Planning a trip from Colombia to the Serengeti, Kilimanjaro, or the beaches of Zanzibar? It's an adventure of a lifetime. But before you can witness the Great Migration or relax on white-sand beaches, you have to get past the first hurdle: the visa.
You've got questions, and this guide has the direct answers. We're skipping the fluff and getting straight to what you, as a Colombian citizen, need to know. This isn't a theory post; it's a practical, step-by-step plan to get your visa and walk through immigration without a single problem.
Do Colombian Citizens Need a Visa for Tanzania?
Yes, absolutely. This is the first and most important question. If you are traveling on a Colombian passport, you must have a valid visa to enter the United Republic of Tanzania, even for tourism.
The good news is that you are eligible for Tanzania eVisa system, which is by far the easiest and most recommended way to get your permission to enter.
What is the Tanzania Electronic Visa (eVisa) Anyway?
Think of the eVisa as the modern version of a traditional visa. Instead of going to an embassy, mailing your passport, and waiting for a physical sticker, you do everything online.
You fill out an application, upload digital copies of your documents, pay a fee, and (once approved) receive an official visa confirmation by email. You simply print this confirmation and present it at the airport when you land in Tanzania. It's simpler, faster, and you never have to let your passport out of your sight.
For tourism, the specific visa you'll be applying for is the "Ordinary Visa" (which means single-entry for tourism or holiday).
How Much Does the Tanzania eVisa Cost for Colombian Citizens?
The Tanzania eVisa cost for Colombian citizens depends on the visa type, number of entries, and the selected processing speed. Each option is designed to suit different travel purposes — from tourism and business to short transits or multiple entries for frequent visitors.
The total fee is made up of two parts:
Government Fee – A fixed amount charged by Tanzanian authorities for visa issuance.
Service Fee – Covers support services such as application review, document verification, and secure delivery of your approved eVisa via email.
Additional charges apply if you select Rush or Super Rush processing for faster approval. While these speed-up options help in urgent situations, travellers are encouraged to apply early to avoid last-minute stress.
Overall, the Tanzania eVisa fee ensures a smooth, reliable, and efficient visa experience for Colombian citizens planning to explore Tanzania’s diverse landscapes and vibrant culture.
What Documents Do I Need to Apply from Colombia?
The online system makes this straightforward. Before you start your application, get these Document Required For Tanzania Visa scanned and saved on your computer:
Your Colombian Passport Bio Page: This is the page with your photo and personal information. It must be valid for at least six (6) months from the date you plan to arrive in Tanzania.
A Recent Passport-Style Photo (Digital): This doesn't need to be professionally taken, but it must follow the rules: a clear, color photo of your face against a plain white or off-white background. No hats, no sunglasses, no smiling.
Your Return Flight Itinerary: A copy of your confirmed flight ticket (in PDF format) showing your flight into and out of Tanzania.
Proof of Accommodation: A simple hotel booking confirmation for at least your first few nights. A PDF from Booking.com, Expedia, or your safari operator is perfect.
And one CRITICAL document (more on this later):
Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate: You will need this at the airport, and it's wise to have a scan of it ready.
What is the Step-by-Step Application Process for the eVisa?
Here is the exact process, step-by-step.
Start a New Application: On the homepage, click "Apply for a Tanzania Visa."
Fill in the Basics: You will be taken to a page to enter your email, passport number, and nationality (Colombia). You will also create a security question.
SAVE YOUR APPLICATION ID: Once you submit that first page, the system will generate an Application ID (it looks like taa-123456789). Take a screenshot of this. Email it to yourself. This ID is the only way to check your visa status or resume your application if you get disconnected.
Complete the Full Application: You will now go through several tabs:
Personal Information: Your name, date of birth, address in Bogotá (or your home city), etc.
Passport Information: Your passport number, issue date, expiry date.
Travel Information: This is the important one.
Type of Visa: Select "Ordinary Visa."
Purpose of Visit: Select "Leisure and Holiday."
Port of Entry: Select the airport where you will land (e.g., "Kilimanjaro International Airport - JRO" or "Julius Nyerere International Airport - DAR").
Local Host: This confuses people. Just select "Company/Organization" and enter the name, address, and phone number of your first hotel or your safari tour operator. This is perfectly acceptable.
Upload Your Documents: Now, you'll upload the files you prepared earlier: your passport scan, your digital photo, and your flight itinerary.
Review and Confirm: The system will show you all your information one last time. Double-check that your name, passport number, and dates are 100% correct. A typo can make your visa invalid.
Pay the Fee: You will be directed to a secure payment portal. Enter your credit card details to pay the fee.
Get Confirmation: After payment, you will receive an email confirming your application has been received. This is not your visa. This is just a receipt.
How Long Does the Tanzania eVisa Take to Process?
Tanzania offers three processing speed options depending on how quickly you need your visa:
Normal Processing – 4 to 7 working days
Best for travellers applying early and looking for the most affordable option.Rush Processing – 3 to 5 working days
Ideal for travellers with confirmed plans who need faster approval.Super Rush Processing – 2 to 4 working days
Designed for urgent trips or last-minute applications that require priority handling.
💡 Tip: Even with expedited options, it’s wise to apply early to avoid delays during peak seasons or public holidays.
How Will I Receive My eVisa and Do I Need to Print It?
You will receive an email with the subject line "Visa Application Approved." Attached to this email will be a PDF document. This PDF is your eVisa.
YES, YOU ABSOLUTELY MUST PRINT IT.
Print at least two copies. Keep one with your passport and put the other in your carry-on bag. Your phone could die, and the immigration officer at the airport will 100% ask for the printed paper copy. Do not rely on having it on your phone.
