Document Requirement For Tanzania Visa

Having the proper paperwork is vital to a smooth Tanzania visa application. The documents you'll need depend on the visa type you're applying for, but all categories share some standard requirements, like proof of identity, travel plans, and health records. This guide will break down the necessary papers for each visa class, streamlining the application process and increasing your chances of approval.

What makes Tanzania a must-visit destination?

• Witness millions of wildebeests on the epic Great Migration.
• Hike or climb Africa's highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro.
• Relax on Zanzibar's idyllic beaches with crystal-clear waters.
• Go on a safari and see iconic animals roaming wild and free.
• Immerse yourself in Tanzania's vibrant cultures, from Maasai villages to Stone Town's rich history.

Apply for your e-Visa today and start your adventure!

Do You Need a Visa for Tanzania in 2024?

To visit Tanzania in 2024, the visa requirements depend on your nationality. Generally, most foreign nationals need a visa to enter Tanzania. However, there are specific countries whose citizens can enter visa-free or obtain a visa on arrival.

For most travelers, an e-Visa application can be completed online through the Tanzania Electronic Visa Application System. 

How do I apply for a visa to Tanzania?

Applying for a Tanzanian visa can be done in two main ways: electronically or upon arrival. Here's how to navigate both options:

Applying for a Tanzania Visa online:

This convenient option is only available for some nationalities. Check if your country qualifies for an e-Visa (Eligible countries). Our website guides you through the online form and fee payment. After submission, we'll review your application and notify you via email. If approved, you'll receive your e-Visa by mail.

Obtaining a Visa on Arrival:

While the e-Visa is recommended for convenience, you can also get a visa upon arrival at certain Tanzanian airports. However, this option is only available for some nationalities, so please confirm beforehand.

Understanding Tanzania Visa Options

Here's your guide to navigating the different types of Tanzanian visas:

• Ordinary Visa (Single Entry): Ideal for classic vacations, this visa lets you stay for up to three months. It's the top choice for tourists, perfect for holidays, family visits, or short-term leisure activities.

• Business Visa: Designed for business ventures, this visa is valid for up to 90 days. It's perfect for attending conferences, sealing deals, or exploring potential partnerships.

• Multiple Entry Visa: For travellers who can't get enough of Tanzania, this visa allows multiple entries during its validity. Ideal for those planning several trips or extended stays.

• Transit Visa: If you're just passing through Tanzania, this visa allows a brief stay, typically up to 24 hours, while you wait for your connecting flight.

• Student Visa: For those pursuing education in Tanzania, this visa depends on your course of study. Ensure you have all the necessary documents from your chosen institution.

• Gratis Visa: Tanzania offers a complimentary visa for diplomatic, service, or official passport holders. Depending on their travel purpose, representatives of recognized international organizations like the UN and AU may also be eligible.

Preparing Your Tanzania Visa Application:

Obtaining a visa can be challenging and complex. To make it easier, we’ve compiled a detailed guide on the required documents and important notes for each category. 

Standard Requirements for a Tanzanian Visa

• Valid Passport: When you want to arrive in Tanzania, your passport must have at least one blank page available for the visa stamp and at least 6 months remaining on it. 
• Visa Application Form: You'll need to complete a Tanzanian Visa application form.
• Visa Fee: The price of a visa varies according to the type of visa you are asking for and your country of citizenship. The most recent cost schedule can be seen on the Visa fees page. 
• Proof of Onward Travel: You may need to show a return flight ticket or proof of onward travel from Tanzania. 
• Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate: This is required for all travellers—including those with layovers longer than 12 hours—who are travelling from nations where there is a possibility of yellow fever transmission. 
• Photos: One or two passport-sized photos, depending on the visa type. 
• Accommodation: Proof of accommodation arrangements for your stay in Tanzania (might be required for some visa applications).

