Tanzania combines world-class safaris in parks such as the Serengeti or Ngorongoro, the pristine beaches of Zanzibar, and the iconic ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro. In this guide, we explain the specific visa types, the eVisa application process, and the essential requirements and deadlines for traveling to the United Republic of Tanzania.
Is a visa required to travel to Tanzania?
In most cases, a visa is required to enter Tanzania. This can be obtained online (eVisa) or upon arrival at an official point of entry. However, for a smoother travel experience, it is highly recommended to apply for an eVisa online in advance.
Tanzania Visa Types
Ordinary Visa (Tourism, Visiting, and Leisure)
The Tanzania Ordinary Visa (Single Entry) is the standard authorization for foreign nationals traveling for tourism, holidays, or leisure. This visa is also suitable for visiting friends and family, attending conferences, participating in humanitarian or charity activities, and seeking medical treatments. It allows for a continuous stay of up to 90 days within the United Republic of Tanzania, provided the traveler does not engage in any form of paid employment or remunerated activities during their visit.
Multiple Entry Visa
The Tanzanian authorities state that the Multiple Entry Visa is designed for individuals who need to make frequent visits to the country. It is also the mandatory visa category for U.S. passport holders traveling for tourism or holiday purposes, as they are not eligible for the Ordinary Visa due to bilateral agreements between the two nations.
Applicants who are not U.S. citizens and wish to apply for a multiple-entry visa must provide comprehensive documentation to justify their request.
This visa is specifically required for foreign nationals traveling to Tanzania for the following reasons:
- Corporate Directors or Employees: Personnel of companies registered in Tanzania who do not reside in the country.
- Family Ties: Spouses married to Tanzanian citizens or legal residents.
- Government or International Consultants: Advisors to the government or international public bodies.
- NGO Representatives: Staff representing international non-governmental organizations.
The maximum validity of this visa is 12 months. However, it does not permit a continuous stay for the entire year. Holders must respect a maximum stay of 90 consecutive days per entry.
Transit Visa
Foreign nationals must apply for this visa when their sole purpose for entering Tanzania is to transit to another destination outside the country. The stay in Tanzania must not exceed 7 days.
To process this visa, applicants must provide supporting evidence, such as a valid visa for the final destination and/or a confirmed onward flight ticket.
The Transit Visa is exclusively for travelers passing through the country. It is strictly prohibited to use this visa for tourism or short-term leisure stays.
Business Visa
The Business Visa is mandatory for foreign nationals intending to visit the United Republic of Tanzania for short-term professional or commercial purposes (not exceeding 90 days). This visa is specifically designed for the following activities:
- To carry out specific, short-term assignments such as the installation, maintenance, or repair of machinery, and to conduct short-term professional training.
- To perform short-term professional duties, including auditing accounts, conducting feasibility studies, establishing business and professional contacts, or organizing investments during the initial startup phase.
- To execute any other short-term, lawful business-related tasks recognized by Tanzanian law and approved by the issuing authority.
Student Visa
The student visa is granted to foreign nationals entering the United Republic of Tanzania for educational and academic purposes. This category specifically covers:
- Research Students
- Interns
- Volunteers
- EAC Students
- Exchange Students
This visa may be issued for a maximum duration of 2 years. The student visa is issued free of charge specifically for EAC students and those participating in official Exchange programs.
Gratis Visa
This free visa is issued to holders of diplomatic and official service passports, or to recognized international organizations on official duty and their attaches.
It may also be issued to an ordinary passport holder if so indicated by the Commissioner General of Immigration and the Commissioner of Immigration of Zanzibar.
Referral Visa
There are certain countries whose citizens require special authorization from the Commissioner General of Immigration or the Commissioner of Immigration of Zanzibar before a visa can be issued. These countries fall under the Referral Visa category.
Citizens in this situation are advised to apply for the referral visa and wait for approval before booking flights or accommodation in the country. This procedure must be requested at least 3 months in advance of the scheduled travel date.
Stateless persons and refugees holding Vienna Convention documents must also obtain a referral visa before traveling to the United Republic of Tanzania.
Certain nationalities require prior authorization from the Commissioner before a visa is issued. Always consult the official Tanzania Immigration list (as it is subject to change) to verify if a specific nationality falls within this category.
How to apply for a Tanzania visa?
The eVisa to visit the United Republic of Tanzania (both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar) is requested online by filling out an electronic form. Once completed, the corresponding payment must be made and the application submitted.
The forms are reviewed and processed by government authorities. Applicants will be notified via email whether their applications have been accepted or rejected.
In some cases, government authorities may require an interview at a nearby Tanzanian embassy or consular office. This never occurs with tourist visas.
Who needs a visa for Tanzania?
In most cases, yes. Tanzania requires a visa for the majority of travelers. The exception applies to certain exempt nationalities, which you can verify on the official Tanzania Immigration list.
If your passport is not included in that list, process your visa before your trip to avoid issues during boarding or upon entry into the country.
What are the requirements to apply for a Tanzania visa?
All applicants must ensure that their passports are valid for at least six months and have at least one unused stamping page before submitting their application.
Documentation and Requirements to Apply for Tanzania Visas
Ordinary Visa (Single Entry)
- Copy of the passport
- Flight ticket (round trip)
- Declaration form
- Bank card to pay the fees
- Email address to receive the visa resolution
Multiple Entry Visa
- Copy of the passport
- Valid passport or national ID of the person to be visited in Tanzania
- Cover letter from the host institution detailing the reasons for and frequency of visits to the country.
- Marriage certificate and spouse's passport/ID if the applicant is traveling to visit a spouse.
- Flight ticket (round trip)
- Bank card to pay the fees
- Email address to receive the visa resolution
- Security Bond
Traveling to Zanzibar: Mandatory Inbound Insurance (Since 2024)
As of October 1, 2024, foreign non-resident visitors entering Zanzibar must hold Inbound Travel Insurance managed by the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) through the official channel. The coverage lasts for up to 92 days, and official communications set the cost at 44 USD per person.
Can the Tanzania visa be modified once processed?
Once the visa application has been submitted, it will not be possible to make any changes. Any incorrectly completed visa application may be rejected.
The government authorities do not issue any refunds regarding any rejected visa applications.
How much does a Tanzania visa cost?
The government fees for the various visas granted by the United Republic of Tanzania are as follows:
- ORDINARY SINGLE-ENTRY VISA: 50 USD.
- MULTIPLE-ENTRY VISA: 100 USD.
- BUSINESS VISA: 250 USD.
- TRANSIT VISA: 30 USD.
For other categories, such as the student visa, the cost will depend on the duration of the stay.
How far in advance should you apply for a Tanzania visa?
Visa applications take approximately ten days to be processed by government authorities; therefore, it is recommended that applicants submit their requests at least 20 to 25 days in advance.
After completing the payment, applicants must wait for their visa approval before starting their journey. The approval notification will be sent to their email.
The Tanzania Immigration Services Department may reject an application without providing reasons for the visa denial.
Applicants required to process a Referral Visa are recommended to do so at least 90 days before their intended travel date.
What are the entry borders for Tanzania?
Applicants whose visa applications have been approved may currently enter the United Republic of Tanzania through official points of entry. Here are some of the most popular:
- Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA)
- Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA)
- Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (AAKIA)
- Namanga Border
- Tunduma Border
Entry to Tanzania is permitted through official (formal) entry points. To avoid any issues, please consult the updated list of Entry Points in Tanzania before your trip.
