Tanzania eVisa for Indian Citizens

Many travellers ask whether to apply online in advance or sort things out at the airport. For Indian citizens, the online tourist eVisa is the recommended and most reliable route: it is processed before you fly, so you board knowing your visa is approved, and you avoid uncertainty at the border. Use this comparison to see how the eVisa differs from arranging a visa on arrival:

Because the eVisa is sorted out before you board, it is the safer choice for Indian travellers and avoids queues and surprises on landing.

• Who needs it: Every Indian traveller, including children and infants.
• Type: Online tourist eVisa — an electronic visa, normally single entry.
• Length of stay: Up to 90 days per visit.
• Processing: Up to around 10 working days — this is much longer than most eTAs.
• When to apply: At least 2-3 weeks before departure.
• Delivery: Approval is sent as a PDF by email.

A visa is required for every Indian citizen travelling to Tanzania, regardless of age. There is no group or family visa: each person who will board the flight needs their own eVisa tied to their own passport. This includes children and infants, even when they are travelling on a parent's itinerary, so each child needs an individual application.

The tourist eVisa covers the typical reasons Indians visit Tanzania — safari trips, mountain trekking on Kilimanjaro, honeymoons and island stays in Zanzibar, and visiting friends or relatives. If your plans involve work, study, long-term residence, or activities beyond a holiday or short visit, you should confirm the correct visa category before you travel, as the tourist eVisa is intended for tourism and short visits.

The eVisa is requested online, but Tanzania still expects you to meet its entry conditions. Have the following ready before you apply, and keep them available for the airline and for immigration on arrival:

• A valid Indian passport with at least 6 months validity and blank pages for stamps.
• A recent passport-style photo meeting the requirements.
• A return or onward air ticket out of Tanzania.
• Confirmed accommodation — a hotel or lodge booking, or an invitation letter if you will stay with friends or family.
• Proof of sufficient funds for your trip.
• A yellow-fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from, or transiting through, a yellow-fever country.
• A valid email address — your eVisa is sent here as a PDF.

1. Get your documents ready: a valid Indian passport with at least 6 months validity, a passport photo, your return ticket, accommodation details and a payment card.
2. Start the online Tanzania eVisa application and enter your passport and personal details exactly as they appear in your passport.
3. Add your trip information — arrival date, accommodation, and contact email.
4. Upload the required documents, including your photo and passport details, and review every field carefully.
5. Submit your application and complete the required payment.
6. Receive your approved eVisa by email as a PDF, ready to print and show at check-in and on arrival.

Because processing can take up to around 10 working days, the most important step is timing: begin your application at least 2-3 weeks before your flight so your eVisa is approved with room to spare.

This is the part Indian travellers most often underestimate. The Tanzania eVisa can take up to around 10 working days to process — far longer than the quick electronic authorizations used by many other destinations. For that reason you should apply at least 2-3 weeks before departure, and even earlier during peak safari and holiday seasons when demand is higher. Do not book non-refundable flights tied to a tight deadline and then apply at the last minute. If the authorities request additional information, respond quickly so your approval is not delayed further. Applying early is the single best thing you can do to ensure a smooth trip.

The Tanzania tourist eVisa is normally a single-entry visa that allows a stay of up to 90 days per visit. Single entry means it is generally used for one trip into the country, so if you plan to leave Tanzania and return — for example a side trip to a neighbouring country — check whether your itinerary needs a different visa type. The eVisa is tied to the specific passport you used to apply, so if you renew or replace your passport, or plan a separate future trip, you will need to apply for a new eVisa linked to the current document.

Your approved eVisa authorises travel, but you must still meet Tanzania's entry conditions when you land. Be ready to present your valid Indian passport, your approved eVisa, a return or onward ticket, proof of confirmed accommodation and evidence of sufficient funds. Two requirements catch travellers out:

• Yellow fever: a yellow-fever vaccination certificate is required if you are arriving from, or transiting through, a yellow-fever country. Carry your certificate with your travel documents.
• Zanzibar insurance: if your trip includes Zanzibar, all visitors must hold the mandatory travel insurance purchased through the official Zanzibar scheme. This is separate from the eVisa, so arrange it before you go if Zanzibar is on your itinerary.

Keeping these documents in an easy-to-reach folder — printed or on your phone — makes arrival faster and smoother.

• Applying too late: processing can take up to around 10 working days, so a last-minute application is the most common cause of stress — apply at least 2-3 weeks ahead.
• Mismatched passport details: the eVisa is linked to your exact passport number, so check every field against your passport before submitting.
• Passport validity: your passport must have at least 6 months validity and blank pages — renew early if it is close to expiry.
• Missing accommodation proof: have a confirmed hotel or lodge booking, or an invitation letter if staying with friends or family.
• No onward ticket or proof of funds: a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds are part of the entry conditions.
• Forgetting yellow fever or Zanzibar insurance: carry your yellow-fever certificate where required, and arrange the official Zanzibar insurance if you are visiting the islands.

An approved eVisa allows you to board your flight, but the final decision to enter Tanzania rests with the immigration officer on arrival. Present the same passport you used to apply, along with your eVisa, and be ready to explain the purpose and length of your visit, where you will stay, and that you have the means to support your trip. Have your yellow-fever certificate ready if it applies, and your Zanzibar insurance if you are travelling to the islands. Provided your documents are in order and consistent with your application, the officer will admit you and you can begin your stay.

Every traveller needs their own eVisa, including children and infants, because each one is linked to an individual passport. A parent or guardian can complete the application on a child's behalf using the child's own passport details. If you are travelling as an Indian family, simply submit a separate application for each member, and make sure each child's photo, accommodation, return ticket and — where it applies — yellow-fever certificate and Zanzibar insurance are covered just as they are for the adults. Given the longer processing time, start the whole family's applications early so no one is left waiting.