Whether you’re heading to Tanzania for a safari, business, studies, or family visits, monitoring your Tanzania visa status is essential. Understanding the different phases—from application to arrival—helps you stay informed and avoid surprises. Here’s everything you need to know.
1. Why Checking Your Tanzania Visa Status Matters
Keeping tabs on your visa status is important because:
- It confirms whether your document is approved, pending, or flagged
- You can prepare travel plans, like booking flights, accommodations, or tours
- You can address issues early, such as missing documents or photo uploads
- You can plan arrival details, such as printing the visa confirmation or death with on-arrival procedures
2. Types of Visas and How to Check Status
Term 2.1: Tanzania e‑Visa (Electronic Visa)
Tanzania introduced the e‑Visa system in 2018, making travel planning smoother for visitors from many countries.
Here’s how to track an e‑Visa:
- Use the official Tanzania Immigration portal:
- Visit the e‑Visa status page
- Enter your application reference number, passport number, and email used at application
- Visit the e‑Visa status page
- You’ll see status updates such as:
- Submitted – Application received
- Under process – Your forms and documents are being reviewed
- Approved – Your visa is granted and your e‑Visa PDF is ready
- Rejected – You’ll need to reapply after addressing the issues
- Submitted – Application received
Tip: You’ll also receive an email once your e‑Visa is approved. Download and print at least two copies for immigration clearance on arrival.
Term 2.2: Visa-on-Arrival (VOA)
If you’re eligible for a VOA (e.g., Kenyan, Ugandan, Rwandan citizens, and others via flight):
- No pre-application is needed.
- You’ll complete a VOA application form on the flight or airport.
- At immigration, officers typically review your documents and take payment.
- They may indicate “In Process” or “Issued” on your receipt.
- Once stamped, your visa status transitions to “Issued.”
Term 2.3: Embassy / Consulate Visa
For long-term stays, multiple entries, work, study, or family reunification:
- Apply through the Tanzanian embassy/consulate in your home country.
- Tracking options:
- A portal login system (if available)
- Email or phone communication with consulate staff
- Courier tracking for passport return
- A portal login system (if available)
- Visa status updates include:
- Under review – Your documents are being validated
- Printed – Visa has been printed and passport is in transit
- Issued – Passport is ready for collection or delivery
- Under review – Your documents are being validated
3. Typical Processing Times
- e‑Visa: Usually approved in 3–5 business days, but can take up to 7 days during peak season
- VOA: Processed within 30–60 minutes of arrival
- Embassy Visa: Can range from 10–30 days, depending on visa type, documentation, and embassy workload
During peak travel periods—holidays, safari season (June–October), or school breaks—processing times can double. Pressing timelines? Plan to apply at least 4–6 weeks in advance.
4. Common e‑Visa Statuses Explained
| Status | Meaning |
| Submitted | Your application is logged; initial review has begun |
| Under process | Documents/forms are being evaluated and verified |
| Pending payment | Your payment may need confirmation or re-submission |
| Additional docs needed | Attach scanned or PDF documents (e.g., photo, invitation letters) |
| Approved | e‑Visa is granted; PDF ready for download |
| Rejected | Issues detected (invalid passport, photo, visa type mismatch)—must reapply |
Tip: If your status doesn’t update within 5–7 days, double-check your spam folder or email settings—you may have missed a notification.
5. What To Do If Your e‑Visa Is Rejected
Even minor discrepancies—like mismatching passport number or wrong photo format—can cause rejection. Here’s how to bounce back:
- Read rejection reason carefully in your account or email.
- Update the specific issue, such as reuploading a white-background photo or correcting a typo.
- Resubmit the application with corrected data and pay the fee again.
- Track the new application until approval.
- Ensure all passport copies and attachments are in PDF or JPG format, and under the file size limits.
6. What If Your Embassy Visa Is Delayed or Stalled
- It’s okay to contact the consulate respectfully if processing exceeds typical timelines.
- Provide your reference number, full name, nationality, and expected travel dates.
- This may expedite your review or alert you to missing documentation.
- Make copies of everything submitted, including forms and confirmation receipts.
7. Confirming & Printing Your e‑Visa
Once marked Approved:
- Log in to your portal
- Download the e‑Visa PDF
- Print at least two clear copies, with visible QR code, photo, and details
- Carry both copies plus your physical passport
You’ll present these to the immigration officer when arriving in Tanzania.
8. At Immigration / VOA Arrival: How It Works
For e‑Visa holders:
- Show your printed e‑Visa and passport
- Officers may scan the QR code or verify details manually
- Once confirmed, they’ll stamp your passport with an entry date and visa type
For VOA travelers:
- Fill in forms on the airplane or on arrival
- Present proof of payment (USD cash is often acceptable)
- Immigration issues your VOA while you wait (usually 30–60 minutes)
- Final approval will be stamped or handwritten next to your passport details
9. Checking Visa Validity After Arrival
Your passport will display a visa sticker or a stamp angled alongside the e‑Visa QR code information. Verify:
- Dates: Are they correct and matching your e‑Visa?
- Visa Type: Tourist, business, or transit, as specified
- Entries: Single or multiple, as applicable to your visa type
If there’s an error, speak with the immigration officer immediately before departing the airport.
10. Tips to Manage Your Tanzania Visa Status
- Keep a screenshot or printout of your application reference and login details
- Check email spam folders diligently
- Be mindful of local holidays when e‑Visa documents might be delayed
- If traveling soon, choose express or priority e‑Visa (where available)
- Always have a backup copy of your e‑Visa PDF on your phone or printout
- Carry USD cash in small denominations for VOA fees (if applicable)
11. FAQ: Common Reader Questions
Q: Can I check Tanzania visa status by email or phone?
A: For e‑Visa, use the online portal. Embassy/VOA cases can be checked via email or phone using your reference number.
Q: Will my visa reject if my passport expires soon?
A: Yes—your passport must be valid for at least six months from arrival, or your application may be denied.
Q: How do I handle a wrong date issue?
A: Inform the issuing office (e‑Visa support or consulate) immediately upon arrival. Don’t delay; officials can re-issue to correct mistakes.
Q: Can I leave and re-enter Tanzania with the same visa?
A: Only if your visa status allows multiple entries. Most single-entry e‑Visas are valid for one entry only.
12. When to Contact Immigration or Consulate
- Status remains unchanged for more than 10 days (e‑Visa)
- You encounter technical issues when uploading documents or checking status
- You receive a rejection you don’t understand
- Your entry is imminent, but your visa hasn’t been approved
Remain polite, provide clear information, and offer reference numbers to simplify support.
13. Top 3 Takeaways
- The Tanzania e‑Visa system is fast and reliable, typically processed in under a week
- VOA travelers have minimal wait times at arrival, but must prepare in advance
- Embassy visas take longer—track everything and communicate early if necessary
✅ Conclusion
Keeping track of your Tanzania visa status is a critical part of your travel planning process. Whether you’re applying for an e-Visa, getting one on arrival, or submitting through an embassy, understanding how and when to check your application status ensures a smoother journey. Timely tracking allows you to prepare necessary documents, correct errors, and avoid unexpected delays.
By following the steps outlined—using the official portal, watching for email notifications, and knowing what each status means—you can confidently navigate the process and arrive in Tanzania ready for your adventure. Remember to double-check your visa details, carry printed copies, and monitor your passport validity for a seamless immigration experience.