A Guide to Tanzania’s Visa Process

Organizing an international conference or event in Tanzania can be complex, particularly with visa arrangements.

This detailed guide aims to streamline the visa process with clear, step-by-step instructions to make your planning more manageable.

At Hallpax, we’re well-versed in the latest visa regulations and procedures, guaranteeing a hassle-free experience for your attendees. With us, you’re not just getting information; you’re gaining a partner in making your event in Tanzania a success. 

So, once you’re finished reading, get in touch to plan the next steps. 

Quick Tips For Tanzania Visas

1. Tanzanian embassies no longer issue visas. 
2. All visa applications must be through the Official Tanzania eVisa Application System website or the on-arrival visa service at the point of entry to Tanzania.
3. Passports should have a minimum validity of six months and at least one unused visa page.
4. Typical processing time is 10 days, though some cases may take longer.
5. Certain foreign nationals need to get special permission from the Commissioner General of Immigration or the Commissioner of Immigration (Zanzibar) before they can get a Tanzania visa. These countries are listed under the ‘referral visa’ category.
6. Applicants from Referral Visa countries cannot use On-Arrival Visa and must apply online.
7. All Visa fees are prepaid, non-refundable, and non-transferable.
8. Visitors MUST present their return ticket at the point of entry.

What Type of Visa Will Your Event Participants Need for Tanzania?

Travelers to Tanzania require different types of visas depending on the purpose of their visit. 

Navigating the visa process can be cumbersome – here’s where our expertise comes in. We have extensive experience in assisting foreign attendees with their visa applications. If you require additional help, please feel free to contact us.

Visa Exemption

Tanzania offers a visa exemption for passport holders from the following 70 countries, allowing them to enter the country for up to 90 days without needing a visa.

Ordinary Tourist Visa (Single Entry Visa)

This visa caters to those intending to travel to Tanzania for purposes like tourism, leisure, conference attendance, humanitarian activities, family visits, health treatment, or other authorized activities.

The visa application can be online through the official Tanzania eVisa Application system website. The application fee is USD 50, payable through Visa card, Mastercard, or swift transfer. 

The Ordinary Tourist Visa is also available on arrival at some ports of entry (see below). 

The standard option for most applicants is the single-entry eVisa. 

It permits a stay of up to 30 days and remains valid for 90 days from the date of arrival in Tanzania. However, U.S. citizens can apply for a multiple-entry eVisa, thanks to bilateral agreements between Tanzania and the United States. This variant of the eVisa is valid for one year and allows for multiple stays in Tanzania, each lasting no more than 90 days.

Below is the list of countries whose citizens can apply for an online visa to Tanzania.

To apply for a tourist visa to Tanzania, applicants need to submit a set of essential documents:

• A passport with a minimum validity of six months.
• A filled-out declaration form.
• One photo matching passport size.
• Evidence of a return ticket.

Additionally, applicants must understand that engaging in employment while on a tourist visa in Tanzania is prohibited. Violation of this rule could result in the revocation of the visa.

Visa-on-Arrival

Tanzania provides a Visa on Arrival option for many foreign nationals, offering a practical choice for those who have yet to secure their visa in advance. However, applicants from the ‘referral visa’ category should remember that they must apply online, as they are not eligible for the Visa on Arrival.

The price for a Tanzanian Visa on Arrival varies, ranging from USD 50 to USD 100, depending on the type of visa required. The length of stay permitted under a Visa on Arrival is determined by the immigration officer at the specific entry point used to enter Tanzania. 

For visitors opting for Visa on Arrival, it’s available at the following five major entry ports into Tanzania:

• Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam).
• Kilimanjaro International Airport.
• Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (Zanzibar).
• Namanga Border Crossing (Tanzania – Kenya border point).
• Tunduma Border Crossing (Tanzania – Zambia border point).

To be eligible for this visa, applicants must show proof of a return journey at immigration and ensure their passports are valid for at least six months from the application date.

While the Visa on Arrival is convenient, we recommend applying for a visa beforehand to bypass the often lengthy queues at border entry points

Referral Visa

The Referral Visa is mandatory for nationals from certain countries, refugees, and stateless persons who hold Vienna Convention documents. They are not eligible for a visa on arrival in Tanzania. Instead, they need special clearance from the Commissioner General of Immigration or the Commissioner of Immigration (Zanzibar) before arriving in Tanzania.

