Entry Requirements and Visa Information

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Any foreigner seeking to enter the United Republic of Tanzania is subject to the following entry requirements:

• A passport or Travel Document which is valid for not less than six months;

• A Residence Permit or a Pass or his name is endorsed upon the same;

• A valid Visa (where applicable) from any Tanzania Mission abroad or on arrival at any designated entry points. Visa issuing centres.

NB: For information about Yellow Fever Requirement in Tanzania, please visit the Ministry of Health Website (www.moh.go.tz) or follow the link below:

http://moh.go.tz/en/yellow-fever-entry

Entry authorization

Upon complying with the entry requirements, a visitor may be issued with a Visa or a Visitor's Pass with validity not exceeding three months (and not exceeding six months for citizens of EAC Member States).  

TYPES OF VISA

Visa:

A visa is a permission granted to a foreigner to enter and remain in the United Republic of Tanzania for a specific period of time. A visa is issued to a visitor who intends to enter into Tanzania for the purpose of visit, tourism, leisure, holiday, business, health treatment, attending conference or any other related activities recognised by Laws of the country.

 Note:

It should be noted that the possession of Visa is not a final authority to enter the United Republic of Tanzania. The Immigration Officer at the Entry point may refuse a holder of visa to enter, if he is satisfied that the holder is unable to fulfil Immigration entry requirements or if the presence of such person or visitors in the United Republic of Tanzania would be contrary to the National Interests. there are various types of Visa as described below:

SINGLE ENTRY VISA (ORDINARY VISA)

This Visa is issued for a single entry to a visitor for a period not exceeding three months for the purpose of holidays, visiting, leisure, health treatment, studies or any other activity legally recognized by the Law.

MULTIPLE ENTRY VISA

This visa may be issued to foreign visitors who come for Official visits, Government Missions, family re-union or any other circumstances as may be determined by the Office of the Commissioner General of Immigration, which call for frequent visits to the United Republic of Tanzania. These are like Directors of Companies registered in Tanzania who do not reside in the country, Spouse or member of a family (Family re-union), Bilateral Agreement Representatives, Private or Government Consultants, etc.

The maximum validity of this Visa is twelve months. However, the holder of the Multiple Visa cannot stay in the country for 12 consecutive months. They are required to leave the country at most after every three months.

Caution:

The Multiple Visa is not intended for those visitors coming on business purposes such as those described under Business Visa category.

NB:

American nationals who wish to visit Tanzania for tourism or holiday purposes, they are required apply for this type of Visa.

Gratis Visa

This visa may be issued for a single entry or multiple entries to a holder of diplomatic, services or official passport or Travel Document of recognized International Organization who is on official duty and their Dependents. It can be also issued to a holder of ordinary passport or Travel document as it may be directed by the Commissioner General of Immigration and Commissioner of Immigration Zanzibar.

TRANSIT VISA

This Visa may be issued to foreign nationals for the purpose of transiting through to another destination outside the United Republic for a period not exceeding seven days. The applicant of this visa may be required required to provide proof of a Visa of the destination country and/or Onward flight ticket.

BUSINESS VISA

This visa may be issued to those expatriates who wish to come for short-term assignments which in any way do not exceed 90 days. It may be issued to such foreign expatriates so as to allow them to enter in the United Republic of Tanzania for the following purposes;

1. To conduct special assignments such as fixing/repairing machines or to run short term training, etc.
2. To conduct professional roles such as auditing accounts etc.
3. To conduct lawful business according to the laws of the country.

Business visa will be issued at the Immigration Headquarters, Dar Es Salaam, the Immigration Head Office, Zanzibar, Entry Points and Tanzanian Consular Offices abroad.

NB:

This Visa is neither renewable nor extendable unless a special pemission is granted by the Commissioner General of immigration.

REFERRAL VISA CASES

There are some countries whse nationals require special clearance from the Commissioner General of Immigration or the Commissioner of Immigration (Zanzibar) prior to issuance of the Visa. These countries fall under the Referral Visa Category. 

