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 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:
Return Flight Ticket: Proof of a booked return flight to your home country or
onward destination.
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:
Return Flight Ticket: Proof of a booked return flight.
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:
Visa Fee: Different visa fees apply depending on whether a programme is longer
than 90 days or shorter than 90 days.
Cover Letter from Host Institution: A letter detailing the course, field, and
duration of the program.
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:
Personal Appearance: Each traveller must present themselves in person to an
Immigration Officer.
Arrival Declaration Card: Travellers must complete and sign an arrival
declaration card before presenting it to the Immigration Officer.
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:
Visa: Foreign nationals must either show a valid visa or apply for a visa upon
arrival.
Residence Permit/Pass: If they are residents in Tanzania, they must present
their residence permit or pass.
Return Ticket or Onward Travel: Travellers need to provide proof of a return
ticket or an onward travel arrangement.
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
Processing times will vary but generally range from 5 working days for regular applications to 6
weeks for referrals. To be safe, plan to apply at least 4-6 weeks before your trip.
Not always. Visa on Arrival (VOA) is available for some nationalities, but exclusions exist.
Applying online beforehand ensures a smoother entry process.
Apply 4 to 6 weeks in advance before your travel. This allows ample time for processing,
especially if you fall under the referral category.
Yes, proof of yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for most travellers entering Tanzania.
Consulting a healthcare professional is recommended. Malaria risk varies depending on location
and travel itinerary. They can advise on necessary precautions, including antimalarial
medication.
Disclaimer: Although this information was last updated in June 2024, we recommend verifying with the appropriate agencies, embassies, and airlines to ensure complete accuracy regarding your travel plans.
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