Applicants from the ‘referral visa’ category must apply for their Tanzanian visa online. This visa costs USD 50 and can be made online through a Visa card, MasterCard payment, or swift transfer.

Below is the list of countries whose citizens must undergo this pre-approval process before they are allowed entry to Tanzania.

Prospective visitors from these countries must provide the following documents when applying:

• A cover letter from a legally registered institution/company for an official visit or from an individual for a personal trip. This letter should explain the visit’s purpose and the stay’s duration.
• Valid copy of the applicant’s passport.
• One passport-sized photo of the applicant.
• For company or institution visits, a copy of the host’s registration documents, such as the Certificate of Incorporation, TIN, or Business License.
• If the host is a foreign national in Tanzania, a copy of their passport and Residence Permit; otherwise, a copy of their passport or national ID is required.
• A completed Security Bond (T.I.F 12).

Applicants from these countries should submit their applications online at least two months before their planned travel date, as referral visa applications usually take longer to process. Also, applicants should book their flight tickets or make reservations in Tanzania only after the approval confirmation of their visa.

Business Visa

The Business Visa for Tanzania is specifically issued to foreign nationals who intend to enter the United Republic of Tanzania for short-term business engagements.

This visa is suitable for a range of business-related activities, including:

• Conducting special assignments like fixing or repairing machines
• Running short-term training programs
• Performing professional tasks such as auditing accounts, feasibility studies
• Establishing professional and business contacts
• Engaging in other lawful short-term business tasks as recognized by Tanzanian laws.

The application for a Business Visa to Tanzania must be completed online through the Tanzania eVisa Application website with a fee of USD 250. 

This visa is granted for a single entry and validates up to 90 days. It’s important to understand that this visa only allows for re-entry into Tanzania once the holder has left the country. 

Additionally, the Business Visa cannot be renewed or extended unless there is special authorization from the Commissioner General of Immigration.

To apply for the Tanzania business visa, the following documents should be attached:

• A valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity.
• One passport-sized photograph.
• A return ticket.
• Registration documents of the host company in Tanzania, such as a Business License or Certificate of Incorporation.
• A work contract or a cover letter from the host institution detailing the specific assignment and duration.

Multiple-Entry Visa

The Multiple Entry Visa for Tanzania is designed for stays with a total validity of up to 12 months, with each visit capped at a maximum of three months. Notably, this visa is not suitable for business purposes, as the Business Visa category meets those requirements.

Priced at 100 USD, the Multiple Visa can be conveniently applied for online through the Tanzanian eVisa application portal.

This visa holds particular significance for American nationals. Due to bilateral agreements between Tanzania and the United States, U.S. citizens are not eligible for the Ordinary Visa. Consequently, American passport holders visiting Tanzania for holidays or tourism must apply for a Multiple Visa, even if their travel plans include only a single entry into the country.

Requirements for Multiple Entry Visa (Excluding USA Nationals):

• A valid passport with at least six months remaining validity.
• One passport-sized photograph.
• A return ticket.
• A duly filled and scanned Security Bond.
• If visiting for official duties, the registration document of the host company in Tanzania, such as a Business License or Certificate of Incorporation.
• A cover letter from the host institution/family member or other evidence to prove frequent travel to Tanzania is necessary.
• A Business Registrations and Licensing Agency Search (BRELA SEARCH) document proving their directorship (non-resident directors of Tanzanian companies). 
• A cover letter from the respective institutions (applicants for projects or bilateral meetings with government entities).
• Proof of relationship, such as marriage or birth certificates (family visit applicants).

It’s important to note that individuals from countries in the referral visa category are advised not to apply for a Multiple Visa.

Avoiding Scam Visa Websites

Be vigilant against fraudulent websites. Many sites claim to offer online visa services but are not official, which can result in financial losses.

Using only the official Tanzania E-Visa website is important when applying for a Tanzanian visa. This platform is the sole authorized online channel for submitting electronic visa applications. There is also the option of Visa-on-Arrival. 

Please note that all Tanzanian embassies have ceased issuing visas, and importantly, the Tanzanian Government will not be responsible for any financial loss or additional expenses incurred if you use these unofficial sites.

Our team offers specialized support if you need assistance with the visa application process. We bring a wealth of experience handling Tanzania visa procedures, ensuring a seamless and efficient process so all your event attendees can enter Tanzania without issues. 

