Tanzania Visa for Austrian Citizens in 2026: What to Know
Austrian passport holders need a visa for Tanzania, including Zanzibar. The recommended option is the online Tanzania eVisa; apply through the official immigration portal and confirm the current fee and processing estimate before travelling.

Quick answer: Austrian citizens travelling on Austrian passports need a visa to enter Tanzania, including Zanzibar. For tourism, the usual choice is an ordinary single-entry tourist visa, and Austrian passport holders can apply online through Tanzania's official eVisa portal; visa on arrival is also reported as available.
Allow up to 15 days for eVisa processing, although processing is not guaranteed. The exact government fee can depend on the visa category and should be confirmed on the official Tanzania Immigration portal before payment.
Last checked July 2026 — always confirm with official sources before travelling.
Visa types and who needs one
Tanzania's entry rules are based on the passport you hold, not simply the country from which you fly. If you are an Austrian citizen using an ordinary Austrian passport, arrange a Tanzanian visa before your trip. A current travel-requirements listing identifies both the Tanzanian eVisa and visa on arrival as options for Austrian passport holders, with a tourist stay of up to 90 days shown for the eVisa.
Tanzania's visa system covers mainland destinations such as Arusha, the Serengeti and Kilimanjaro, as well as Zanzibar. You do not need a separate Tanzania visa and Zanzibar visa for a trip that includes both areas: the Tanzanian entry permission covers travel within the United Republic of Tanzania, subject to the conditions printed on the visa and the immigration officer's decision at entry. Confirm this point with your airline and the official portal if your itinerary involves separate international entries.
| Visa or entry route | Best suited to | What the research supports |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary tourist visa | Safari, beach holidays, visiting friends or other ordinary short visits | The standard option for tourism; confirm the current fee and permitted stay on the official portal. |
| eVisa | Travellers who want to arrange permission before departure | Online application is available for Austrian passport holders; applications are submitted through Tanzania's immigration website. |
| Visa on arrival | Eligible travellers who have not obtained an eVisa | Reported as available for Austrian citizens, but queues and processing at the border can be unpredictable. |
| Transit visa | Travellers passing through Tanzania to another country | Strictly for transit, not tourism; the official guidance lists a USD 30 fee, an onward visa or ticket, and a valid passport copy. |
Choose the visa purpose carefully. Tanzania's official guidance states that a transit visa is strictly intended for travellers transiting to another country and is not meant for tourism or another purpose. A safari followed by a flight home is a tourism visit, not transit.
How Austrian citizens apply for a Tanzania eVisa
1. Use the official Tanzania Immigration portal
Start at the official Tanzania eVisa website and follow its application guidelines. The official portal is the authoritative place to check the current visa categories, document requirements, payment instructions and fee shown for your application.
Do not rely on a third-party agency's price as the government fee. Private services may add handling or service charges, while the official portal presents the immigration application itself. Before submitting, check that the website address is the official Tanzania Immigration domain: visa.immigration.go.tz/guidelines.
2. Prepare your passport and travel information
The official guidelines require a copy of the applicant's valid passport biographic-data page. Use the same passport for the application and the journey. The visa is linked to the passport details entered online, so differences in spelling, passport number, nationality or dates can create problems at check-in or arrival.
Have your proposed arrival details available, including your intended entry point, travel dates and accommodation information if requested by the form. The official guidance also lists a return ticket among the application materials. Keep a copy of your return or onward booking because immigration may ask how and when you plan to leave Tanzania.
3. Upload a compliant photograph
Tanzania's official eVisa guidance sets detailed photo requirements. The photograph must be coloured, use a plain background and show an unmounted full face looking directly at the camera, with the full head visible from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin. Eyes should be open, the expression natural, and distracting shadows should not appear on the face or background.
- Maximum physical size: 45 mm by 35 mm.
- Maximum image file size: 500 KB.
- Accepted file format: JPG or JPEG.
- Glasses are permitted if you regularly wear them, according to the official guidance.
- Head coverings are not permitted except for religious reasons; facial features must remain clearly visible.
Use a recent, clear image and check the file before uploading. A photograph that is too large, uses the wrong format or includes shadows can interrupt the application even when the passport details are correct.
