•As of November 30, the Tanzanian government initially notified that visas-on-arrival at airports would be discontinued. However, a follow-up notice has confirmed that visa-on-arrival services will continue to be available at airports after November 30.
To Residents and Travelers to Tanzania
A previous update indicated that e-Visas would become mandatory for entry into Tanzania and that visas-on-arrival at airports and border offices would be discontinued as of November 30. This decision has now been placed on hold, allowing visa-on-arrival services to continue temporarily.
The Tanzanian government strongly recommends using the online e-Visa system for smoother processing and suggests that the visa-on-arrival option will remain as a backup for travelers experiencing e-Visa application difficulties.
Notes on the e-Visa Application
Common issues reported by applicants include:
•No response via email after submitting an application.
•Visa not received despite payment having been processed.
•Payment not processed, resulting in no visa issuance.
Our office has relayed these concerns to Tanzanian immigration authorities, but improvements are ongoing. These issues may stem from differences in internet connectivity, email security standards, and server infrastructure across countries.
Guidance for Business Travelers
Those traveling for business from Japan or neighboring countries should obtain a Business Visa rather than an Ordinary Visa. Some business travelers have reported being questioned by police or immigration officers and nearly detained for using an Ordinary Visa instead of a Business Visa. In Tanzania, any trip related to site inspections, business meetings, or contract negotiations is considered business-related, so please take note.
For inquiries regarding Tanzanian visas, please contact either the Tanzanian Embassy in Japan or the Tanzanian Immigration Department directly:
•Embassy of the United Republic of Tanzania (Tokyo):
•Tanzania Immigration Department:
Comment