nzania and Ethiopia share deep historical roots and a vibrant African spirit. Whether you are planning to witness the Great Migration in the Serengeti, explore the spice-scented streets of Zanzibar, or conduct a quick business meeting in Dar es Salaam, getting there has never been easier.

The introduction of the Tanzania eVisa for Ethiopia Citizens has replaced the long queues at embassies with a simple, digital process. If you are an Ethiopian passport holder, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the visa types, costs, and requirements to ensure your trip starts on the right note.

Do Ethiopian citizens really need a Tanzania eVisa?

Yes. While both nations are part of the African Union, Ethiopian citizens currently require a valid visa to enter the United Republic of Tanzania. Fortunately, you don’t need to visit the Tanzanian Embassy in Addis Ababa in person. You can apply for a Tanzania eVisa (Electronic Visa) from the comfort of your home or office.

What are the different types of Tanzania eVisa available?

Depending on your reason for travel, you can choose from several options. Here is a quick breakdown of the Tanzania eVisa Types available for Ethiopian travelers:

Visa Type	No. of Entries	Max. Stay	Validity
Transit Visa	Single	7 Days	7 Days
Tourism Visa	Single	90 Days	90 Days
Ordinary Visa	Single	90 Days	90 Days
Multiple Entry Visa	Multiple	3 Months	12 months
Business Visa	Single	90 days	90 days
Volunteer Visa	Single/Multiple	Up to 90 Days	3 – 12 Months

Which Tanzania eVisa should I choose for a safari or beach holiday?

If you are heading to Tanzania for a vacation, the Tourism Visa or Ordinary Visa is your best bet. Both allow you to stay for up to 90 days, which is plenty of time to explore the Northern Safari Circuit and end your trip with a relaxing stay in Zanzibar.

What if I want to apply for a Tanzania Volunteer eVisa?

If you are traveling to participate in charity work or community projects, you must apply for a Tanzania Volunteer eVisa. Unlike a standard tourist visa, you will need an official invitation/placement letter from a registered NGO or volunteer organization in Tanzania. This visa ensures you are legally covered to offer your services during your stay.

What documents do I need to prepare before applying for a Tanzania eVisa?

To avoid delays, make sure you have digital copies of these documents ready:

• Passport Bio Page: A clear scan of the page with your photo and personal details.
• Applicant Photo: A recent, passport-sized digital photograph.
• Return/Onward Ticket: Proof that you intend to leave Tanzania.
• Host Information: If you are staying with someone, you need a copy of the Passport or National ID of the host (if they are a citizen) or a Resident Permit (if they are a resident).
• Invitation Letter: Required for business, volunteer, or hosted visits.
• Business/NGO Proof: A copy of the Registration Certificate or Certificate of Incorporation/Compliance.

What is the processing time for a Tanzania eVisa?

We offer three distinct processing speeds to fit your schedule:

• Standard Processing: 4 – 7 Working Days.
• Rush Processing: 3 – 5 Working Days.
• Super Rush Processing: 2 – 4 Working Days.

What factors influence the total Tanzania eVisa fee?

The cost of your visa isn’t a flat rate. Several factors play into the final amount:

• Visa Type: Tourist, business, transit, and multiple-entry visas all carry different charges.
• Stay Duration: Longer permitted stays may increase the fee.
• Entries Allowed: Single or multiple entries are priced differently.
• Processing Speed: Choosing faster approval adds extra cost.

Can I get a refund for my Tanzania eVisa if my plans change?

It is important to note the refund policy before paying, fees are non-refundable.

• Government Fee: Non-refundable once your details enter the system.
• Service Fee: Non-refundable once processing starts, as the review and support work is already done.
• Rush Add-Ons: Non-refundable, since priority handling begins right after payment.

Which cities are best for night-time sightseeing with a Tanzania eVisa?

Tanzania is vibrant after dark!

• Stone Town (Zanzibar): Famous for the Forodhani Gardens night market—a must for seafood lovers.
• Dar es Salaam: The waterfront areas like Masaki and Oyster Bay offer great evening vibes and safe walking spots near the ocean.
• Arusha: Known as the “Safari Capital,” it has a lively evening scene with local crafts and cafes that stay open late.

Does UPI work for Tanzania eVisa and local payments?

No, UPI is not an officially supported payment method for the Tanzania eVisa or local payments.

Tanzania eVisa

The only accepts Visa cards, Mastercards, or Swift bank transfers. While some third-party visa agencies may offer UPI as a convenience on their private platforms, the government-run site does not.

Local Payments

UPI is currently not active in Tanzania. Local commerce is dominated by:

• Cash: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) and US Dollars (USD).
• Mobile Money: Services like M-Pesa, Tigo Pesa, and Airtel Money are the local equivalents of UPI.
• Cards: Major hotels and tourist spots accept Visa/Mastercard, but rural areas remain cash-heavy.

What happens if I overstay my Tanzania eVisa by just 2 hours?

Tanzania has strict immigration laws. Even an overstay of 2 hours is technically a violation. While immigration officers may sometimes be lenient with very short delays due to flight timing, you risk a fine (ranging from $600 to $1,000) or being detained. Always aim to exit 6 hours before your visa expires.

What is the scope of Travel Agent Responsibility for a Tanzania eVisa?

When you hire a professional, you are entrusting them with a high level of Travel Agent Responsibility. Their duties include:

• Data Verification: Cross-checking your passport details against the application form to ensure 100% accuracy.
• Document Optimization: Adjusting file sizes and resolutions so they are accepted by the government portal without glitches.
• Status Monitoring: Actively tracking the application and intervening if the government requests additional documentation.
• Guidance: Advising you on the correct visa type based on your specific travel purpose to prevent legal issues upon arrival. This responsibility ensures that the burden of the “technical” side of travel is removed from your shoulders.

Can I re-enter the country with a Tanzania eVisa after a 2-month gap?

Yes. If you have a Single Entry Visa, you will need to apply for a new eVisa to return. If you have a Multiple Entry Visa, you can leave and return as much as you like within the 12-month validity, provided you don’t stay for more than 3 consecutive months at a time.