Tanzania Volunteer eVisa

Tanzania, known for its stunning safaris, Mount Kilimanjaro, and vibrant culture, offers fantastic volunteer opportunities. If you're interested in wildlife conservation, community support, or healthcare, Tanzania welcomes you.

This guide covers volunteer visa for Tanzania, detailing the application process and the necessary documents to help you make a positive impact as a volunteer in this remarkable country.

What is a Tanzania Volunteer Visa?

A volunteer visa allows you to stay in a foreign country for a specific period to engage in unpaid volunteer work.

An Ordinary/Tourist Tanzanian Visa (Single entry) is typically used for short-term volunteer stints (under three months). For the ease of reference, we will use the term "Volunteer Visa" throughout this guide to denote the Ordinary/Tourist Visa typically used for short-term volunteer placements.

The volunteer visa can be acquired upon arrival at select airports or through an online application prior to travel. 

Types of Volunteer e-Visa of Tanzania

For volunteering in Tanzania, you have two main visa options depending on the length and frequency of your stays:

Single-entry Volunteer e-Visa: This visa permits a stay of up to 90 days and is valid for three months from the date of issuance. It is suitable for volunteers who plan to stay in Tanzania continuously for short-term projects. 

Multiple-entry Volunteer e-Visa: Valid for 1 year, but each stay in Tanzania is limited to 90 days. It is ideal for volunteers who need to enter and exit Tanzania multiple times over the year for various projects or duties. 

Requirements for a Volunteer e-Visa in Tanzania

To secure a Volunteer visa, you must full fill ceratin a criteria. You need an endorsement from a recognized volunteer organization within Tanzania, which should supply a volunteer placement letter for your visa process. 

Furthermore, you must present details of your travel plans, including both your return flight and lodging arrangements in Tanzania. 

Proof of financial backing is also necessary, which can be demonstrated through a bank statement or a support letter from your sponsoring organization.

Documentation Needed for Volunteer e-Visa

To apply for a volunteer e-Visa, you must provide the following documents.

• A completedTanzania visa application form.
• Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date in Tanzania.
• Two passport-size photographs.
• A volunteer placement letter from the volunteer organization
• Proof of travel itinerary, including return ticket and accommodations in Tanzania
• Proof of financial support

Proof of Volunteer Placement

Proof of volunteer placement confirms your volunteer role abroad and typically includes:

• The name and contact information of the organization you will be volunteering with.
• A description of your volunteer role and responsibilities.
• The start and end dates of your volunteer placement.
• A statement confirming that your volunteer work is unpaid and that you will not receive any financial compensation.
• The signature of a representative from the organization, confirming the details of your volunteer placement.

This document is required for a Volunteer Visa to show your acceptance for a specific role with a registered non-profit organization.

Financial Statements

Proof of sufficient financial support demonstrates you can cover your expenses while volunteering abroad. For a Tanzania Volunteer e-Visa, you may need to show:

• Bank statements: Recent statements that show sufficient funds to cover your stay.
• Sponsorship letter: A letter from a sponsor confirming their commitment to support you financially.
• Credit card: A card with a sufficient credit limit to cover your expenses.

Pre-Trip Health Tips for Tanzania

Volunteering in Tanzania is an enriching experience, but prioritizing your health is key. Here's a quick guide:

• Vaccinations & Meds: Consult a doctor or travel clinic to determine necessary vaccinations (e.g., yellow fever, hepatitis A & B) and medications (malaria prophylaxis).
• Beat the Bite: Mosquitoes can transmit diseases. Pack insect repellent a, mosquito net, and wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors.
• Hygiene Habits: Frequent handwashing, drinking bottled water, brushing teeth, and avoiding uncooked food to minimize illness risks.
• Health Insurance: Check with your volunteer organization or the Tanzanian government for health insurance requirements. Consider a comprehensive international plan covering medical expenses, evacuation, and repatriation for peace of mind.

Processing time for Volunteer Visa

The processing time for a volunteer e-Visa in Tanzania varies based on the visa type and chosen processing speed. Standard processing typically takes 5 to 7 working days. Rush processing is available for an extra charge, potentially reducing waiting times to as little as 24 hours. For more information, check the Tanzania Visa Application Form Guide. 

A Guide to Local Customs and Culture

Here are some key points about Tanzanian culture and customs:

• Greetings: Tanzanians usually greet with a handshake and a smile. Being too direct or assertive is considered impolite.
• Dress Code: Conservative clothing is common, especially in rural areas. Dress modestly and avoid revealing clothes.
• Religion: Predominantly Christian and Muslim, with some Hindus and Buddhists. Respect local religious customs.
• Time Management: Schedules are flexible, and appointments may run late.
• Hospitality: Tanzanians are hospitable and generous, often offering food and drink to guests.

Understanding and respecting these customs will help you build meaningful relationships while volunteering in Tanzania.

A Guide to Responsible Action in Tanzania

Before You Arrive:

• Research & Respect: Choose a reputable organization with a clear mission and positive track record. Familiarize yourself with Tanzanian customs and dress modestly.
• Embrace Flexibility: Be adaptable and open to unexpected situations. This shows commitment to the community you'll serve.
• Leave Ego Behind: Focus on collaboration and building relationships, not self-promotion.

Building Meaningful Connections:

• Learn Swahili: Make an effort to learn even basic phrases. It demonstrates respect for the culture.
• Listen & Learn: Be open to feedback and engage in collaborative problem-solving to address community needs.
• Community Involvement: Encourage community participation in planning and implementing projects for sustainability.
• Respect Local Expertise: Value the knowledge and skills of the community you're working with.

Measuring Your Impact:

• Set Goals: Establish clear objectives to track progress and assess the effectiveness of your volunteer work.
• Track Progress: Monitor your achievements towards set goals through regular check-ins or a volunteer journal.
• Feedback & Evaluation: Gather input from the community, your organization, and others to learn and improve.
• Celebrate & Learn: Acknowledge successes and use failures as learning opportunities to stay motivated and maximize your positive impact.

Disclaimer: This information was last updated in June 2024. Please verify with the relevant agencies, embassies, and airlines to ensure the accuracy of your travel plans.