Guide to the Tanzania eVisa for Ethiopia Citizens

Tanzania, a jewel of East Africa, is a land that calls out to the adventurer in all of us. From the snow-capped peaks of Kilimanjaro to the vast plains of the Serengeti and the spice-scented beaches of Zanzibar, it is a destination that promises unparalleled natural beauty and cultural richness. For citizens of Ethiopia, the journey to this remarkable country has been significantly streamlined thanks to the introduction of the Electronic Visa (eVisa) system.

Gone are the days of mandatory embassy visits and paper-based applications slowing down your travel plans. The Tanzania eVisa for Ethiopia Citizens represents the fastest, most secure, and most efficient way to gain the necessary travel authorization.

Why the Tanzania eVisa is the Best Option for Ethiopian Travelers

The Tanzanian government introduced the Tanzania eVisa platform to simplify the entry process for international visitors, and for Ethiopian citizens, it offers distinct advantages over the traditional application or even the limited Visa On Arrival option (which often involves long queues and uncertainty).

Speed, Convenience, and Certainty

Applying online allows you to submit all your documents and complete the process from the comfort of your home or office in Addis Ababa, Dire Dawa, or anywhere else. The entire process takes mere minutes to complete, and the standard processing time is surprisingly swift. More importantly, receiving your visa before you travel provides certainty, ensuring you have the necessary documentation to board your flight without stress.

Key Takeaway for SEO (Search Intent)

Ethiopian travelers looking for Tanzania visa application Ethiopia want a reliable, clear, and quick process. Highlighting the convenience and certainty of the eVisa directly addresses this core intent.

Understanding Your Visa Options and Eligibility

The first and most important step is selecting the correct visa type that matches the purpose and duration of your visit. Ethiopia citizens, holding an Ordinary Passport, have several eVisa options available:

1. The Ordinary (Tourist) Visa

This is the most common choice for visitors from Ethiopia. It is intended for holidays, safaris, family visits, or leisure activities on the Tanzanian mainland or Zanzibar.

• Duration: Up to 90 days.
• Entries: Single Entry.
• Primary Use: Tourism, holiday, visiting friends/family.

2. The Multiple Entry Visa

This option is ideal for Ethiopian business professionals, travelers who frequently visit Tanzania for short periods (such as a mix of business and tourism), or those with long-term travel plans in the region that require re-entry into Tanzania.

• Duration: Up to 12 months (Total validity).
• Entries: Multiple Entry.
• Stay Limitation: Each single stay cannot exceed 90 days.
• Primary Use: Frequent visits, regional business travelers.

3. The Business Visa

Specifically designed for Ethiopian citizens traveling to Tanzania for short-term professional activities, trade, contractual work, or official meetings. It is not for seeking employment or residency.

• Duration: Up to 90 days.
• Entries: Single Entry.
• Primary Use: Short-term professional or business assignments.

4. The Transit Visa

If your main destination is a country beyond Tanzania, and you need to pass through a Tanzanian port of entry (like Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam) to catch an onward flight or bus.

• Duration: Maximum 7 days.
• Entries: Single Entry.
• Requirements: Mandatory proof of onward travel (ticket) and visa for the final destination country.

Essential Requirements and Documentation Checklist

Ensuring you have all the necessary documents prepared before you start your application, and understanding the complete Requirements for an eVisa Tanzania, is the key to a fast and successful approval process. Incomplete or poor-quality documents are the number one reason for delays or rejection.

The Mandatory Core Documents (for all applicants)

1. Valid Ethiopian Passport: A clear scanned copy of the passport’s biographical (bio-data) page. Crucially, the passport must be valid for six (6) months from your intended date of arrival in Tanzania. It must also have one blank page for the entry stamp.
2. Recent Passport-Sized Photograph: This must be a clear, color photo taken recently against a plain background (white or light-colored). The image must be uploaded in the specified digital format (usually JPEG or PNG).
3. Flight Itinerary: Proof of your travel plans, specifically a copy of your round-trip ticket or an onward ticket showing your confirmed departure from Tanzania.
4. Proof of Accommodation: This can be a confirmed hotel booking for your stay or an official invitation letter if you are staying with a local host or family.

