Tanzania Visa

Types Of Visas

In Tanzania, there are seven main visa categories, each designed for different purposes. If you’re visiting for tourism, you’ll likely need an Ordinary Visa, unless you’re a US citizen, in which case a Multiple-Entry Visa is required. Let’s look at the details below:

Ordinary Visa (Single Entry)

Also called a Single-Entry Visa, this is the go-to option for visitors coming for tourism, family visits, or short stays.

• Purpose: Tourism, conferences, family visits, charity, healthcare, or other approved purposes.
• Validity: 90 days, single entry.
• Cost: USD 50.
• Notes: Suitable for travellers on Tanzania Wildlife Safaris, Zanzibar beach trips, or cultural tours.

Business Visa

This visa is available for short-term business tasks and professional assignments within Tanzania.

• Purpose: Short-term business activities like equipment repair, brief training, or audits.
• Validity: Up to 90 days.
• Notes: Perfect for foreign nationals coming for quick business or professional assignments.

Multiple-Entry Visa

It is the ideal Tanzania Visa Type for frequent visitors, including foreign company directors or U.S. tourists.

• Purpose: Frequent travel or extended stays.
• Validity: Up to 12 months; however, holders must leave every three months.
• Notes: U.S. citizens visiting for holidays should apply for this type.

Transit Visa

This visa is designed for travellers passing through Tanzania en route to another destination.

• Purpose: Transit only (not for tourism).
• Notes: Not intended for sightseeing or exploring within Tanzania.

Gratis Visa

This visa is generally issued for diplomatic or official purposes and is often granted as a courtesy.

• Purpose: Diplomatic, service, or official tasks.
• Notes: Granted for single or multiple entries and may apply to ordinary passport holders on special duties.

Student Visa

Designed for students involved in internships, volunteer work, or studies in Tanzania.

• Purpose: Research, internships, volunteer work, and academic programs.
• Validity: Up to 2 years.
• Notes: Covers East African students, exchange programs, and legally recognized institutions.

Referral Visa

Required for nationals from specific countries that need special clearance before entering Tanzania.

• Purpose: For visitors from select nations with extra entry requirements.
• Process: Apply at least two months before travel, awaiting approval before confirming any travel plans.

There are about 25 countries in this list that require special clearance from the Commissioner–General of Immigration before the issuance of a visa.  Countries that fall under the Referral Visa Category are given here:

Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Chad, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Equatorial Guinea, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan Republic, Kyrgyzstan Republic, Lebanon, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine, Senegal, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Somali land, Sierra Leone, Syria, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Yemen and Stateless persons or persons with refugee status .

Sumbi Extra Miles Safari can guide you through the referral visa application. If you need any help, just reach out were here to assist!

Applying For A Tanzania Visa Online

Applying for a Tanzania Visa online is easy and can save time. Travelers are encouraged to apply for their Tanzania Tourist Visa in advance through the official Tanzania Immigration website for a smooth travel experience. Here are some points to keep in mind:

• Visit the official Tanzania Immigration Department website to fill out and pay for your Tanzania Visa Online.
• U.S. citizens should select “Multiple Entry Visa” when applying, choosing “Holiday and Leisure” as the purpose.
• Travelers from other countries can choose either a Single-Entry Visa or a Multiple Entry Visa based on their plans.

By planning and applying early, you’ll be all set for your visit to Tanzania’s beautiful landscapes and safaris.

Completing The Online Application Form For The Tanzania Visa

Filling out the Tanzania Visa online application form is easy on the official Tanzania Immigration website. Be sure to use the official site and avoid sharing your passport or other details on any other platforms.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to get started:

• Begin by selecting “New Application” to start your Tanzania E-Visa .
• Save your application number immediately; take a screenshot or write it down for reference.
• If you can’t complete the form in one go, you can return to it later using your email and application number.
• When returning, click “Continue Application” to resume.
• Use the “Visa Status” page to track your application, which shows if it’s received, in process, or approved.
• Double-check that any name or spelling details match your passport exactly; this helps avoid processing delays.
• If you don’t have a passport photo ready, you can save the form and add it later.
• For tourists, choose “Holiday and Leisure” as your reason for visiting.

Following these steps will make the Tanzania Visa Online application smooth and simple, getting you ready for your visit.

Tips For Filling Out The Tanzania Visa Application Form

Applying for a Tanzania Visa with us as your tour operator can be simple. Here are some helpful tips to make the process smooth, especially when entering travel and host details.

Travel Information Section:

• If you don’t personally know anyone in Tanzania, select “Hotel” as your accommodation, even if you’ll be camping or staying at different lodges during your Safari In Tanzania.
• Use the name and address of your first hotel for the application. For example, if staying with Sumbi Extra Miles Safari, you can enter the address of your starting lodge.
• For “Local Host,” select “Company/Organization” and list Sumbi Extra Miles Safari with our contact details. This will ensure your host information is clear.

Travel Companions Section:

• If travelling with children, complete this section by adding them as companions.
• For group travel, select “Group or Organization.” But if you don’t know everyone in the group or plan to meet in Tanzania, enter yourself as a single adult traveller.

Extra Tips:

• Double-check spelling and details before submitting, especially addresses and contact information.
• Listing Sumbi Extra Miles Safari as your local host simplifies the process and clarifies your entry purpose.

By following these steps, your Tanzania E Visa application with Sumbi Extra Miles Safari will be simple and easy, setting you up for an incredible journey.

Time Frame For Getting A Tanzania Visa

Give yourself enough time to apply for your Tanzania Visa. Processing can take up to 10 days, so it’s best to plan early if you want to enjoy your Safari in Tanzania. Here are some quick tips:

• Start your application at least 10 days before your trip but no more than 3 months ahead.
• If you're short on time, you can get a Visa on Arrival at the main airports in Tanzania.
• After applying, print the confirmation pages and keep them safe to show at immigration.

When you reach Tanzania, they’ll add an official visa sticker to your passport as proof of entry.

Note on Passport Validity

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date from Tanzania. For example, if your passport expires in December 2024, you’ll need to leave Tanzania no later than June 2024.

If your passport is set to expire soon, it’s wise to renew it before applying for your Tanzania Visa. A new passport number could affect your visa's validity.

What Is Visa On Arrival? How Is It Different From The Tanzania E-Visa?

The Visa on Arrival and e-visa for Tanzania both allow travellers to enter the country but differ in the application process and arrival experience:

• Visa on Arrival

This option requires no prior application and is obtained upon arrival in Tanzania. You’ll need to fill out forms, answer questions, and pay the visa fee in cash (USD 50 for most travellers and USD 100 for US citizens). However, it may lead to long waiting times at immigration.

• e-Visa

This is applied online before your trip. Once approved, you can skip much of the paperwork and head directly to the “Visa Holder” line upon arrival, which typically speeds up the immigration process.

In short, Visa on Arrival is convenient for last-minute travellers but can be time-consuming at the border, while e-visa offers a quicker, streamlined entry but requires online application in advance.

Whichever you choose, remember to have essential details on hand, like your tour operator’s contact and hotel name, for a smoother entry experience. For further details on how to acquire a Tanzania e-visa, you can contact us!