How to Apply for a Tanzanian Visa

Are you planning a trip to Tanzania soon? Tanzania is one of Africa’s top travel destinations where you  can climb the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, relax on the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar, or even attend a business event. But before you pack your bags and hop on a plane, there’s one important thing you’ll most likely need: a visa.

Many travelers feel confused about how to apply for a visa, what documents they need, or where to even start. That’s exactly why we wrote this simple guide, to help make your Tanzanian visa process easy, smooth, and stress-free.

In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know, from who needs a visa and the types available, to how to apply online, at the airport, or at an embassy. We’ll also share common mistakes to avoid, visa fees, travel tips, and answer all the popular questions travelers ask.

Who Needs a Tanzanian Visa?

Before you start applying for a Tanzanian visa, it’s important to first find out whether you even need one. Not everyone needs a visa to enter Tanzania, some travelers can enter without one, and others must apply before traveling. Let’s take a closer look at this:

1. Visa-Free Countries

Tanzania allows citizens of some countries to enter without a visa. This is called visa-free entry, and it’s usually allowed for short stays (up to 90 days). If you’re from one of these countries, you can just show your passport at the border and walk right in—no paperwork, no stress.

Some visa-free countries include:

• Kenya
• Uganda
• Rwanda
• Botswana
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe
• Namibia
• Malawi
• Singapore
• Hong Kong

If you’re from one of these countries, congratulations! You don’t need a visa to visit Tanzania for a short stay.

However, even if you’re from a visa-free country, your passport still needs to be valid for at least 6 months from the date you plan to enter Tanzania.

2. Visa on Arrival Countries

Some travelers can get a visa when they land in Tanzania. This is called a Visa on Arrival. You simply fill out a form at the airport, pay the fee, and get your visa right there.

Countries like:

• United States
• United Kingdom
• Canada
• Australia
• Most European Union countries
• India
• China
• South Africa

…are eligible for a Visa on Arrival. However, while this sounds convenient, it often comes with long queues and waiting time at the airport. Also, not all borders offer this service. That’s why the Tanzanian government recommends using the e-Visa system instead, which we’ll talk about soon.

3. Countries That Must Apply in Advance

A few countries are required to apply for a visa before arriving. These travelers are not allowed to get a Visa on Arrival. Instead, they must apply through the Tanzanian e-Visa portal or their nearest Tanzanian embassy.

Some of these countries include:

• Afghanistan
• Bangladesh
• Chad
• Iran
• Iraq
• Pakistan
• Somalia
• Yemen

If you are from any of these countries, you will need special clearance and should apply at least a month before your trip.

Types of Tanzanian Visas

Tanzania offers different types of visas depending on the purpose of your visit. Knowing the right one to apply for will save you time, money, and avoid problems when you arrive. Let’s go through each visa type, one by one:

1. Ordinary Visa (Single Entry)

This is the most common visa, also called a Tourist Visa. It allows you to visit Tanzania once and stay for up to 90 days. You can use it for:

• Tourism and sightseeing
• Visiting family or friends
• Attending conferences or meetings
• Receiving medical treatment (short-term)

Important: You can’t use this visa to work or do business in Tanzania.

2. Business Visa

If you’re traveling to Tanzania for short-term business purposes, this is the visa you’ll need. It’s also valid for up to 90 days, and it’s for people who are:

• Making business deals or investments
• Conducting training or workshops
• Installing equipment or providing technical support
• Filming or doing media work (with permission)

You can apply for this visa online, and it usually requires supporting documents like an invitation letter from a Tanzanian company or organization.

3. Multiple Entry Visa

Are you planning to enter and exit Tanzania multiple times in a year? This visa is perfect for people who travel frequently. It’s valid for 12 months, but each stay can’t exceed 90 days at a time.

This visa is ideal for:

• Frequent business travelers
• Family members of Tanzanian citizens or residents
• People attending regular conferences or church missions

Note: This visa is not for work or full-time residence.

4. Transit Visa

If you’re just passing through Tanzania on your way to another country, you may need a Transit Visa. It allows you to stay in Tanzania for up to 7 days, but you must show proof of your onward journey (like your flight ticket).

This visa is only for travelers who won’t leave the airport or will stay for a very short time while waiting to connect to another country.

5. Student Visa

If you’re coming to Tanzania for studies, volunteering, or internships, you’ll need a Student Visa. The length depends on your program, and it can range from a few months to a few years.

You’ll need documents like:

• A letter from your school or organization
• A copy of your passport
• Proof of payment for your course or program

6. Gratis Visa

Some visitors, like diplomats or holders of special international documents, can get a Gratis Visa, which means free of charge. You will need official letters from your country or international agency.

