The East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) does NOT cover Tanzania. Tanzania is not a member of the EATV agreement, which only includes Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. If you plan to visit Tanzania alongside these countries, you must apply for a separate Tanzania eVisa. This is the single most common mistake travelers make when planning an East African itinerary.
The Key Difference: EATV vs Tanzania
The East Africa Tourist Visa and the Tanzania eVisa are two completely separate visas. Understanding which countries each one covers will save you from border problems and unexpected costs.
| Feature | East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) | Tanzania eVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Countries Covered | Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda | Tanzania only |
| Cost | $100 USD | $50 USD |
| Validity | 90 days | 90 days |
| Entry Type | Multiple entry (within zone) | Single entry |
| Application Portal | First-entry country’s portal | evisa.immigration.go.tz |
| Tanzania Included? | **No** | Yes |
| Zanzibar Included? | **No** | Yes |
The EATV was designed as a regional visa to simplify travel between Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. Tanzania and Burundi chose not to join this arrangement. As a result, visiting Tanzania always requires a separate visa, regardless of whether you hold an EATV.
Tanzania eVisa Overview
Tanzania offers its own electronic visa system through the Tanzania Immigration Services Department. Here are the key details:
- Cost: $50 USD for a single-entry ordinary visa
- Application portal: evisa.immigration.go.tz
- Validity: 90 days from the date of entry
- Processing time: Typically 5 to 10 business days
- Entry type: Single entry (you leave Tanzania, the visa is used)
To apply, you will need a valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity, a passport-size photo, a return or onward flight ticket, and proof of accommodation in Tanzania. The application is completed entirely online – no embassy visit required.
For Zanzibar specifically, the same Tanzania eVisa applies. Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania, so no additional or separate visa is needed beyond the standard Tanzania eVisa.
Planning a Trip with Both EATV and Tanzania
Many travelers want to combine Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania into a single trip. Here is how to plan your visas correctly:
Step 1: Decide your entry country. Your EATV application goes through whichever EATV member country you enter first. If you fly into Nairobi, apply through Kenya. If Kigali is your first stop, apply through Rwanda.
Step 2: Apply for the EATV first. Since the EATV covers three countries, apply for it before your Tanzania eVisa. The EATV takes 5 to 10 business days to process.
Step 3: Apply for the Tanzania eVisa separately. This is an independent application through evisa.immigration.go.tz. Processing also takes 5 to 10 business days.
Step 4: Plan your route carefully. The order in which you visit countries matters. A common itinerary is:
| Route | Visa Strategy |
|---|---|
| Kenya → Uganda → Rwanda → Tanzania | EATV first, Tanzania eVisa for the final leg |
| Tanzania → Kenya → Uganda | Tanzania eVisa first, then EATV starting at Kenya |
| Kenya → Tanzania → Rwanda | EATV for Kenya, Tanzania eVisa for Tanzania, then you need a NEW visa for Rwanda (EATV voided after Tanzania) |
The critical point: once you leave the EATV zone to enter Tanzania, your EATV becomes invalid. You cannot re-enter Kenya, Uganda, or Rwanda on the same EATV after visiting Tanzania.
What Happens If You Enter Tanzania on an EATV?
This is where most travelers run into trouble. If you try to enter Tanzania using only your EATV, you will be denied entry. Tanzania immigration does not recognize the EATV because Tanzania is not part of the agreement.
If you cross from the EATV zone into Tanzania (for example, from Rwanda via the Rusumo border crossing), here is what happens:
- Your EATV becomes void the moment you leave the three-country zone
- You cannot re-enter Kenya, Uganda, or Rwanda on the same EATV
- You must apply for a new EATV or obtain individual visas for each country you wish to re-enter
This means a round-trip – Kenya to Tanzania and back to Kenya – would require: one EATV (used for the first Kenya visit), one Tanzania eVisa, and then either a new EATV or a single Kenya visa for the return.
To avoid this problem, either:
- Visit Tanzania last in your itinerary, so you do not need to re-enter the EATV zone
- Budget for two EATVs if your route requires crossing back into the EATV zone after Tanzania
- Get individual country visas instead of the EATV if your itinerary criss-crosses between Tanzania and EATV countries
Zanzibar and the EATV
Zanzibar is part of Tanzania. It is not a separate country and does not have its own visa system. This means:
- You cannot visit Zanzibar on an EATV – the EATV does not cover Tanzania
- You need a Tanzania eVisa to visit Zanzibar, whether you are coming from mainland Tanzania or flying in directly
- If you are in Kenya and want to fly to Zanzibar, you will need a Tanzania eVisa in addition to your EATV for Kenya
Many travelers are surprised by this because Zanzibar is often marketed alongside East African safari destinations. But from a visa perspective, Zanzibar is Tanzania, and Tanzania requires its own visa.
FAQs About the East Africa Visa vs Tanzania
Does the East Africa Visa cover Tanzania?
No. The EATV only covers Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. Tanzania requires its own separate eVisa applied for through evisa.immigration.go.tz.
Can I visit Zanzibar with an East Africa Visa?
No. Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, and the EATV does not cover Tanzania. You need a Tanzania eVisa ($50 USD) to visit Zanzibar.
How much does a Tanzania eVisa cost?
The Tanzania eVisa costs $50 USD for a single-entry ordinary visa. It is valid for 90 days and is applied for online at visa.immigration.go.tz.
Can I use the same EATV after visiting Tanzania?
No. Once you leave the EATV zone (Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda) to enter Tanzania, your EATV becomes void. You cannot re-enter the three countries on the same visa.
Should I get the EATV or Tanzania visa first?
Apply for the EATV first if you are entering the EATV zone before Tanzania. Apply for the Tanzania eVisa first if Tanzania is your first destination. Both take 5 to 10 business days to process.
Is Tanzania part of the East African Community?
Tanzania is a member of the East African Community (EAC) as a political and economic organization, but it is NOT part of the East Africa Tourist Visa agreement. EAC membership and EATV participation are separate things.
Can I get a Tanzania visa on arrival?
Tanzania offers visa on arrival at major airports and border crossings, but the online eVisa is recommended to avoid long queues. Apply in advance at visa.immigration.go.tz.
Planning a multi-country trip? Start with our guide to East Africa Tourist Visa requirements or check the visa cost breakdown. For entry via specific countries, see our guides for Kenya and Uganda.
