Visa Types of Tanzania

To embark on a journey through the captivating landscapes of Tanzania, obtaining the appropriate visa is essential. Tanzania provides a range of visa options tailored to various travel purposes, such as tourism, business, and more. It is crucial to select the visa that accurately aligns with the nature of your visit, ensuring compliance with entry requirements and a seamless travel experience. Each visa type has specific conditions and designated uses, so carefully choose the one that best fits your travel plans and enjoy the wonders that Tanzania has to offer.

How to obtain a Tanzania visa (Based on application)

There are 2 visa options available in Tanzania on the basis of application method. These are:

  • E-Visa (Electronic Visa): Skip the embassy! Tanzania eVisa lets you apply online for tourism, business or transit visits. Fill out the form, choose your visa type, and pay online. Get approved within days and receive your eVisa by email - just print it and show it upon arrival. Remember to check passport validity (6 months+) and apply well in advance for a smooth Tanzanian entry.
  • Visa on Arrival: Need a last-minute entry to Tanzania? Opt for the Visa on Arrival at designated ports. Fill out an application form, present your valid passport, and pay the visa fee (usually in USD) in cash. Expect some queuing, so have all documents ready. This option is ideal for spontaneous travellers who haven't secured an eVisa.

Note: Due to the online visa system, embassies no longer handle physical visa applications for Tanzania.

Available Visa Types for Tanzania

Tanzania offers a variety of visa options to cater to diverse travel plans and purposes. This guide explores the main visa categories available, helping you choose the right one for your Tanzanian adventure:

  • Tanzania Ordinary/Tourist Visa(Single-entry)

The Tanzanian Ordinary Visa (Single Entry) allows a stay of up to 3 months. Applicants need a valid passport, a recent photo, and a return ticket and must apply online through an Application form. 

The process includes uploading documents and paying a fee, which can take up to 10 days. This visa is valid for one entry, and separate applications are required for additional visits. Refer to Tanzania Tourist eVisa for the latest information and application procedures.

Visa Purpose:

  • Tourism 
  • Leisure & Holiday
  • Visiting friends, relatives
  • Meetings & Workshops
  • Government and private organisations organise exhibitions and trade fairs.
  • Humanitarians and charity activities
  • Health treatment
  • Family Visit 
  • Tanzania Multiple Entry Visa

The Tanzanian Multiple Entry Visa is granted primarily to American nationals and others whose activities necessitate frequent visits. It allows them to stay up to 3 months per visit within a 12-month validity period.

Applicants must submit proof, such as a company registration or family relationship certificate, depending on the visa category. It's crucial for applicants to ensure all required documents are submitted to avoid application rejection. For more detailed guidelines, visit the Tanzania Visa Application form guide.

Visa Purpose:

  • Director of a company registered in Tanzania 
  • Regular family visits
  • Consultancy with registered companies, NGO’s & other Institutions 
  • Tanzania Business Visa

The Tanzanian Business Visa is intended for foreigners who need to engage in short-term business activities in Tanzania. It is valid for 90 days and allows for a single entry. 

Applicants must apply online, and this visa does not extend to residence. For the complete application process and requirements, check all the Required Documents for Tanzanian Visa.

Visa Purpose:

  • Technical activities with registered private Companies/Institutions 
  • Business Consultants 
  • Academic purposes
  • Facilitate trade in services
  • Setting up a business
  • Implementation of technical & Service contract
  • Business Research
  • Pre-skills test
  • Managing a Ltd company
  • Tanzania Transit Visa

The Tanzanian Transit Visa is intended for travellers who are passing through Tanzania and staying for no more than seven days. 

To qualify, applicants must show proof of onward travel, such as a visa or ticket to the next destination. This visa category is strictly for transit and does not permit tourism or extended stays in Tanzania.

  • Tanzania Student Visa

The Tanzanian Student Visa is applicable to those engaging in short—or long-term academic programs.

There are two categories of this visa based on the duration of the study program: studies lasting up to 90 days and programs extending beyond 90 days. An increased visa fee is applicable for programs extending beyond 90 days.

What you'll need to apply:

  • Official Letter from your Institution: This document should be from your Tanzanian host college or university and include details of your program, including the course name and duration.
  • Open Return Ticket: This demonstrates your intention to leave Tanzania after your studies.
  • Valid Passport Copy: Ensure your passport has sufficient validity for your studies in Tanzania

Visa Purpose:

  • Intern Student (Less than 90 days)
  • Research Student (6 Month)
  • Research student (PhD students and others from higher learning institutions and private individuals)
  • Volunteer Student (3 Months)
  • Student enrolled in public institutions (3 Month)
  • Students admitted in an established and Private Training institutions
  • Intern Student (3-24 Months)
  • Student enrolled in Public Institutions (3-24 Months)
  • Volunteer Student (3-24 Months)
  • Students admitted in an established and private training institutions (3-24 Months)
  • Tanzania Gratis Visa

The Tanzanian Gratis Visa is available for those carrying diplomatic, service, or official passports and for individuals with recognized international travel documents on official missions. Dependents of these holders are also eligible for this visa. Additionally, it can be issued to ordinary passport holders at the discretion of Tanzanian immigration authorities.

Applicants must submit their applications online and are required to include an invitation letter from the East African Cooperation and Foreign Affairs Ministry. A copy of the biographical data page of the diplomatic passport must also be provided.

  • Tanzania Referral Cases

The Tanzanian Referral Visa caters to citizens from specific countries who are not eligible for a visa on arrival. This visa requires applicants to apply in advance through the online portal, and they are advised not to book travel until approval is confirmed.

This application must include an invitation from a host within Tanzania and should be submitted well in advance—ideally, at least one month prior to the planned travel date. Due to its stringent requirements and extended processing times, careful planning is essential. For more details on the eligible countries, visit Tanzania Visa Policy.

Get Your eVisa Online in Just 3 Easy Steps!

1
step

STEP 1: Accurately fill out the application form using your personal and travel details.

2
step

STEP 2: Apply for a visa online, use a credit or debit card to make the payment, and get an email confirming the transaction.

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STEP 3: Upon approval, your eVisa will be sent to you via email. Make sure to print it out and present it at your point of entry upon arrival.

Conclusion

Tanzania offers various visas tailored to specific travel needs, such as tourism, business, or transit. Visitors can apply for an eVisa online for convenience or choose a Visa on Arrival at designated ports for spontaneous travel. Additionally, Tanzania provides specific visas for students, multiple entries for frequent visitors, and gratis visas for diplomatic missions. Ensure that you apply with the correct documentation and verify all requirements twice to facilitate a smooth entry.

FAQ’s

The perfect visa depends on your travel purpose and stay duration.

The required documents depend on the visa type. Generally, you'll need a valid passport, a recent photo, a return flight ticket (for some visas), and proof of sufficient funds. For a complete list, visit Required Documents for a Tanzanian Visa.

Yes! Luckily, your Tanzanian visa covers both mainland Tanzania and its beautiful islands, including Zanzibar. Pack your swimsuit for a worry-free beach vacation.

Depending on the nature and duration of your volunteer activities in Tanzania, you might need a student Visa. For specific visa guidance, contact the organization you'll be volunteering with.

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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