Applicants who fall under the Referral Visa category though they may apply online direct, but are advised, to firstly seek clearance from the commissioner General of Immigration or Commissioner of Zanzibar as the case may be, through their host in Tanzania. Once the permission letter is granted, that is when the applicant is advised to start applying online, and he/she should attach the permission letter as one of the attachments. The host institution’s (or individual) covering letter must detail the purpose and duration of visit of the prospective visitor, and letter should be addressed to the Commissioner General of immigration, S.L.P 512, Dar es Salaam or Commissioner of immigration Zanzibar, S.L.P 1354, Zanzibar, as the case may be.

Note: Refugees who hold Vienna Convention documents (Travel Documents) are also required to obtain referral visa prior to coming to Tanzania.

List of Countries which their Nationals require Referral Visa.

• Afghanistan
• Azerbaijan
• Bangladesh
• Chad
• Djibouti
• Ethiopia
• Eritrea
• Equatorial Guinea
• Iran
• Iraq
• Kazakhstan Republic
• Kyigten 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.

NB:

The following countries were recently added on the Referral Countries category (W.E.F 26 September, 2018):

Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Syria and Yemen.

NB:

Applicants whose nationals fall under this category (Referral) are not advised to book flight tickets or make payments for any reservations in Tanzania before they get approval for their Visa. Applicants of Referral Visa are advised to apply at least two months before their date of travel.

Applicants or host Institutions are required to review the List of countries (from our website) which fall under Referral Visa from time to time as there might be some changes.

Note:

Stateless persons and Refugees who hold Vienna Convention documents are also required to obtain referral visa prior to coming to Tanzania.

  

REQUIREMENTS FOR VISA

Requirements for a Visa depends on the type of Visa as indicated below:

SINGLE ENTRY VISA

• Applicant’s valid passport (At least 6 months);
• Visa application form dully filled in;
• Declaration form dully filled in
• Respective visa Fee;
• 2 passport size photographs ( for those lodging their applications through embassies).

MULTIPLE VISA

• Visa application form duly filled in;

• Security Bond duly filled;

• Valid passport copy of the invitee;

• Three passport size photographs;

• Copy of the valid Passport or any other identity (For a host citizen of Tanzania);

• Documents of  the Company like TIN, VAT, Registration Certificate, Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum etc;

• Any other evidence to prove that the applicant is bound to travel frequently into the United Republic of Tanzania.

TRANSIT VISA

• Copy of the applicant’s valid passport;
• An entry visa or onward ticket to the intended country of destination;
• Respective visa fee;
• 2 passport size photographs ( for those lodging their applications through embassies).

REFERRAL CASES

Visa Application for Referral Cases
Any prospective visitor whose nationality falls under the Referral Visa Category is required to attach the following attachments while making application:

•  Covering letter from a legally registered Institution/ Company if the visit is official or covering letter from an Individual who knows the applicant if the trip is personal, the letter must detail the purpose of visit and duration of stay of the prospective visitor;
• Applicant Valid copy of Passport;
• Applicant Passport size photo;
• Copy of the host institution/Company registration documents, like Certificate of Incorporation, TIN, Business License, etc;
• Copy of passport and Residence Permit if the host individual is a foreign national, or copy of passport or national ID if the host is a Tanzanian citizen;
• Filled-in Security Bond (T.I.F 12)
• Respective Visa fee

BUSINESS VISA

• A valid passport
• A work contract or invitation letter or any proof of the work/assignment to be performed within a period not exceeding three months;
• Respective visa fee. 

TIPS FOR ONLINE VISA FACILITY

TIPS FOR ONLINE VISA SERVICE

• Applicants of Visa are strongly advised to apply for Visa through the Official Tanzania Immigration Services Website (www.immigration.go.tz) ONLY and NOT through any other links;
• Applicant must ensure that his/her passport has a validity of at least six months and at least one unused visa page while making application;
• Applicant is expected to apply for a right category of visa. If the applicant is not sure about the type of visa he requires, he is advised to seek guidance through the e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• The Visa application will be processed within ten days, therefore applicants are strongly advised to observe the time frame while making their applications;
• Any application of Visa wrongly applied or which lacks sufficient attachment, may be rejected;
• Any applicant of Visa is assumed to have read and agreed to the terms and conditions stipulated in the Disclaimer. Therefore, applicant is required to read it carefully before making payment. The Disclaimer is available at the end of each application of Visa;
• No refund will be made in respect of any rejected visa application;
• The Tanzania Immigration Services Department may give or withhold reasons for rejection of Visa to the applicant;
• Visa regulations and conditions may be subject to change at any time without prior notification to the applicants.