Additional Requirements (may differ based on the type of visa)

Ordinary Visa (Single Entry Visa)

Required Documents:

1. Return Flight Ticket: Proof of a booked return flight to your home country or onward destination.
2. Duly Filled Declaration Form: Complete the visa application form accurately and legibly.

Important Note: All visitors except USA nationals who wish to visit Tanzania for tourism must apply for this visa. Due to a bilateral agreement between Tanzania and the USA, American citizens must apply for a Multiple Entry Visa for tourism purposes.

Business Visa

Required Documents:

1. Return Flight Ticket: Proof of a booked return flight.
2. Work Contract or Proof of Assignment: Documents such as a work contract or a letter detailing the assignment to be performed. Also, make sure that it does not exceed three months.

Important Notes:

• The Business Visa is valid for up to 90 days and is issued on a single-entry basis.
• It cannot be used to re-enter Tanzania after the holder leaves the country.
• The Business Visa is not a substitute for a Residence Permit. A Residence Permit must be obtained if the activity or assignment lasts more than three months.

Multiple Entry Visa

Due to Tanzania-US agreements, Americans get a Multiple Entry Visa for any visit (tourism, etc.). This visa is also for others who frequently need to visit Tanzania, like company directors or NGO reps.

Required Documents:

• Recent Passport Size Photo: A recent photograph of the applicant.
• Return Flight Ticket: Proof of a booked return flight.
• Supporting Documents:
• For Directors: Proof from BRELA showing you are a director of a company registered in Tanzania (BRELA SEARCH document).
• For Bilateral Meetings: A cover letter from the respective government ministry or institution.
• For Family Visits: Proof of relationship, such as a marriage certificate (for couples) or a birth certificate (for children).

BRELA SEARCH document

A Brela Search Document, issued by the Business Registrations and Licensing Agency (BRELA) in Tanzania, proves your status as a director of a Tanzanian company. Non-resident directors need this document when applying for a multiple entry visa for Tanzania.

To obtain it, contact your Tanzanian company and ask them to request it from BRELA. The company will handle the request, and BRELA will process and issue the document.

Validity and Stay Duration:

• A multiple-entry visa is valid for up to 12 months, but each stay is limited to three months. You can visit multiple times within the year, but each visit must be at most three months.

Important Notes:

• Non-American applicants must ensure they possess and upload justifiable documents for their category of Multiple Entry Visa.
• Applicants from countries requiring a referral visa should not apply for a Multiple Visa.

Transit Visa

The Transit Visa is for foreign nationals passing through Tanzania to another destination. It is valid for up to seven days.

Required Documents:

• Proof of Onward Travel: An entry visa or onward ticket to your destination country.

Important Note: The Transit Visa is strictly for travellers passing through Tanzania and cannot be used for tourism or other purposes.

Gratis Visa

Holders of regular passports may also be granted a gratis visa in accordance with the instructions of the Commissioner General of Immigration and the Commissioner General of Immigration Zanzibar.

Required Documents:

Diplomatic Passport Holders:

• Invitation Letter: From East African Cooperation and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Passport Pages: Biographic data page and any page showing the passport is diplomatic.

Student Visa

The validity of this visa is dependent on the length of the course.

Required Documents:

1. Visa Fee: Different visa fees apply depending on whether a programme is longer than 90 days or shorter than 90 days.
2. Cover Letter from Host Institution: A letter detailing the course, field, and duration of the program.
3. Open Return Ticket: Proof of an open return ticket.

Important Note: Nationals from countries that do not require a visa to enter Tanzania must apply for a Student Pass if they come for academic purposes.