My eVisa is Approved! What Really Happens When I Arrive in Tanzania?
This is the part most guides don't tell you. You've just gotten off a 20+ hour journey from Colombia. You'll land at the airport (likely Kilimanjaro-JRO or Dar es Salaam-DAR) and be funneled into the immigration hall.
Here's what you'll see:
Health Check: Before immigration, there will be a health desk. This is where they will check your temperature and, most importantly, your Yellow Fever card.
Immigration Lines: After the health check, you'll see two main queues:
Visa on Arrival: This line will be long, slow, and chaotic, with people filling out forms and trying to pay in cash.
Visa Holders/Residents: This is YOUR line. It is almost always much shorter and faster.
Walk confidently to the "Visa Holders" line. When it's your turn, step up to the desk.
What Documents Should I Have in My Hand at Immigration?
Do not make the mistake of fumbling through your bag at the counter. Have this small bundle of documents ready in your hand:
Your Colombian Passport.
Your Printed eVisa Approval Sheet.
Your Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate. (They will have already checked this, but have it ready anyway).
(Just in Case) Your Return Flight Itinerary. The officer may ask to see proof you plan on leaving.
The officer will scan your passport, scan your eVisa, take your fingerprints and a digital photo, and stamp your passport. They will then say "Karibu," which means "Welcome."
Do I Need a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate for Tanzania?
YES. 100%. THIS IS NOT OPTIONAL FOR YOU.
Tanzania requires all travelers arriving from a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission to present a valid vaccination certificate.
Colombia is on the list of Yellow Fever risk countries.
You will be asked for your "Yellow Card" (the Certificado Internacional de Vacunación) before you are even allowed to go to the immigration counter. If you do not have it, you will be taken to a health clinic at the airport and forced to get the vaccination on the spot for a fee (around $50 USD) before you are allowed to proceed.
Save yourself the major headache, health risk, and delay. Get your Yellow Fever vaccine in Colombia at least 10 days before you fly and have your certificate ready.
Can Colombians Get a Visa on Arrival in Tanzania Instead?
Technically, yes, Colombian citizens are eligible to get a Visa on Arrival (VOA).
However, I strongly advise against this. The eVisa is superior in every way.
The VOA line is long. After a long flight, the last thing you want to do is stand in a hot, crowded line for 1-2 hours.
It's cash only. You must pay the $50 USD fee in cash. The bills must be printed after 2009 and be in perfect condition (no rips, no heavy creases, no ink marks).
It's stressful. You have to fill out paper forms by hand and hope you have all the correct information.
The eVisa line is fast, you've already paid, and you have peace of mind. Just get the eVisa in advance.
What if I'm also visiting Zanzibar? Do I Need a Separate Visa?
No, you do not. This is a very common point of confusion.
The "United Republic of Tanzania" is made up of the mainland (Tanganyika) and the islands of Zanzibar. They are one country.
Your single-entry eVisa is valid for the entire country. You can land in Kilimanjaro (mainland), go on safari, and then take a domestic flight to Zanzibar (island) without needing another visa or going through immigration again.
You will have to show your passport and may get a simple entry stamp on Zanzibar, but this is an internal formality, not a new visa process. Your one $50 visa covers it all.
What is the Process for Traveling with Children (Minors)?
Children under 18 also need to be included. When you fill out your own eVisa application, there is a section for "traveling with minors." You should add your child's details there.
Generally, you will need to upload:
The child's passport bio page.
The child's passport-style photo.
A copy of their birth certificate (often required).
If traveling with only one parent, you may need a notarized consent letter from the other parent.
It's often easiest to apply for your visa first and then, in a separate application, apply for your child's, referencing your application ID as the "group leader."
What if My eVisa is Taking Too Long or Gets Rejected?
First, don't panic. If it's been over 15 business days, you can check your status on the official website using the Application ID you saved.
If the status is "Pending" or "Referred," it means it's still being reviewed.
If it's delayed: You can try to find a contact email on the immigration website, but responses can be very slow. This is why you must apply at least 3-4 weeks in advance.
If it gets rejected: This is very rare for tourists if all information is correct. If it happens, the rejection email will usually state a reason. The most common reasons are:
You submitted a blurry passport scan.
Your photo didn't meet the standards.
You made a typo in your passport number or name.
Your "Proof of Accommodation" wasn't a confirmed booking.
In this case, your only option is to either re-apply (and pay the $50 fee again) or resort to getting a Visa on Arrival and explaining the situation, bringing all your documents with you.
What About Other Health Concerns Besides Yellow Fever?
Yes, this is important. While Yellow Fever is the only mandatory vaccine to enter the country, it's not the only health risk.
Malaria: Malaria is a significant risk in most of Tanzania, especially in coastal areas like Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar, and in the Serengeti. It's less of a risk at very high altitudes (like the top of Kilimanjaro). You must speak to a travel doctor in Colombia about getting anti-malarial medication (like Malarone or Doxycycline).
Other Vaccinations: Your doctor will also likely recommend you are up-to-date on routine vaccines like Typhoid, Hepatitis A, and Tetanus.
This is a medical issue, so get professional advice from a clínica de viajes (travel clinic) 4-6 weeks before your trip.
How Long is the Tanzania eVisa Valid For?
The Ordinary (Tourist) Visa is a single-entry visa that allows you to stay in Tanzania for a maximum of 90 days.
This means you can enter Tanzania (including Zanzibar) one time. If you leave the country (e.g., fly to Kenya) and want to come back, you would need a new visa.