• Applicants whose nationals fall under Referral Visa category are not advised to book flight tickets or make payments for any reservations in Tanzania before they get approval for their Visa. Applicants of Referral Visa are advised to apply at least two months before their date of travel.

• Applicants are required to review the List of countries (from our website) which fall under Referral Visa from time to time as there might be some changes.

• Stateless persons and Refugees who hold Vienna Convention documents are also required to obtain referral visa prior to coming to Tanzania.

    

TYPES OF VISA

There are different types of Visa depending on the purpose of a visitor as described below:

Ordinary Visa

This visa is granted to foreign nationals for the purposes of visit, Leisure, Holiday, attending Conference as a participant, Humanitarian and charity activities, spouse visit and Family re-union, Health Treatment or any other purpose as may be determined by the issuing authority. Its validity is not exceeding three months for a single entry.

Transit Visa

This Visa may be issued to foreign nationals for the purpose of transiting through to another destination outside the United Republic for a period not exceeding seven days. The applicant of this visa may be required to provide proof of a Visa of the destination country and/or Onward flight ticket.

NB: 

Transit Visa is strictly intended for those travellers whose purpose of entry is  to pass through Tanzania, and cannot be used for tourism purposes. 

Business Visa

This visa may be issued to those expatriates who wish to come for short-term assignments which in any way do not exceed 90 days. It may be issued to such foreign expatriates so as to allow them to enter in the United Republic of Tanzania for the following purposes;

1. To conduct special assignments such as fixing/repairing machines or to run short term training, etc.
2. To conduct professional roles such as auditing accounts etc;
3. To conduct any other lawful business as may be determined by the Issuing Authority.

NB:

This Visa is neither renewable nor extendable unless a special permission is granted by the Commissioner General of immigration.

Multiple Entry Visa

This visa may be issued to foreign visitors who come for Official visits, Government Missions, family re-union or any other circumstances as may be determined by the Office of the Commissioner General of Immigration, which call for frequent visits to the United Republic of Tanzania. These are like Directors of Companies registered in Tanzania who do not reside in the country, Spouse or member of a family (Family re-union), Bilateral Agreement Representatives, Private or Government Consultants, etc.

The maximum validity of this Visa is twelve months. However, the holder of the Multiple Visa cannot stay in the country for 12 consecutive months. They are required to leave the country at most after every three months.

Caution:

The Multiple Visa is not intended for those visitors coming on business purposes such as those described under Business Visa.

NB:

American nationals who wish to visit Tanzania for tourism or holiday purposes, they are advised to apply for this type of Visa.

Gratis Visa

This visa may be issued for a single entry or multiple entries to a holder of diplomatic, services or official passport or Travel Document of recognized International Organization who is on official duty and their Dependents. It can be also issued to a holder of ordinary passport or Travel document as it may be directed by the Commissioner General of Immigration and Commissioner of Immigration Zanzibar.

Referral Cases

Applicants who fall under the Referral Visa category are advised, to firstly ask their host institutions to seek permission from the commissioner General of Immigration. Once the permission letter is granted, that is when the applicant can start applying online, and he/she should attach the permission letter as one of the attachments. The host institution’s covering letter must detail the purpose and duration of visit of the prospective visitor, and letter should be addressed to the Commissioner General of immigration, S.L.P 512, Dar es Salaam or Commissioner of immigration Zanzibar, S.L.P 1354, Zanzibar, as the case may be. 

NB:

Applicants whose nationals fall under this category (Referral) are not advised to book flight tickets or make payments for any reservations in Tanzania before they get approval for their Visa. Applicants of Referral Visa are advised to apply at least two months before their date of travel.

Applicants or host Institutions are required to review the List of countries (from our website) which fall under Referral Visa from time to time as there might be some changes.

Note:

Stateless persons and Refugees who hold Vienna Convention documents are also required to obtain referral visa prior to coming to Tanzania.