How to Apply for a Tanzanian Visa

There are three main ways to apply for a Tanzanian visa, but the e-Visa (online visa) is the easiest and most recommended method. You can apply from the comfort of your home without embassy visits or long queues. 

Option 1: Applying Online (e-Visa System)

Tanzania has a government website where you can apply for a visa online. Here’s exactly what to do:

Step 1: Go to the Official e-Visa Portal

Visit the official Tanzania Immigration e-Visa website:
https://visa.immigration.go.tz

Be careful not to use fake websites. Always use the official one.

Step 2: Create an Account

Click “Apply for a New Visa” and fill in your:

• Name
• Email address
• Passport details
• Travel information

After that, you’ll get a control number, make sure to keep this safe. You’ll use it to pay and track your application.

Step 3: Choose the Type of Visa

Pick the visa type that matches your purpose (tourist, business, student, etc.). Be honest, choosing the wrong type can lead to rejection.

Step 4: Upload Your Documents

You’ll need to scan and upload:

• A clear passport photo
• A copy of your passport (valid for at least 6 months)
• A return flight ticket
• Accommodation details (like hotel booking or host’s address)

For business or student visas, you’ll also need extra documents like:

• Invitation letter
• School admission letter
• Business registration (if applicable)

Step 5: Pay the Visa Fee

You’ll pay online using a debit/credit card. The fees vary based on the visa type:

• Single Entry Visa: $50 USD
• Business Visa: $250 USD
• Multiple Entry Visa: $100 USD
• Transit Visa: $30 USD

After payment, keep a screenshot or receipt for your records.

Step 6: Wait for Approval

It usually takes 5 to 10 working days to get your e-Visa. You’ll receive an email with a PDF copy of your approved visa. Print this out and carry it with you when traveling.

Tip: Apply at least 2–3 weeks before your travel date in case there are any delays.

Option 2: Visa on Arrival 

If you’re from a country that is eligible for Visa on Arrival, you can get your visa after you land at a Tanzanian airport or border crossing. This option is designed for travelers who didn’t apply online beforehand.

Where You Can Get Visa on Arrival:

You can get a visa on arrival at the following major entry points:

• Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam)
• Kilimanjaro International Airport
• Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (Zanzibar)
• Namanga land border (from Kenya)
• Tunduma land border (from Zambia)

Not all border points offer visa-on-arrival services. It’s safer to arrive through major airports.

What You Need to Do at the Airport:

When you arrive in Tanzania, go to the immigration desk and:

1. Fill out a visa application form.
2. Show your valid passport (must be valid for at least 6 months).
3. Present supporting documents such as:
   • Return flight ticket
   • Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter)
4. Pay the visa fee in cash (usually in US dollars). The fee is:
   • $50 USD for most countries
   • $100 USD for U.S. citizens (for a multiple-entry visa)

Option 3: Apply at the Embassy or Consulate 

If you prefer in-person applications or if you’re from a restricted country, the best way to apply for a Tanzanian visa is by visiting a Tanzanian embassy or consulate in your home country.

This is a more traditional way of applying, but it’s sometimes the only option depending on your nationality.

Documents You Need to Prepare:

When applying at an embassy, you’ll be asked to submit:

• A completed visa application form (can be downloaded online or picked up at the embassy)
• A valid passport (minimum 6 months validity, with at least one blank page)
• 2 passport-sized photographs
• Proof of return or onward travel
• Hotel booking or invitation letter from a host in Tanzania
• Visa fee (check with the embassy for current rates)
• For business or study visas: additional documents like letters from your institution or company

Application Process:

1. Contact the Tanzanian embassy near you to ask about their requirements and working hours.
2. Book an appointment (if required).
3. Submit your documents and attend an interview (if needed).
4. Pay the visa fee at the embassy or through bank transfer.
5. Wait for processing—this can take between 5 working days to 4 weeks, depending on the embassy and visa type.

Note: Always double-check the specific requirements on the website or call the embassy, as they may vary slightly from country to country.

Who Should Use This Option?

• Citizens of countries on the restricted visa list (e.g., Syria, Iraq, Somalia)
• Travelers who want extra assurance before they fly
• People applying for long-term visas (like student or multiple-entry business visas)

Required Documents for a Tanzanian Visa Application

Whether you’re applying online, on arrival, or through an embassy, having the right documents is an important part of getting your Tanzanian visa approved. Each visa type may need a few different documents, but some are common to all.

