Tanzania Tourist Visa is not required for some countries as notified by the Immigration Department of the United Republic of Tanzania. They can freely enter Tanzania for a maximum stay of 90 days. Those countries not included in this list need to apply for a Tanzania Visa. A new system of online visa applications has been introduced since 4th November, 2019 for smoother processing of Tanzania visas and simplifying Tanzania Safari Tours

Tanzania Entry Requirements

The Tanzania Tourist Visa is an important necessity for every traveler. For Tanzania Safety it is imperative to protect your vital documents as it may cause unnecessary trouble later on.

The various Tanzania entry requirements for your Tanzania Safari Tours are:

• A valid Visa (where applicable) from any Tanzania Mission abroad or on arrival at any designated entry points
• A passport or Travel Document which is valid for not less than six months;
• A Residence Permit or a Pass or his name is endorsed upon the same;

Types of Tanzania Visa

Single entry VISA (Ordinary VISA)

This Visa is issued for a single entry to a visitor for a period not exceeding three months for the purpose of holidays, visiting, leisure, health treatment, studies or any other activity legally recognized by the Law.

Multiple entry VISA

This visa may be issued to foreign visitors who come for Official visits, Government Missions, family re-union or any other circumstances as may be determined by the Office of the Commissioner General of Immigration, which call for frequent visits to the United Republic of Tanzania. These are like Directors of Companies registered in Tanzania who do not reside in the country, Spouse or member of a family (Family re-union), Bilateral Agreement Representatives, Private or Government Consultants, etc.

The maximum validity of this Visa is twelve months. However, the holder of the Multiple Visa cannot stay in the country for 12 consecutive months. They are required to leave the country at most after every three months.

Caution: The Multiple Visa is not intended for those visitors coming on business purposes such as those described under Business Visa category.

NB: American nationals who wish to visit Tanzania for tourism or holiday purposes, they are required apply for this type of Visa.

Gratis VISA

This visa may be issued for a single entry or multiple entries to a holder of diplomatic, services or official passport or Travel Document of recognized International Organization who is on official duty and their Dependents. It can be also issued to a holder of ordinary passport or Travel document as it may be directed by the Commissioner General of Immigration and Commissioner of Immigration Zanzibar.

Transit VISA

This Visa may be issued to foreign nationals for the purpose of transiting through to another destination outside the United Republic for a period not exceeding seven days. The applicant of this visa may be required to provide proof of a Visa of the destination country and/or Onward flight ticket.

Business VISA

This visa may be issued to those expatriates who wish to come for short-term assignments which in any way do not exceed 90 days. It may be issued to such foreign expatriates so as to allow them to enter in the United Republic of Tanzania for the following purposes;

• To conduct special assignments such as fixing/repairing machines or to run short term training, etc.
• To conduct professional roles such as auditing accounts etc.
• To conduct lawful business according to the laws of the country.

Business visa will be issued at the Immigration Headquarters, Dar Es Salaam, the Immigration Head Office, Zanzibar, Entry Points and Tanzanian Consular Offices abroad.

Requirements for VISA

A requirement for a Visa depends on the type of Visa as indicated below:

Single entry VISA

• Applicant’s valid passport (At least 6 months);
• Visa application form dully filled in;
• Declaration form dully filled in
• Respective visa Fee;
• 2 passport size photographs ( for those lodging their applications through embassies).

Multiple VISA

Three passport size photographs;

• Visa application form duly filled in;
• Security Bond duly filled;
• Valid passport copy of the invitee;
• Copy of the valid Passport or any other identity (For a host citizen of Tanzania)
• Documents of  the Company like TIN, VAT, Registration Certificate, Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum etc;
• Any other evidence to prove that the applicant is bound to travel frequently into the United Republic of Tanzania.

Transit VISA

• Copy of the applicant’s valid passport;
• An entry visa or onward ticket to the intended country of destination;
• Respective visa fee;
• 2 passport size photographs (for those lodging their applications through embassies).

Referral cases

Visa Application for Referral Cases

Any prospective visitor whose nationality falls under the Referral Visa Category is required to attach the following attachments while making application:

•  Covering letter from a legally registered Institution/ Company if the visit is official or covering letter from an Individual who knows the applicant if the trip is personal, the letter must detail the purpose of visit and duration of stay of the prospective visitor;
• Applicant Valid copy of Passport;
• Applicant Passport size photo;
• Copy of the host institution/Company registration documents, like Certificate of Incorporation, TIN, Business License, etc;
• Copy of passport and Residence Permit if the host individual is a foreign national, or copy of passport or national ID if the host is a Tanzanian citizen;
• Filled-in Security Bond (T.I.F 12)
• Respective Visa fee

Business VISA

• A valid passport
• A work contract or invitation letter or any proof of the work/assignment to be performed within a period not exceeding three months;
• Respective visa fee. 

Applying For Tanzania Visa Online

To make the Tanzania Visa Application process uncomplicated the Immigration Department of United Republic of Tanzania has introduced Tanzania Visa Online which can be obtained with the following procedure:

• Visit the Immigration Services Website
• Click e-services button
• Select and click an e-Visa Application Form
• Fill all required details in the form
• Upload and attach relevant documents for the visa application
• As the application progresses the applicant will receive an e-mail message containing a User Identification Number which is used to track the application online
• After the form has been duly filled in the applicant will be required to make payment
• Upon successful payment, the applicant will submit their application
• Once an e-visa has been granted the applicant will be able to download and print their visa grant notice to be presented at the point of entry.