. Ensure your visa type matches your travel purpose.
• Typos in Passport Data: Misspelling your name, passport number, or date of birth. These must match your passport exactly.
• Using Unapproved Agents or Third-Party Sites: Applying through unofficial visa websites or agents increases rejection risk and costs more. Use only the official portal: visa.immigration.go.tz.
• Submitting Multiple Applications: Applying twice for the same trip can result in rejection. Submit once and wait for a decision.

Passport Requirements for Spanish Citizens

Your Spanish passport must meet the following criteria to be accepted for a Tanzania visa:

• Validity: At least 6 months remaining beyond your intended departure date from Tanzania.
• Blank Pages: At least one blank visa page (both sides of a page count as one page). If your passport is nearly full, renew it before applying.
• Condition: Your passport must be undamaged, with legible text and photo. Passports with water damage, torn pages, or faded information may be rejected.
• Biometric Passport: Spain issues biometric (e-passport) documents, which are accepted without issue by Tanzania Immigration.

Health & Vaccination Requirements

While not mandatory for entry, certain vaccinations are strongly recommended for travel to Tanzania. Yellow fever vaccination is particularly important if you're arriving from endemic countries in Africa or South America. For detailed health guidance specific to your itinerary, consult the health and vaccination requirements for Tanzania or contact a travel medicine clinic before departure. Proof of yellow fever vaccination (yellow fever certificate) may be required at immigration if you've transited through endemic zones.

Planning Your Tanzania Safari & Entry

Once your visa is approved, you can begin planning your safari. Spanish citizens can compare safari packages and tour operators on SafariFind to find the best fit for your budget, dates, and interests. Popular safari regions include the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park. Book your accommodation and safari activities well in advance, especially during peak season (June–October).

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Spanish citizens need a visa for Tanzania?

Yes, Spanish citizens require a visa. Spain is not visa-exempt, so all Spanish passport holders must obtain either an ordinary visa ($50 USD, single-entry, 90 days) or a multiple-entry visa ($100 USD, 12 months) before or upon arrival in Tanzania.

How much does a Tanzania visa cost for Spanish citizens?

The ordinary visa costs $50 USD for a single entry valid 90 days. The multiple-entry visa costs $100 USD for a 12-month validity. Transit visas cost $30 USD, and business visas cost $250 USD. Fees are paid directly to the Tanzanian government portal with no additional processing charges when using the official site.

How long does the Tanzania eVisa take to process?

Standard processing takes 4–6 working days. Apply at least 2 weeks before your departure to allow for document verification and email delivery. Some applications may be approved faster, but delays can occur if the immigration department requests additional information.

What documents do I need for a Tanzania eVisa?

You need: (1) a clear scan or photo of your passport's biographical page, (2) a recent passport-sized photograph (45×35 mm, JPG/JPEG format, ≤500 KB, colored, plain background), and (3) a copy of your return flight ticket. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months.

Can I apply for a Tanzania visa on arrival?

Yes, visas on arrival are available at major airports (Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar) and border points. However, this option is not recommended because of long queues, risk of denial for incomplete documents, and processing delays. Pre-approval via eVisa is faster and more reliable.

Is the Tanzania eVisa valid for Zanzibar?

Yes, the Tanzania eVisa covers both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. However, Zanzibar requires mandatory travel insurance, which you must arrange separately before arrival and present upon entry.

How long is my visa valid once issued?

Your ordinary eVisa is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. You must enter Tanzania within this 90-day window. Once you enter, you are permitted to stay for up to 90 days. A multiple-entry visa is valid for 12 months, allowing multiple entries during that period.

Can I extend my Tanzania visa?

Yes, you can apply for an extension before your visa expires by visiting the Tanzania Immigration Department office in your city (Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Zanzibar, etc.). Extensions are not guaranteed and depend on your reason for staying. Apply at least 2 weeks before your visa expires.

What happens if I overstay my visa?

Overstaying is a serious offense. Penalties include daily fines ($50–$200 USD per day), potential detention and deportation, and an entry ban lasting 6 months to 5 years. Overstaying also damages your immigration record, affecting future visas. Always depart before your visa expires or formally request an extension.

Do I need a yellow fever vaccination for Tanzania?

Yellow fever vaccination is not mandatory for entry to Tanzania, but it is strongly recommended if you're arriving from endemic countries in Africa or South America. If you've transited through yellow fever endemic zones, you may need to present proof of vaccination (yellow fever certificate) at immigration. Consult a travel medicine clinic for personalized health advice.