Basic Documents Needed for All Visa Types

These are the documents everyone must have, no matter which type of visa you’re applying for:

• Valid Passport
  • Must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry.
  • Should have at least one blank page for the visa stamp.
• Recent Passport-Size Photograph
  • Taken in the last 6 months.
  • Clear, with a plain background (usually white or light grey).
• Return or Onward Travel Ticket
  • This shows you plan to leave Tanzania after your stay.
  • Can be a flight ticket or a travel itinerary.
• Proof of Accommodation
  • This can be a hotel reservation or a letter from a host in Tanzania.
  • If staying with a friend or family member, they should write a short letter confirming your stay, with their contact info.

Additional Documents Based on Visa Type

Now, depending on the kind of visa you’re applying for, you may need to submit extra documents:

1. Tourist Visa

• Basic documents (passport, photo, ticket, accommodation).
• No invitation letter is needed unless you’re staying with someone.

2. Business Visa

• Letter of invitation from a company in Tanzania.
• Letter from your employer explaining the purpose of your trip.
• Company registration documents (sometimes required).
• Details of the business relationship or planned activities.

3. Student Visa

• Admission letter from a recognized Tanzanian educational institution.
• Evidence of payment or financial support (bank statement or sponsorship letter).
• Possibly medical tests or clearance, depending on your country.

4. Transit Visa

• Valid visa for the third country you are traveling to (not Tanzania).
• Proof of travel within 7 days (as this visa is short-term only).

5. Multiple Entry Visa

• Documents that prove you need to enter and exit Tanzania multiple times.
• Examples: business contracts, family obligations, or religious missions.
• A strong travel history and supporting letters help in approval.

If any document is not in English or Swahili, it should be translated by an official translator.

After You Apply – What Happens Next?

If You Applied Online (eVisa)

After submitting your eVisa application on the official Tanzania Immigration website:

Step 1: Wait for Processing

• You will receive a confirmation email with a control number (keep this safe).
• Processing usually takes 10 working days, but can be quicker or slightly longer depending on the volume of applications.
• You can check the status of your application anytime using your email and application ID.

Step 2: Receive Visa Approval via Email

• Once approved, you will receive a Visa Grant Notice in your email.
• This document must be printed and brought with you to Tanzania.
• You’ll present it to immigration officers when you arrive.

Tip: Some travelers get their approval in as little as 3–5 working days, so check your email regularly (including your spam folder).

If You’re Getting Visa on Arrival

When you land in Tanzania:

1. Go straight to the Visa on Arrival counter.
2. Fill out the visa application form.
3. Submit your documents and passport.
4. Pay the visa fee in US dollars (cash).
5. Wait for the immigration officer to review and stamp your passport.

The process can take 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on how busy the airport is.

If You Applied Through an Embassy or Consulate

Here’s what happens after submitting your documents in person at an embassy:

1. Processing Time: Usually takes 5 to 10 working days, but it could be up to 4 weeks for certain visa types.
2. Notification: The embassy will contact you by phone or email when your visa is ready.
3. Collect Your Passport: You may be asked to collect it in person or it may be mailed to you (ask during submission).
4. Check the Visa: Before you travel, check:
   • Your name is spelled correctly
   • The visa type and entry dates are correct
   • The number of entries (single or multiple) matches your plans

Follow the procedures that apply to you properly, make sure your documents are correct, then you’ll be stamped in and officially welcomed to Tanzania.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

1. Do I need a visa to visit Tanzania?

Most travelers need one, but some neighboring countries’ citizens don’t. Check before you travel.

2. Can I get a visa on arrival?

Yes, many can. But applying online first is faster and safer.

3. How long does eVisa approval take?

Usually 3 to 5 working days.

4. Can I extend my visa in Tanzania?

Yes, you can apply for an extension before your visa expires.

5. What documents do I need?

Passport, photo, flight ticket, accommodation proof, and visa form.

6. Can I work with a tourist visa?

No. You need a work permit to work legally.

7. Are visa fees refundable?

No, visa fees are not refundable.

8. What currency is accepted for visa payment on arrival?

Only US Dollars (cash), clean and untorn.

9. Do children need a visa?

Yes, unless from a visa-exempt country.

10. Can I apply through an embassy?

Yes, in person or by mail.

11. What if my visa is rejected?

You can reapply or contact the embassy for help.

12. Is travel insurance required?

Not required, but it’s a good idea.

Conclusion

Applying for a Tanzanian visa doesn’t have to be hard or confusing. Knowing the steps clearly makes the process smooth and easy for you, whether you choose to apply online, get a visa on arrival, or go through an embassy.

Remember to use the official website, prepare all your documents, pay the right fees, and apply early. Tanzania is a beautiful country with amazing places to explore, and having your visa ready means you’re one step closer to a great adventure.

If you have questions, check the FAQs or contact the Tanzanian embassy. Safe travels, and enjoy your time in Tanzania!