Additional Documents Based on Visa Type

The Step-by-Step Tanzania eVisa Application Process

The Tanzania eVisa Application process is handled entirely through the Tanzanian e-Service portal. Follow these simple steps carefully:

Step 1: Access the Official Portal and Start the Application

Navigate to the Tanzanian Immigration website. Click on the ‘New Application’ link and select the option to ‘Apply for a New Visa’.

You will be asked to input your basic information (email, passport number) to generate a unique Application ID. This ID is critical. Write it down or save the email immediately, as you will use it to track your application and continue if you are interrupted.

Step 2: Complete the Application Form

This is where you fill in all your detailed personal, contact, and travel information. Be meticulous. Any discrepancy between the data entered here and the data on your scanned passport (e.g., a spelling error, wrong date of birth) can lead to an application rejection.

• Personal Information: Name, date of birth, nationality (Ethiopia), etc.
• Passport Information: Passport type (Ordinary Passport), issue/expiry dates.
• Travel Information: Purpose of visit, intended date of arrival/departure, entry port (e.g., Kilimanjaro International Airport – JRO, Julius Nyerere International Airport – DAR).
• Local Host Information: Details of your hotel or the person/company hosting you in Tanzania.

Step 3: Upload All Required Documents

This step involves digitally attaching the documents you prepared in Section 2.

• Upload the clear scan of your Passport Bio-Data Page.
• Upload your Passport Photo (ensure it meets the size and clarity specifications).
• Upload the PDF or JPEG files for your Flight Itinerary and Accommodation Proof.
• Upload any supporting documents (e.g., invitation letter for Business or Multiple Entry).

Expert Tip for SEO (Technical Accuracy): The system often requires files to be within a size limit (e.g., max 300KB) and in specific formats (JPEG/PNG/PDF). Double-check these requirements on the official site before uploading to avoid an error loop.

Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee

Once the form and documents are submitted, you will be directed to the payment gateway to handle the respective fee for your chosen visa type.

• Payment is usually made using a valid credit or debit card (Visa or MasterCard).
• The government processing fee is generally non-refundable, even if the visa is ultimately denied.
• Save or print the payment confirmation receipt.

Step 5: Wait for Processing and Receive Your eVisa

After submission and payment, your application will be under review by the Tanzanian Immigration Services Department.

• Normal Processing Time: The official quoted time is generally 4 – 7 Working Days.
• Rush Processing Time: If you selected the expedited service (available for an additional charge), processing is generally faster, often 3 – 5 Working Days.

You can use your Application ID on the same portal to check the status (Pending, Under Review, Approved). Once approved, you will receive a “Grant Notice” via email. this is your official eVisa.

Print this eVisa confirmation notice and carry it with you! You will need to present this printout to the airline staff before boarding your flight from Addis Ababa, and again to the Immigration Officer upon arrival in Tanzania (at the entry port).

What if My Visa is Rejected?

If your application is rejected, the government processing fee is not refunded. You will need to re-apply, pay the applicable fee again, and ensure you have corrected the reason for the initial rejection (usually a document error, missing information, or an inconsistency). In rare cases, a rejection may require you to apply in person at the Embassy of Tanzania in Addis Ababa.

Conclusion: Your Tanzanian Adventure Awaits!

The opportunity to explore Tanzania’s breathtaking landscapes, from the wildlife migration in the Serengeti to the turquoise waters of Zanzibar, is an easy click away for Ethiopia Citizens.

By using the official eVisa platform, meticulously preparing your documents, and selecting the correct visa (whether the Single Entry for a holiday or the Multiple Entry for frequent travel), you have ensured the most efficient path to your destination.