Tanzania

Professional Immigration Services: East Africa Expertise

If you're planning to experience Tanzania's breathtaking Serengeti wildlife, conduct business in Dar es Salaam, or pursue educational opportunities at the University of Dar es Salaam, understanding visa requirements is your crucial first step toward a successful journey.

Tanzania maintains a selective visa policy requiring most international visitors to obtain proper documentation before arrival. Whether you're a safari enthusiast, business professional, or academic researcher, our comprehensive guide transforms complex immigration processes into clear, actionable strategies.

Key Traveler Categories Requiring Visas:

• Tourism: Safari adventures and cultural exploration
• Business: Commercial meetings and investment opportunities
• Transit: Connection flights through major airports
• Study: Educational programs and research initiatives

Located in East Africa with access to Mount Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar's pristine beaches, Tanzania offers extraordinary experiences that demand careful preparation. Our expert team specializes in navigating Tanzania's specific requirements, ensuring your visa application aligns with current regulatory standards.

Yes, most travelers need a visa to enter Tanzania. However, several African nations enjoy visa-free access, and some countries can obtain visas on arrival.

Visa-Free Entry

Citizens of these countries can enter Tanzania without a visa:

• East African Community: Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan (unlimited stay for residents)
• African Union members: Most African countries for up to 90 days
• Special arrangements: Diplomatic passport holders from various countries

Visa on Arrival

Available for citizens of:

• United States, Canada - $100 USD
• European Union countries - $50 USD
• United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand - $50 USD
• Most other countries - varying fees

Essential Requirements

• Passport validity: Minimum 6 months from entry date
• Blank pages: At least 2 for visa stamps
• Yellow fever certificate: Required if arriving from infected areas
• Return ticket: Proof of onward travel

Transit Passengers

Transit visa required if leaving the airport. Same-terminal connections under 24 hours typically don't require visas.

Business and Extended Stays

Business visitors can use tourist visas for short trips. Work permits required for employment. Student visas needed for academic programs.

Always verify current requirements with Tanzanian diplomatic missions or official government websites, as policies change frequently.

Tanzania offers multiple visa categories designed to accommodate diverse travel purposes, from leisure tourism to business ventures and long-term residency. Understanding the specific requirements and validity periods for each visa type ensures seamless entry and compliance with immigration regulations.

Tourist and Visitor Visas

Single-entry tourist visas remain valid for 90 days and suit most leisure travelers. Multiple-entry tourist visas accommodate frequent visitors with 12-month validity, allowing multiple entries for tourism purposes. Both categories require confirmed accommodation and return flight documentation.

Business Visa Categories

Business visas serve commercial activities including:

• Conference and meeting visas for short-term business engagements
• Investment exploration visas for potential investors
• Contract negotiation visas for extended business discussions

Business visas typically offer 90-day validity with possible extensions through immigration authorities.

Work and Employment Visas

Class A work permits target skilled professionals with confirmed employment contracts. Class B permits serve investors and business owners establishing operations in Tanzania. Processing requires 14-21 days with comprehensive documentation including medical certificates and criminal background checks.

Academic and Student Visas

Student visas accommodate enrolled students at recognized Tanzanian institutions, valid throughout the academic program duration. Research visas support academic researchers and scholars conducting approved studies.

Transit and Special Categories

Transit visas allow 7-day stopovers for travelers continuing to third countries. Diplomatic and official visas serve government representatives, while family reunion visas connect foreign nationals with Tanzanian relatives.

Processing Times by Visa Type

Tourist Visa: 5-10 business days for standard processing, 2-3 days for expedited service. Business Visa: 7-14 business days standard, 3-5 days expedited. Work Permits: 30-60 days through Tanzania Investment Centre. Student Visas: 14-21 business days with complete documentation.

Visa Fees & Payment Methods

• Single Entry Tourist: $50 (most nationalities), $100 (US citizens)
• Multiple Entry Tourist: $100 standard, $200 (US citizens)
• Business Visa: $250 for multiple entry
• Transit Visa: $30
• Expedited Processing: Additional $25-50 fee

Payment accepted via credit card, money order, or bank draft at consulates.

Application Locations

Online Portal: eservices.immigration.go.tz for most visa types. Key Consulates: Tanzania Embassy Washington DC (+1-202-939-6125), Tanzania High Commission London (+44-20-7569-1470). Visa processing centers operate in major cities with biometric collection services.

Essential Documentation

• Passport valid 6+ months with 2 blank pages
• Recent passport photograph
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate (mandatory)
• Flight itinerary and accommodation proof
• Bank statements for financial evidence

Peak Processing Periods

Expect delays during June-September safari season and December-January holidays. Apply 4-6 weeks ahead during peak periods. Standard processing resumes faster in February-May and October-November.

Step 1: Determine Your Visa Category

Identify the appropriate visa type based on your travel purpose, whether for tourism, business, transit, or residence. Review duration requirements and ensure your passport has at least six months validity and two blank pages.

Step 2: Gather Required Documentation

Collect essential documents systematically:

• Completed application form with accurate information
• Recent passport-sized photographs meeting official specifications
• Supporting documents relevant to your visa category
• Flight itinerary and accommodation confirmation
• Financial proof demonstrating sufficient funds

Step 3: Complete Application Submission

Tanzania offers multiple application channels. Submit through the online eVisa portal for eligible nationalities, or prepare paper applications for embassy/consulate submission. Ensure all forms are completed without errors or omissions.

Step 4: Schedule and Attend Appointment

Book your appointment at the designated Tanzania diplomatic mission or authorized visa center. Arrive punctually with organized documentation and be prepared for potential biometric data collection, including fingerprints and photographs.

Step 5: Process Fee Payment

Pay applicable visa fees using accepted payment methods. Retain payment receipts as proof of transaction for tracking purposes.

Step 6: Monitor Application Progress

Track your application status through official channels. Processing typically takes 5-10 business days, though complex cases may require additional time.

Step 7: Visa Collection

Collect your processed visa or receive electronic confirmation. Verify all details immediately upon receipt to ensure accuracy before travel.

Common mistakes to avoid: incomplete documentation, incorrect photographs, and insufficient processing time allowance before travel dates.