Tanzania is a favourite destination for travellers from all over the world, but a trip to the country requires a visa. While a few years ago, only the classic visa was eligible for entry into this country, it is now possible to benefit from the e-visa procedure, which significantly reduces the processing time while simplifying the procedure. As we will explain on this page, this procedure allows you to receive your visa for Tanzania in only a few days and without the need to travel.
Tanzania visa processing time: key points
- Standard: This low-cost option is ideal if you have planned your trip well in advance. It offers a reasonable processing time for your eVisa while remaining affordable.
- Fast-track: If you need your eVisa in a shorter processing time than the standard option, this solution offers faster processing for a slightly higher fee.
- Accelerated to the max: Ideal for urgent situations, this option offers the fastest possible processing time for your eVisa, in exchange for an additional fee.
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What is the average processing time for a Tanzania eVisa?
The eVisa for Tanzania is a practical solution enabling travellers to simplify their administrative procedures. Depending on the channel used for the application - the official Tanzanian website or a private service provider - processing times may vary according to the level of service offered and the particulars of the application. Here are the major processing times to be aware of.
The average processing time announced by the Tanzanian authorities is around 10 working days, although this may vary depending on the time of year, public holidays or the volume of applications.
This option is ideal for travellers who have planned their trip in advance. However, processing can sometimes take longer if additional documents are required or if unforeseen delays occur.
In addition to the official website, private service providers offer services tailored to different needs, with several levels of speed. These options offer personalised support throughout the procedure:
- Standard processing time: This option is ideal for travellers who have planned their application with sufficient lead time. It offers efficient processing at an economical rate. The average processing time is usually standard, which is suitable for advance bookings.
- Accelerated processing time: The expedited service is an intermediate solution for travellers requiring reduced processing time. For an additional fee, this option guarantees a shorter processing time, while ensuring personalised follow-up of the file.
- Maximum expedited processing time: For urgent situations, the maximum expedited option offers the fastest processing available. This priority solution is ideal for travellers who need to obtain their eVisa within a very short processing time, often on an urgent basis.
Whether you choose the official website or a private service provider, anticipation remains the best way of securing your visa within the necessary processing time. The official website is perfectly suited to those who want a standard process at a lower cost, while private service providers offer additional services, such as personalised support and options tailored to time constraints.
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How can I get a visa for Tanzania as quickly as possible?
If you're dreaming of travelling to Tanzania or Zanzibar very soon, you should ideally apply for an e-visa online. European travellers as well as other nationalities have in fact been able to benefit from this new online procedure since November 2018.
The Tanzanian government has set up a digital portal to receive e-visa applications, but there are also online service providers specialising in this field, such as our partner, who guarantee that your visa application will be processed quickly. All you need to do is log on to the site and access the visa application form for Tanzania.
On this form, you simply need to fill in information about your identity, your professional and personal situation, your passport number and a valid email address.
You will then be asked a series of simple questions about your state of health and previous travels.
Once the form has been completed, all you have to do is check it thoroughly before validating it. Don't neglect this stage, as a simple error could result in a delay in processing your application and a longer processing time.
Then pay the required fees by credit card online. Without payment of this fee, your application will not be transmitted and you will not obtain a visa for Tanzania.
Once your application has been accepted by the authorities, your visa will be sent to you by email. All you have to do is print it out and take it with you on your trip.
Apply for your Tanzania e-visa!
What documents do I need to apply for a visa more quickly?
If you want your e-visa application for Tanzania to be processed quickly, you should make sure you prepare the documents you will be asked for online in advance. In particular, you should have with you
- A valid passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of your arrival in Tanzania. You will need to scan the identity page of your passport in colour so that the passport number, your full name and date and place of birth are visible.
- A passport photo: this must also be recent, in colour and in the correct format. The photo must be clear and shadow-free.
- Proof of return: you must also have a plane or train ticket showing that you will be returning home after the trip or leaving for another destination.
How long does it take to apply for a visa for Tanzania online?
To ensure that you can leave for Tanzania on time and on the date you have planned, you must of course apply for your e-visa at the right time.
As we saw above, it generally takes no more than ten days for an e-visa application for this country to be processed. But that doesn't mean you should wait until the last minute to apply.
In fact, ideally, you should make arrangements a little in advance to cover any unforeseen circumstances.
You may make a mistake when filling in the application form, which could result in your e-visa being rejected. In this case, you will have to restart the procedure from the beginning and wait again for the legal processing time.
