Tanzania's e-Visa system is currently out of service

Whether you're planning to climb Kilimanjaro, go on safari in the Serengeti or take a beach holiday in Zanzibar, obtaining a Tanzanian e-visa is a recommended step to facilitate your arrival in the country. Since March 4, 2026, Tanzania's Department of Immigration Services has been faced with a major computer breakdown impacting the issuance of electronic visas (e-Visas).

Faced with this technical problem, which comes on top of the recurring instabilities of the portal in recent months, our agency informs you of the current situation and possible solutions!

Government portal unavailable

The Tanzanian authorities have officially announced a temporary interruption to their central immigration system. The official immigration website is currently inaccessible. or unable to finalize the processing of files in progress. This failure is not a first. In recent months, we have already seen extended processing times, with e-Visas issued after the traveler's planned arrival date.

Visa on arrival maintained

Good news for travelers with imminent travel plans: the visa-on-arrival system remains 100% operational. Migration authorities have confirmed that this official alternative is being maintained at all major international ports of entry, including :

• Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (Zanzibar - ZNZ)
• Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
• Dar es Salaam Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR)

Formalities remain unchanged, but it is essential to travel with proper valid documents. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Tanzania. We also recommend that you have your return air ticket and accommodation reservation ready. Consular fees must be paid on arrival., when you pass through immigration control. Be sure to bring some cash, as credit cards may be refused if the local network is weak. On board or before landing, and in anticipation of your arrival, you will be asked to complete an entry form.

I've already paid for my e-Visa online. What should I do?

This is the trickiest situation. You've submitted your file, paid the fees on the online portal, but you haven't received any authorization before the breakdown. Although the Tanzanian government has not established a clear automatic refund procedure in its latest communiqué, here's the strategy to adopt when crossing the border:

• Create a paper file: Print out the screenshot of your payment confirmation, your bank statement, and above all the document showing your Application ID (the unique tracking number generated at the time of filing). Present these documents to the immigration officer to prove that the process has been initiated and paid for.
  

In many cases, the authorities can verify the Application ID and validate your entry. However, be prepared for the possibility of having to pay for the visa on the spot if the airport's internal system fails to synchronize. This can happen, but it rarely does.

Do you have a project in progress with our agency? Our teams can be reached by email, so don't hesitate to give us your tracking number when you make your request.

Fill in a file from e-Visa Tanzania

• Tanzania

« ED card mandatory at Grenada's borders