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VISA FEES

TYPES OF VISA	VISA FEES IN USD
ORDINARY VISA (SINGLE ENTRY)	50
MULTIPLE ENTRY VISA	100
BUSINESS VISA	250
TRANSIT VISA	30
STUDENT VISA	250
GRATIS	NONE

Visa Payment Method

An Applicant can make payment of visa fee online through one of the following methods:

1. By Visa card/By Master card; and
2. By Swift transfer (i.e. depositing money directly into bank account at the bank counter).

After making fee payment, an Applicant will receive a notification that his payment has been received.

How to Apply for a Visa Online

• Visit the Immigration Services Website ()
• Click “e-services” button;
• Select and click “e-Visa Application Form”;
• Fill all required details in the form;
• Upload and attach the applicant’s scanned relevant documents for the Visa;
• Then, the applicant will receive an e-mail message containing User Identification Number (that may be used to track the application online);
• After completion of filling an online visa application form, the applicant will have to pay for a for respective visa fee;
• Upon successful payment, the applicant will submit his application;
• Lastly, the applicant will receive a message of confirmation of his application being received.

For more information please contact the following E-mails:

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it."> This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

OR

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it./This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (For those who wish to visit Zanzibar) 

COUNTRIES WHICH ARE NOT REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR VISA 

There are some countries whose nationals are not required to apply for visa to enter Tanzania. They will undergo immigration formalities at the entry point upon arrival. The list of such countries is shown below:

• Antigua & Barbuda
• Anguilla
• Ashmore & Certie Island
• Bahamas
• Barbados
• Bermuda
• Belize
• Brunei
• British Virgin Island
• British Indian Ocean Territory
• Botswana
• Cyprus
• Cayman Island
• Channel Island
• Cocoas Island
• Cook Island
• Christmas Island
• Dominica
• Falkland Island
• Gambia
• Ghana
• Gibraltar
• Grenada
• Guernsey
• Guyana
• Heard Island
• Hong Kong
• Isle of man
• Jamaica
• Jersey
• Kenya
• Kiribati
• Lesotho
• Malawi
• Montserrat
• Malaysia
• Madagascar
• Malta
• Mauritius
• Macao
• Mozambique
• Nauru
• Naue Island
• Norfolk Island
• Namibia
• Papua new Guinea
• Rwanda
• Romania
• Ross Dependency
• Samoa
• Seychelles
• Singapore
• Solomon Island
• South Sudan
• Swaziland
• St. Kitts&Navis
• St. Lucia
• St. Vicent
• St. Helana
• South African Republic
• Trinidad & Tobago
• Turks & Caicos
• Tokelan
• Tonga
• Tuvalu
• Vanuatu
• Uganda
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe

Note:

Possession of a Visa for United Republic of Tanzania does not provide automatic right of entry for the holder into the Country. The Immigration Officer at the port of entry may refuse entry to any person, if he is satisfied that such a person is unable to fulfil the immigration requirements or that such person's presence in the United Republic of Tanzania would be contrary to national interests or security.

PASSES

There are various kinds of Passes as described below:

DEPENDENT PASS

This Pass may be issued to;

• Dependent wife;
• Children;
• Near relatives.

REQUIREMENTS FOR DEPENDANT PASS

• Application form dully filled;
• Security Bond form dully filled (attached with stamp duty worth 500 TSH) form Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA);
• Copy of applicant’s valid passport;
• Passport copy of the dependant;
• Covering letter;
• Copy of marriage certificate for dependant wife;
• Five passport size photographs;
• In case of renewal- previous Dependant Pass should be attached;
• Copy of Birth Certificate for dependent children
• Copy of Birth Certificate if the dependant is a parent;

NOTE

A male child who is above 18 years old is not entitled to be dependent.

IN TRANSIT PASS

This pass may be issued to a foreigner for the purpose of passing through the United Republic of Tanzania to a destination outside the United Republic. Validity of the In-transit Pass shall not exceed seven days.

A SPECIAL PASS

This Pass may be issued to a foreigner living in or entering the United Republic of Tanzania in order to afford him an opportunity to apply for and obtain a Residence Permit or Pass or complete any immigration formality.

A VISITORS PASS

This Pass may be issued to a prospective visitor to the United Republic of Tanzania for the purpose of:-

• