Tanzania is a land of breathtaking contrasts, from the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro to the endless plains of the Serengeti and the turquoise waters of Zanzibar. Tanzania eVisa for Russian citizens, the dream of an African safari or a tropical beach getaway is closer than ever, thanks to the streamlined Electronic Visa (eVisa) system.

In this comprehensive guide, we will break down everything a traveler from the Russian Federation needs to know about securing their entry permit. Whether you are heading to Dar es Salaam for business or Nungwi for the sunset, this guide ensures your paperwork is as smooth as your journey.

Do Russian Citizens Really Need a Tanzania eVisa?

Yes, Russian citizens are required to have a valid visa to enter the United Republic of Tanzania (which includes both the mainland and the Zanzibar archipelago). While some countries enjoy visa-free entry, Russia is currently in the category of nations that must obtain travel authorization. The good news is that you don’t have to visit an embassy in person; the entire process can be completed online via the Tanzania eVisa portal.

What are the Different Types of Tanzania eVisa Available?

Before you apply, you need to choose the “entry permit” that fits your travel plans. Tanzania offers several categories:

Visa Type	Number 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

For most Russians heading for a holiday, the Ordinary/Tourism Tanzania eVisa is the standard choice. If you are just passing through to another country (like Kenya or Zambia) and staying less than a week, the Transit Tanzania eVisa is the most economical option.

What Kind of Passport Do I Need for a Tanzania eVisa?

When applying for the Tanzania eVisa, the type of passport you hold matters.

• Standard International Passport: This is the most common type used by Russian citizens. Ensure it is a valid “Foreign Passport” (Zagranpasport).
• Validity Rule: Your passport must be valid for six months from the date you arrive in Tanzania.
• Blank Pages: You must have one completely blank page for the physical entry stamp.
• No Internal Passports: Please note that the Russian “Internal Passport” (Obshchegrazhdanskiy passport) is not valid for international travel to Tanzania. Only the international version with a bio-page is accepted.

What are the Photo Requirements for the Tanzania eVisa?

Tanzanian immigration is very strict about the digital photo you upload for your visa application. To avoid unnecessary delays or a Tanzania eVisa rejection, it’s essential to follow the Photo Requirement for Tanzania eVisa exactly as specified by immigration authorities, ensuring your image meets all size, background, lighting, and facial visibility criteria:

• Background: Must be plain white. No shadows, patterns, or household objects in the frame.
• Recent: Taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance.
• Expression: Maintain a neutral facial expression with your mouth closed.
• Attire: Wear dark-colored clothing that contrasts well with the white background. Avoid uniforms or hats (unless for religious reasons).
• Glasses: It is highly recommended to remove your glasses for the photo to avoid glare, which is a leading cause of rejection.
• Format: A clear JPEG or PNG file under 300KB is required for the digital upload.

Can I Get a Tanzania Visa on Arrival Instead of a Tanzania eVisa?

Yes, Russian citizens are currently eligible for a Visa on Arrival. You can obtain this at major entry points like Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR).

However, there is a catch: the queues for Visa on Arrival can be extremely long, sometimes taking 2 to 3 hours after a long flight. Additionally, you must pay the fee in cash (brand new USD bills are preferred). We strongly recommend the Tanzania eVisa instead, as it allows you to skip these lines and have your approval ready before you even leave Russia.

What is the Difference Between a Tourist and a Business Tanzania eVisa?

It is vital to select the correct category to avoid legal issues:

• Tourist Tanzania eVisa (Ordinary Visa): This is for Russians visiting for holidays, leisure, health treatment, or visiting friends and relatives. It does not allow you to conduct any professional work.
• Business Tanzania eVisa: This is specifically for short-term professional assignments. If you are a Russian consultant, auditor, or engineer coming to fix machinery or attend professional training, you must apply for the Business category. It requires an invitation letter from a Tanzanian company and their registration documents.

How Long is the Tanzania eVisa Valid For?

Understanding the difference between validity and stay duration for your Tanzania eVisa is key:

• Validity: Most Tanzania eVisas are valid for 90 days from the date of issuance. This means you must enter Tanzania within this 3-month window.
• Stay Duration: Once you enter, the “Ordinary” version typically allows you to stay for up to 90 days.
• Multiple Entry: For those with a Multiple Entry Tanzania eVisa, the validity is 12 months, but you can only stay for up to 3 months at a time.

What are the Most Common Tanzania eVisa Rejection Reasons?

To ensure your Tanzania eVisa application is successful, avoid these common mistakes:

• Inconsistent Names: Your name must be spelled exactly as it appears in the Latin section of your Russian passport.
• Poor Quality Scans: If your passport bio-page scan is blurry or cuts off the bottom MRZ (machine-readable) lines, it will be rejected.
• The “Oman eVisa” Mistake: Be extremely careful not to use the Oman portal by mistake. Many travelers get confused because “Oman” often appears in search results alongside Tanzania. Always ensure you are on the Tanzanian government portal or use our verified service to avoid paying for the wrong country’s visa.
• Incorrect Visa Type: Applying for a Tourist version when your invitation letter clearly states “Business” will lead to an immediate denial.

Is Travel Insurance Mandatory for My Tanzania eVisa Trip?

This is a critical update for 2024 and 2025 regarding your Tanzania eVisa:

• Mainland Tanzania: While travel insurance is not strictly mandatory for the mainland, it is highly recommended due to the high cost of private medical care.
• Zanzibar (Mandatory Rule): As of October 1, 2024, all foreign visitors to Zanzibar are required to have mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance specifically from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC).
• Important: Even if you have a premium Russian travel insurance policy, you must still purchase the official Zanzibar government insurance (approx. $44 USD) if you plan to visit the islands. This is separate from your Tanzania eVisa.

What Documents Must I Prepare Before Applying for a Tanzania eVisa?

To ensure your Tanzania eVisa application isn’t rejected, you should have digital copies of the following documents ready:

• Passport Bio Page: Clear color scan.
• Applicant Photo: As per the requirements in Section 4.
• Return/Onward Ticket: Proof of exit from the country.
• Host Information: Copy of Passport/National ID or Resident Permit of your host.
• Invitation Letter: For business or hosted visits.
• Registration Documents: Certificate of Incorporation (for Business versions).

How Long Does the Tanzania eVisa Processing Take?

Depending on your urgency, we offer three processing paths for your Tanzania eVisa:

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

How Much Does a Tanzania eVisa Cost for Russians?

The total cost is a combination of the Government Fee and the Service Fee for your Tanzania eVisa:

• Visa Type: Business  vs. Tourist .
• Processing Speed: Faster approval adds a premium.
• Zanzibar Insurance: Remember to budget an additional fee if visiting the islands.

What is the Step-by-Step Tanzania eVisa Application Process?

• Form: Fill in your details.
• Upload: Attach your photo and passport scan.
• Pay: Secure card payment.
• Review: Our experts check your Tanzania eVisa for errors.
• PDF: Receive your approved visa via email.

Why Choose Our Professional Tanzania eVisa Service?

Using evisa-tanzania.it.com ensures:

• Accuracy: We check every detail before submission.
• Speed: Urgent Tanzania eVisa applications are prioritized.
• Support: Real-time updates and visa re-issuance if lost.

What Happens if My Tanzania eVisa is Rejected?

If your Tanzania eVisa is rejected, you must re-apply and pay again. This is why our review service is so important—it catches mistakes before they lead to a denial.