4. Complete, review and pay
Enter your personal and travel information exactly as it appears in your passport. Review every field before submitting, especially the passport number, date of birth, intended arrival date, nationality and visa type. Save the application reference and payment confirmation.
Visa fees are paid during the application process according to the instructions shown by the portal. Because the research does not provide an official Austrian-specific tourist fee, confirm the current amount on the official portal rather than relying on a fixed figure published elsewhere.
5. Download the approval notice
When the application is approved, save the electronic visa or grant notice and carry a printed copy as well as a digital copy. A visa approval supports your entry, but the final admission decision remains with Tanzanian immigration officials at the border.
Fees and payment for Austrian travellers
The amount payable depends on the visa type selected. For Austrian tourists, the relevant charge is the ordinary tourist visa fee displayed in the official application. The supplied official extract does not state a current ordinary-visa price for Austrian citizens, so SafariFind does not publish an unverified fixed amount. Confirm the current fee on the official portal before submitting the application.
| Item | What to know |
|---|---|
| Tourist eVisa fee | Confirm the live amount for an Austrian passport on the official portal. |
| Transit visa fee | USD 30 is stated in Tanzania's official transit-visa guidance. |
| Third-party service charges | May apply when using a private visa service; these are separate from the government charge. |
| Refunds | Do not assume a payment will be refunded if an application is refused; check the applicable official terms before paying. |
Use a payment method accepted by the official portal and retain the receipt. If the payment page displays a different amount from an older travel article, follow the current official portal rather than the older figure.
Processing time, validity and permitted stay
Published guidance for Austrian applicants says most Tanzanian eVisa applications are approved within 15 days, while also warning that governments do not guarantee processing times. Another Tanzania visa guide describes standard processing as 10–15 working days. Because these published estimates are not a guarantee and are not a direct official processing commitment in the supplied research, apply well before your departure date and avoid booking a non-refundable safari around an unapproved application.
The Austrian eVisa listing shows a tourist stay of up to 90 days and a single entry for the ordinary tourist option. The exact validity, entry window and authorised stay are determined by the visa issued to you. Check the dates and conditions printed on the approval notice before flying; do not assume that every visa category has the same validity.
For trip planning, obtain the visa before arranging a multi-country itinerary with tight connections. If you are still deciding between a northern Tanzania safari, a Zanzibar extension or other African destinations, you can compare safari packages on SafariFind after checking that the dates leave enough time for the visa process. A Tanzania safari field guide can also help align your route with the time allowed by your visa.
Arriving in Tanzania: what immigration may check
At arrival, present your Austrian passport and visa approval or visa-on-arrival documents as applicable. Immigration officers may verify your identity, passport details, travel purpose, accommodation or itinerary, and return or onward travel. Tanzania's official eVisa guidance specifically lists a valid passport copy and return ticket among the application requirements.
Make sure the passport you present is the one used in the application. Keep your visa notice accessible during check-in and arrival, even if the airline or border system can locate the approval electronically. Entry is not automatic: border officials make the final decision after examining your documents.
If you are entering from or have recently travelled through a country with yellow-fever transmission risk, health-document rules may apply. The supplied research states that yellow-fever vaccination proof may be requested when arriving from a country with yellow-fever risk. This is separate from the visa application. Review current vaccination and health guidance before departure; SafariFind's Tanzania vaccinations and health rules guide provides additional planning context, but Austrian travellers should confirm their own route-specific requirements with official health authorities.
Transit, extensions and overstays
Transit through Tanzania
Use a transit visa only when Tanzania is a connection to another country and transit is the genuine purpose of entry. Tanzania's official guidance requires a valid passport biographic page, a USD 30 visa fee, and an entry visa and/or onward ticket for the intended destination. If you plan to leave the airport, go on safari, visit Zanzibar or stay for tourism, apply for the appropriate tourist visa instead.
Extending a stay
If your plans exceed the authorised period, contact Tanzanian immigration before the visa expires. The supplied research indicates that an extension can be requested at the Department of Immigration in Dar es Salaam, but it does not establish a guaranteed outcome or a current extension fee. Confirm the procedure directly with Tanzanian immigration and do not wait until the last day.