Tanzanian Visa Photo Essentials

A key part of a smooth Tanzanian e-Visa application is your photograph. It should accurately represent you and meet the official requirements to avoid any delays. Here's a quick guide to ensure your visa photo is picture-perfect:

• Size: Aim for a classic passport photo size - 2 inches by 2 inches (5 centimetres by 5 centimetres).
• Background: Keep it simple and professional with a light-coloured, solid background. White or light grey are perfect choices.
• Focus & Clarity: Ensure the photo is clear and in focus, with good lighting to avoid any shadows across your face.
• Expression & Pose: Maintain a neutral facial expression with your mouth closed. Look directly at the camera. Avoid tilting your head and maintain a straight posture.
• Attire: Dress in clothing you would typically wear for a formal occasion. Head coverings are not allowed unless required for religious purposes.
• Specs & Specs: While glasses are generally okay, make sure the frame doesn't cover your eyes. Take off hats, headphones, and any other distracting accessories.
• Recent is Best: Use a recent photograph taken within the last 6 months.

Entry Requirements for Tanzania through Visa on Arrival

All travellers, including foreign nationals, Tanzanian citizens, and residents, must enter Tanzania through officially designated entry points. When arriving in Tanzania, travellers need to complete the following steps:

1. Personal Appearance: Each traveller must present themselves in person to an Immigration Officer.
2. Arrival Declaration Card: Travellers must complete and sign an arrival declaration card before presenting it to the Immigration Officer.
3. Passport or Acceptable Document: Travellers are required to show their passports or other acceptable identification documents to the Immigration Officer.

For foreign nationals, additional requirements may include:

1. Visa: Foreign nationals must either show a valid visa or apply for a visa upon arrival.
2. Residence Permit/Pass: If they are residents in Tanzania, they must present their residence permit or pass.
3. Return Ticket or Onward Travel: Travellers need to provide proof of a return ticket or an onward travel arrangement.
4. Proof of Funds: They have to show that they have enough money to pay for their time in Tanzania.

The above requirements are crucial to ensure a smooth and lawful entry into Tanzania. 

Tanzanian Referral Visa

For some nationalities, a Referral Visa is required to enter Tanzania. Here's a comprehensive guide to navigate the process smoothly:

Online Application is a Must!

Unlike other visas, Referral Visas require you to apply online exclusively. Only think about booking flights once your visa is approved, as processing times can be longer. Apply at least two months before your travel date to ensure ample time.

Gather Your Documents:

• Valid Passport:A vacant page for the visa stamp should be present in your passport, and it should be valid for at least six months.
• Photographic Proof: Two recent passport-sized color photographs are required.
• Proof of Travel: Having a copy of your flight itinerary or booking confirmation demonstrating your entry and exit dates is essential.
• Invitation or Request Letter: This is crucial! For business trips, a legally registered Tanzanian company should provide a letter outlining the purpose and duration of your visit. For personal visits, a friend or relative residing in Tanzania can write the letter. Important Note: Upload this letter directly in the online application system, not via separate email.

Crafting the Invitation/Request Letter:

The letter must be addressed to the Commissioner General of Immigration for mainland Tanzania or the Commissioner of Immigration, Zanzibar, depending on your primary destination. If you plan to visit both, address the letter based on your first stop. Here's a helpful tip: The letter can be uploaded separately or merged with your itinerary in the "Return Ticket" field.

Important Cautions:

• Wait to book flights or accommodation until your visa is approved. Referral visas can take longer.
• Multiple Entry Not Recommended: While applying, avoid selecting the "Multiple Entry" option.
• Stateless and Refugees: The Referral Visa category applies to stateless persons and refugees holding Vienna Convention documents. Follow the same application procedure.

Bonus Tip:

• Double-Check Everything: Ensure all documents are complete, valid, and meet the specified requirements.

Conclusion

Choosing an e-Visa for Tanzania ensures a quick, hassle-free process and smooth entry. Prepare in advance, avoid airport delays, and enjoy a stress-free start to your adventure. Apply today for a seamless experience.

FAQ

1. How long does it take for a Tanzania visa to be approved? 2. Is it better to get a Tanzania visa on arrival? 3. How far in advance should I apply for a Tanzania visa? 4. Is a yellow fever vaccine required for a Tanzania Visa? 5. Should I take malaria pills when travelling to Tanzania?