It is also possible that you will be rejected by the Tanzanian authorities because of an incompatibility with the rules of the e-visa system. In this case, in most cases, it will still be possible to travel to the country using the traditional visa procedure. But this will, of course, take even longer, and you need to allow for this extra processing time if you don't want to find yourself without a visa on the day of departure.
To ensure that you receive your visa for Tanzania in good time, we recommend that you apply for your visa at least one month before your departure.
Apply for your Tanzania e-visa!
Factors influencing the processing time for a visa to Tanzania
Obtaining a visa for Tanzania is an essential step for many travellers. However, processing times can vary depending on a number of factors, and it's important to be aware of them so that you can plan your trip with complete peace of mind. Here is an exploration of the key factors that can influence processing times:
Peak periods
The volume of visa applications fluctuates throughout the year, which can have an impact on processing time.
- High tourist season: During busy periods, such as the summer or end-of-year holidays, immigration services can be overwhelmed by a large number of applications, resulting in longer processing times.
- Low season: In contrast, quiet periods, such as the months outside the tourist season, generally allow applications to be processed more quickly.
Type of visa requested
The type of visa requested plays a crucial role in the processing time.
- Electronic visa (e-visa): This type of visa, applied for online, is often processed within a few working days (usually between 2 and 7 days), although there can sometimes be delays.
- Visa on arrival: Available at some airports and border crossings, this requires some processing time on site, which can lead to long queues.
- Visa via an embassy: Applications made through embassies or consulates can take several weeks, as they often involve more complex administrative processes.
Traveller's nationality
The applicant's nationality can influence visa processing time:
- Visa-exempt nationalities: Some countries have bilateral agreements with Tanzania, allowing their citizens to enter without a visa or with simplified procedures.
- High-risk nationalities: Travellers from certain countries may be subject to additional checks or prior approval, resulting in longer processing times.
Documents required
A complete and compliant visa application speeds up the process, while an incomplete application causes delays. The usual documents include :
- A valid passport: This must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry.
- A recent passport photo: Format requirements must be met.
- A correctly completed application form: Any error or omission may result in a return or a request for correction.
- Proof of itinerary: Return flight ticket or reservation.
- Financial proof: Sometimes requested to prove that the traveller has sufficient funds.
The quality of the immigration service
The infrastructure and efficiency of Tanzanian immigration services vary depending on the point of entry:
- Major airports: International airports such as Dar es Salaam or Kilimanjaro generally have sufficient staff to process visas quickly.
- Border posts: Processing times may be longer at land borders, where administrative resources may be more limited.
Preparing the traveller
Finally, the applicant's level of preparation has a direct influence:
- Early submission: Submitting the application sufficiently in advance (at least 4 weeks before departure) helps to avoid unforeseen delays.
- Prompt response to requests for additional information: In the event of a request for additional documents, a rapid response can limit processing times.
In conclusion, there are several factors that influence the processing time for obtaining a visa for Tanzania. Understanding these factors means you can anticipate any constraints and plan your trip in the best possible way. Careful preparation and early application are the best strategies for avoiding inconvenience.
How can I avoid visa delays for Tanzania?
Have you ever had a visa rejected or delayed because of avoidable mistakes? To avoid ending up in this situation, it is essential to be aware of common mistakes if you want to receive your visa on time.
- Mistakes on the form: A simple error, such as an incorrect date of birth or a misspelt surname, can cause delays.
- Lack of information: Omitting certain details can also cause problems. For example, forgetting to include all the documents required at the time of filing.
- Insufficient processing time: The application should be submitted several weeks before the planned departure date. Too little time could cause delays.
- Incorrect type of visa: There are various categories of visa for Tanzania (business, tourism, etc.). Opting for the wrong category could lead to rejection.
- Incorrect passport: The passport must remain valid for at least six months after the planned date of travel to Tanzania. A passport that expires earlier could lead to complications.
By keeping these factors in mind and being attentive during the application process, you can avoid the mistakes that are often made, which can lead to delays in obtaining a visa for Tanzania.
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Adeline HARMANT
As a web writer and globetrotter with a passion for travel and tourism, I have acquired in-depth knowledge of the procedures that are essential for travellers. I help travellers to complete all the formalities required for a successful trip, particularly when it comes to obtaining a visa online. With several years' experience in this field, I'd like to offer you some valuable advice to help you discover the world with complete peace of mind.