Overstaying
Remain within the stay and validity dates shown on your visa. Overstaying can lead to fines, penalties or difficulty obtaining future visas, according to the supplied Tanzania visa guidance. An extension request does not automatically legalise an overstay; obtain confirmation from immigration before the original permission ends.
Common mistakes that cause delays or refusals
- Choosing transit for a holiday: The official guidance says transit visas are not for tourism.
- Uploading the wrong photograph: Check the colour, plain background, JPG/JPEG format, dimensions and 500 KB limit.
- Entering passport details inaccurately: Copy the biographic page carefully and review the application before payment.
- Applying too late: Published estimates range up to 15 days and are not guaranteed.
- Relying on an old fee: Visa prices and categories can change; confirm the live amount on the official portal.
- Forgetting the return ticket: Tanzania's official guidance lists a return ticket as part of the application documentation.
- Assuming approval guarantees entry: Immigration officials make the final admission decision at the border.
- Confusing departure country with nationality: Requirements follow the passport used for travel. Recheck the rules if you hold dual nationality or a non-Austrian travel document.
Once your visa is arranged, plan the practical side of the trip: safari timing, internal flights, luggage and accommodation. For example, the guide to the best time of year for wildlife viewing in the Serengeti can help you choose dates, while SafariFind's affordable Tanzania safari packages with flights included can help compare itinerary options. Visa approval should be checked before finalising any non-refundable booking.
This article is informational content, not legal advice. Tanzanian entry requirements, visa fees, processing estimates and health rules can change. Confirm the current position with Tanzania Immigration, your airline and relevant health authorities before travelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Austrian citizens need a visa for Tanzania?
Yes, Austrian citizens travelling on Austrian passports need a visa for Tanzania, including Zanzibar. The available options reported for Austrian passport holders are an online eVisa and visa on arrival; applying through the official portal in advance is the more predictable approach.
What type of Tanzania visa should an Austrian tourist apply for?
Most Austrian tourists should apply for the ordinary tourist visa, generally as a single-entry eVisa. Confirm the correct category, validity and current fee on the official Tanzania Immigration portal before applying.
How much is a Tanzania visa for Austrian citizens?
The current Austrian tourist-visa fee should be confirmed on the official portal because the supplied official research does not state an Austrian-specific amount. The official guidance does state a USD 30 fee for a transit visa, which is not valid for tourism.
How long does a Tanzania eVisa take for Austrian citizens?
Published guidance says most Austrian eVisa applications are approved within 15 days, but processing is not guaranteed. Another published guide gives a 10–15-working-day estimate, so apply well before departure.
Can Austrian citizens get a Tanzania visa on arrival?
Yes, visa on arrival is reported as an option for Austrian passport holders. Applying online in advance can reduce uncertainty at the border, where document checks and queues may take time.
Is a separate visa required for Zanzibar?
No separate Zanzibar visa is indicated for an Austrian traveller whose Tanzanian visa covers the trip. Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, but check the visa conditions and your airline's current document requirements before departure.
What documents do Austrian citizens need for a Tanzania eVisa?
The official guidance requires a copy of the valid passport biographic page and lists a return ticket among the application materials. The online form also requires accurate personal and travel information, and the photograph must meet Tanzania's technical specifications.
What are the Tanzania passport photo requirements?
The photo must be coloured, use a plain background, show a front-facing full face with eyes open, and avoid distracting shadows. The maximum stated dimensions are 45 mm by 35 mm, the file must be JPG or JPEG, and the image must not exceed 500 KB.
How long can Austrian citizens stay in Tanzania on a tourist eVisa?
The published Austrian eVisa listing shows a tourist stay of up to 90 days and a single entry. Always follow the validity and authorised stay printed on the visa actually issued to you.
What does an Austrian traveller need for a Tanzania transit visa?
The official guidance requires a valid passport biographic-page copy, a USD 30 visa fee, and an entry visa and/or onward ticket for the intended destination. A transit visa is strictly for passing through Tanzania and cannot be used for a safari or holiday.
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