How to Apply for a Visa to Tanzania

Applying Online

To apply for a Tanzanian visa online, please follow these step-by-step instructions:

• Visit the official Tanzania eVisa Application system website
• Click on the ‘e-services’ button.
• Select ‘e-Visa Application Form.’
• Upload the required documents.
• After submitting, check your email for a User ID Number to track your application.
• Fill out the visa application form online.
• Pay the visa fee.
• Submit the application.
• Wait for the application confirmation message.

Applying at the border (Visa-on-Arrival)

To apply for a Tanzanian visa at the border, you’ll need to follow these steps:

• Check if you are eligible for a visa on arrival. This is typically available to nationals from countries outside the Visa-exempt or referral-required categories. 
• Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months and have a return ticket and any other necessary documents ready, such as an invitation letter or proof of accommodation.
• Upon arrival at one of the five designated entry points in Tanzania that offer the visa-on-arrival service, either Julius Nyerere International Airport, Kilimanjaro International Airport, Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Zanzibar, Tunduma Border Crossing (Tanzania – Zambia), or Namanga Border Crossing (Tanzania – Kenya), locate the Visa on Arrival section and fill out the application form provided there.
• Submit your completed application form, passport, and other required documents to the immigration officer.
• Pay the required visa fee in US dollars, which varies depending on the type of visa: $50 for Single Entry, $100 for Multiple Entry, and $30 for a Transit Visa.
• After submitting your application and fee, wait for the immigration officials to process your visa. This may take some time, especially during busy periods.
• Once your visa is processed and approved, it will be stamped in your passport. Check to make sure all the details are correct.
• With your visa stamped in your passport, you can now officially enter Tanzania.

Note: Nationals from countries requiring a Referral Visa must obtain clearance in advance and cannot use the Visa on Arrival service.

Requirements for Entry into Tanzania

In addition to obtaining a visa, additional entry requirements set by the Tanzanian Government must be met to gain entry into Tanzania.

Passport Validity

When entering Tanzania, all travelers who are not Tanzanian citizens must have a passport that remains valid for more than six months beyond the date they pass through immigration. This is a crucial requirement for entry into the country.

Bi-national passengers who cannot prove their Tanzanian citizenship, either with a passport or an ID card, are also subject to this passport validity requirement.

Visa

Visitors have two options for obtaining a visa to enter Tanzania: an online e-visa and a visa on arrival. However, it’s important to note that some of these methods are only available to certain nationalities.

Having a Tanzanian visa does not guarantee automatic entry into the country. The Immigration Officer at the port of entry has the authority to refuse entry to any individual. This can occur if the officer is convinced that the person cannot meet the immigration requirements or if their presence in the United Republic of Tanzania is deemed contrary to national interests or security.

Health

Travelers to Tanzania from areas affected by yellow fever must present an international certificate of vaccination for yellow fever. This is mandatory for all individuals arriving from countries or regions where yellow fever is endemic.

Those in transit for 12 hours or more or who leave the airport vicinity in a yellow fever endemic area must provide proof of yellow fever vaccination upon arrival at any Tanzanian port of entry.

Direct arrivals from non-endemic countries in Europe and North America are exempt from this requirement and do not need to show the vaccination certificate.

Invitation Letter

When applying for a Tanzanian business or professional engagement visa, it’s important to include an invitation letter from a Tanzanian host or a letter of intent from the institution inviting you.

This letter, an essential part of your visa application, must detail specific information about both the hosts, including their full name, date of birth, contact details, address and telephone number, and occupation. It should also mention their residence type, whether owned or rented and their status in Tanzania, indicating whether they are citizens or residents. The host’s signature is also a necessary inclusion.

Return or Onward Ticket

Proof of return or onward ticket at entry is mandatory to enter Tanzania.

Accommodation

Although business travelers heading to Tanzania are not mandated to provide accommodation details, we recommend arranging a booking, especially for arrivals late at night or during peak travel seasons.

Need Help Applying for a Tanzania Business Visa?

Our dedicated team of qualified experts is committed to ensuring a smooth and efficient visa application process. 

We handle every detail of event organization, from selecting the perfect venue to booking hotels and managing the visa process.

Contact us, and let us guide you through every step, ensuring a hassle-free experience for your events and conferences in Tanzania.