Tanzania eVisa for Belgium

For Belgian travelers looking to trade the grey skies of Brussels for the golden savannahs of East Africa, Tanzania is the ultimate destination. Whether you are planning a classic safari in the Serengeti, a trek up Mount Kilimanjaro, or a relaxing beach holiday in Zanzibar, this East African gem offers an adventure for every type of traveler.

However, before you can sip coffee on a spice farm or spot the Big Five, you need to sort out your entry requirements. This guide covers everything you need to know about the Tanzania eVisa for Belgium, ensuring your journey starts without a hitch.

Do Belgians need a visa for Tanzania?

Yes. Belgian citizens are required to have a valid visa to enter the United Republic of Tanzania.

Belgium is not on the visa-exemption list. Whether you are traveling for a short holiday, a business meeting, or to visit friends, you must obtain a valid travel authorization. The most convenient option is the Ordinary (Single Entry) Visa, which allows for a stay of up to 90 days. While you can technically obtain a visa upon arrival at major airports, the Tanzanian government strongly recommends applying for the Electronic Visa (eVisa) in advance to avoid long queues and potential payment issues at the border.

What documents are needed for a Tanzania eVisa for Belgian citizens?

To apply for the eVisa successfully, you will need clear digital scans of the following documents requirement For Tanzania Visa. Ensure they are in JPEG or PNG format and generally under 300KB in size.

1. Valid Passport: A scan of the bio-data page of your Belgian passport. It must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended entry date.
2. Digital Photograph: A recent passport-style photo (white background, no glasses).
3. Return Ticket: Proof of your flight back to Belgium or an onward ticket to another destination.
4. Proof of Accommodation: While not always mandatory for the initial upload, you should be ready to provide a hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter if asked.

What are the processing times for a Tanzania eVisa for Belgians?

The official processing time stated by the Tanzanian Immigration Department is 10 days.

However, in practice, most standard applications for Belgian citizens are processed within 4 to 7 working days. During peak tourist seasons (July–August and December), delays can occur, so we recommend applying at least 3 to 4 weeks before your scheduled flight.

Besides tourism, what are other valid reasons for obtaining a Tanzanian eVisa?

Belgians can apply for Tanzania eVisa for reasons beyond simple tourism:

• Business Visa: For professionals attending meetings, conferences, or exploring investment opportunities. This requires an invitation letter and company registration documents.
• Transit Visa: For travelers passing through Tanzania to a neighboring country (valid for up to 7 days).
• Volunteer Visa: For those engaging in charitable or volunteer work (often requires specific NGO documentation).
• Student Visa: For academic purposes (requires admission letters).

What are other ways to see wildlife in Tanzania besides the Serengeti?

While the Serengeti is famous for the Great Migration, Tanzania offers other incredible wildlife experiences that are often less crowded:

• Ngorongoro Crater: A UNESCO World Heritage site with the highest density of lions in Africa, located inside a dormant volcanic caldera.
• Tarangire National Park: Famous for its massive herds of elephants and iconic baobab trees.
• Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous): A vast reserve in the south offering boat safaris on the Rufiji River.
• Ruaha National Park: Known for its rugged landscape and large population of lions and wild dogs.
• Gombe Stream National Park: The site of Jane Goodall’s research, offering intimate chimpanzee trekking experiences near Lake Tanganyika.

What are the typical eVisa processing times for Belgian citizens traveling to Tanzania?

While the "official" time is 10 days, the typical real-world experience for Belgians is:

• Standard Processing: 6–8 business days.
• Rush/Expedited (via Agents): 3–5 business days.

Pro Tip: Never leave your application to the last minute. The "Visa on Arrival" queue can take hours, especially if several flights from Europe land simultaneously.

What are the photo requirements for a Tanzanian visa application?

Your photo must meet strict biometric standards to avoid rejection:

• Background: Plain white or off-white.
• Expression: Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open.
• Attire: No uniforms. Religious headgear is allowed if the face is fully visible (chin to forehead).
• Glasses: Generally not recommended. If worn, there must be no glare or reflection.
• Format: JPEG/PNG, square aspect ratio (passport style).

What documents are needed for minors traveling to Tanzania?

If you are traveling with children under 18, Tanzanian immigration is strict to prevent child trafficking. You should carry:

1. Child's Passport & Visa: Every minor needs their own visa.
2. Birth Certificate: A copy of the full birth certificate showing parents' names.
3. Parental Consent Letter: If the child is traveling with only one parent, a notarized letter of consent from the absent parent is required.
4. Parents' ID: Copies of both parents' passports.

What are the consequences of overstaying a visa in Tanzania?

Overstaying your visa is a serious offense in Tanzania. Consequences include:

• Fines: Penalties start at $600 USD and can go significantly higher depending on the duration of the overstay.
• Detention: You may be detained at the airport or immigration office until the fine is paid.
• Deportation & Bans: Serious overstays can lead to deportation and a ban from re-entering Tanzania for several years.

How can you extend a Tanzanian visa before it expires?

If you fall in love with Tanzania and want to stay longer than 90 days, you can apply for an extension.

• Where: You must visit a regional Immigration Office (e.g., in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, or Stone Town).
• When: Apply before your current visa expires.
• Duration: You can typically extend for an additional 90 days (Tourist Visa).
• Cost: There is a fee for the extension form and the permit itself.

What are some tips for filling out the Tanzanian e-visa application?

1. Precision is Key: Ensure your name matches the machine-readable zone (bottom lines) of your passport exactly.
2. Select the Right Embassy: Belgian citizens should usually select "Brussels" or the nearest mission if prompted, though the eVisa is processed centrally.
3. Document Quality: Ensure your passport scan is not blurry and has no glare. This is the #1 reason for delays.
4. Declaration: Be honest about your travel history and intent.

How can I contact Visa customer service about a payment declined? (Agent)

The official government portal can sometimes face technical glitches, especially with European credit cards (3D Secure issues). Reaching the immigration support team in Dar es Salaam can be difficult due to high volumes.

Recommended Support: If your payment is declined or your application is stuck, many Belgian travelers use evisa-tanzania.it.com.

• Why? They act as an intermediary, offering reliable payment processing and human support to resolve technical issues instantly.
• Assistance: They can review your application errors and ensure your submission goes through smoothly.

Safe travels!