Can I use a third-party visa agency to apply instead of the official portal?

While some third-party agencies (like iVisa.com) do process Tanzania visas, using them increases costs and rejection risk. The official portal (visa.immigration.go.tz) is faster, cheaper, and more transparent. Only use official channels or trusted, established agencies if you're uncomfortable with the official site.

What if my Tanzania visa application is rejected?

If rejected, the immigration department will notify you via email with a reason (e.g., incomplete documents, invalid passport, inconsistent information). You can reapply after addressing the issue, but resubmission fees are non-refundable. Contact visatanzania@immigration.go.tz if you need clarification on the rejection reason.

Verification & Final Reminders

Last checked July 2026 — always confirm with official sources before travelling. Visa requirements, fees, and processing procedures can change. Before your trip, verify the latest information on the official Tanzania Immigration Department website (immigration.go.tz) or contact the embassy of Tanzania in Spain (located in Madrid) for any updates.

Spanish citizens should apply for their eVisa well in advance, ensure all documents are accurate and in the correct format, and carry both their printed grant notice and passport to immigration. With proper preparation, obtaining a Tanzania visa is straightforward and takes just a few minutes of your time online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Spanish citizens need a visa for Tanzania?

Yes, Spanish citizens require a visa. Spain is not visa-exempt, so all Spanish passport holders must obtain either an ordinary visa ($50 USD, single-entry, 90 days) or a multiple-entry visa ($100 USD, 12 months) before or upon arrival in Tanzania.

How much does a Tanzania visa cost for Spanish citizens?

The ordinary visa costs $50 USD for a single entry valid 90 days. The multiple-entry visa costs $100 USD for a 12-month validity. Transit visas cost $30 USD, and business visas cost $250 USD. Fees are paid directly to the Tanzanian government portal with no additional processing charges when using the official site.

How long does the Tanzania eVisa take to process?

Standard processing takes 4–6 working days. Apply at least 2 weeks before your departure to allow for document verification and email delivery. Some applications may be approved faster, but delays can occur if the immigration department requests additional information.

What documents do I need for a Tanzania eVisa?

You need: (1) a clear scan or photo of your passport's biographical page, (2) a recent passport-sized photograph (45×35 mm, JPG/JPEG format, ≤500 KB, colored, plain background), and (3) a copy of your return flight ticket. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months.

Can I apply for a Tanzania visa on arrival?

Yes, visas on arrival are available at major airports (Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar) and border points. However, this option is not recommended because of long queues, risk of denial for incomplete documents, and processing delays. Pre-approval via eVisa is faster and more reliable.

Is the Tanzania eVisa valid for Zanzibar?

Yes, the Tanzania eVisa covers both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. However, Zanzibar requires mandatory travel insurance, which you must arrange separately before arrival and present upon entry.

How long is my visa valid once issued?

Your ordinary eVisa is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. You must enter Tanzania within this 90-day window. Once you enter, you are permitted to stay for up to 90 days. A multiple-entry visa is valid for 12 months, allowing multiple entries during that period.

Can I extend my Tanzania visa?

Yes, you can apply for an extension before your visa expires by visiting the Tanzania Immigration Department office in your city (Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Zanzibar, etc.). Extensions are not guaranteed and depend on your reason for staying. Apply at least 2 weeks before your visa expires.

What happens if I overstay my visa?

Overstaying is a serious offense. Penalties include daily fines ($50–$200 USD per day), potential detention and deportation, and an entry ban lasting 6 months to 5 years. Overstaying also damages your immigration record, affecting future visas. Always depart before your visa expires or formally request an extension.

Do I need a yellow fever vaccination for Tanzania?

Yellow fever vaccination is not mandatory for entry to Tanzania, but it is strongly recommended if you're arriving from endemic countries in Africa or South America. If you've transited through yellow fever endemic zones, you may need to present proof of vaccination (yellow fever certificate) at immigration. Consult a travel medicine clinic for personalized health advice.

Can I use a third-party visa agency to apply instead of the official portal?

While some third-party agencies (like iVisa.com) do process Tanzania visas, using them increases costs and rejection risk. The official portal (visa.immigration.go.tz) is faster, cheaper, and more transparent. Only use official channels or trusted, established agencies if you're uncomfortable with the official site.

What if my Tanzania visa application is rejected?

If rejected, the immigration department will notify you via email with a reason (e.g., incomplete documents, invalid passport, inconsistent information). You can reapply after addressing the issue, but resubmission fees are non-refundable. Contact visatanzania@immigration.go.tz if you need clarification on the rejection reason.