Tanzania is set to simplify its entry procedures for international travelers. From January 30, 2025In a statement issued on the occasion of the World Tourism Organization's World Tourism Day, the country "should" suspend the issuance of visas on arrival, obliging visitors to obtain an electronic visa before departure. This decision, which has already provoked numerous reactions in the tourist industry, marks a turning point in the East African country's policy of welcoming visitors.
An unexpected turnaround
For years, Tanzania has distinguished itself by its open-door policy, offering travelers the possibility of obtaining a visa directly on arrival in the country, subject to long queues and sometimes complicated on-the-spot payment. This flexibility, appreciated by tourists, allowed a certain spontaneity in travel arrangements. However, the Tanzanian authorities now seem to prefer a more structured and anticipated approach to managing tourist flows.
The news was initially the subject of rumour and confusion. An alleged circular announcing the end of visas on arrival as early as November 2024 was shared on social networks, sowing doubt among tourism professionals and travelers alike. Faced with this situation, the Tanzanian government had to clarify its position, confirming that the visa-on-arrival service would remain in force for the time being, while encouraging the use of electronic visas.
However, the foreign ministries of several countries, including France and the Canadahave updated their travel recommendations, announcing the effective suspension of visas on arrival by January 2025.
This information, although not officially confirmed through Tanzanian channels, seems credible and consistent with the country's desire to modernize its immigration procedures.
Please note, however, that the French authorities have since removed this paragraph from the France Diplo page!
The e-Visa, the new standard for entering Tanzania
From January 30, 2025, travelers will therefore have to anticipate their visa application through the Tanzanian government's official online portal: visa.immigration.go.tz or via a recognized visa agency such as Visamundi. This transition to all-digital technology is designed to streamline immigration processes and reduce waiting times on arrival at the country's airports.
The e-Visa offers several advantages:
- Faster processing of requests
- Reduced queuing at entry points
- Better tourist flow management for authorities
- More secure immigration procedures
Nevertheless, this change could also have repercussions on spontaneous tourism and last-minute travel, which were previously facilitated by the possibility of obtaining a visa on the spot.
Zanzibar: compulsory travel insurance
Alongside these changes, it's important to note that Zanzibar, Tanzania's semi-autonomous archipelago, has introduced an additional requirement for travelers. Travel insurance now compulsory for all visitors to the island. This measure is designed to ensure that tourists are covered in the event of health problems or other unforeseen events during their stay. It is available on the authorities' website : https://visitzanzibar.go.tz/
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