If you're applying for an eVisa for Tanzania in August, 2026 you may notice slower approvals than usual.
Tanzania's government eVisa portal is currently experiencing intermittent technical issues that are delaying processing. Travelers who don't obtain their eVisa in time can still obtain a Visa on arrival for eligible nationalities.
We're sharing the latest guidance below so you can plan with confidence.
What's happening
Tanzania's eVisa portal has been experiencing periodic instability since August 14th, which is delaying approvals.
This means:
- Applications can take longer than normal to process
- You might not receive your approval before departure
- Entry to Tanzania is still permitted for eligible travelers via Visa on arrival
Can I still travel if my eVisa isn't approved yet?
Yes, if you hold a passport from one of the countries below, you can obtain a Visa on arrival:
Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Belgium, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Central African Republic, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, East Timor, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Laos, Latvia, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Turkiye, UK - British Citizen, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United States, Uruguay, Vatican City, Venezuela, Vietnam.
Ports of entry
Visa on arrival is available at Tanzania's designated ports of entry, including:
- Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam)
- Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA)
- Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (Zanzibar)
- Namanga border post (Arusha, Tanzania-Kenya border, open 24 hours)
For the full official list of entry and exit points, see the Tanzania Immigration Department's Entry Points page. Please note the live Tanzanian government website is currently experiencing intermittent technical issues, so this link points to an archived version of the same official page.
If you plan to obtain a Visa on arrival, we recommend:
- Bringing at least USD 100 in cash per traveler for the visa fee
- Bringing your passport and travel itinerary
- Allow extra time at immigration on arrival
I applied through Sherpa. What happens if my eVisa isn't approved in time?
If you applied through Sherpa and your eVisa hasn't been approved before your departure, we'll send you:
- Your Payment Control Number
- A copy of your government payment receipt
You can present these on arrival to request a payment exemption for your Visa on arrival. While acceptance is not guaranteed, Tanzanian authorities have advised this may be possible. We generally send these within 7 days before your arrival to allow for government processing.
If you're required to pay again on arrival, please send us a copy of your Visa on arrival receipt and we'll process a full refund.
I applied directly with the Tanzanian government. What should I do?
If you applied directly and haven't received your eVisa in time, keep your payment receipt from the eVisa portal. You can present it on arrival to request a payment exemption for your Visa on arrival, alongside the required cash payment as a backup.
Should I still apply now?
Yes, we're continuing to accept applications. We recommend applying as early as possible.
How we're supporting you
We're actively:
- Monitoring the government portal closely
- Submitting applications as the portal permits
- Providing the latest guidance to affected travelers
- Sending proof of payment to travelers with upcoming arrivals so they can request a payment exemption
- Offering full refunds where travelers are required to pay again on arrival
As soon as processing returns to normal, timelines should improve.
Tips for smoother travel
- Apply early whenever possible
- Bring USD 100 cash per traveler as a backup for Visa on arrival
- Keep proof of your application and payment
- Check your email for updates
- Contact us if your travel date is close and you have concerns
Need help?
If you have questions about your application or travel timing, our team is ready to guide you.
Email support@joinsherpa.com and include your order number so we can assist quickly.
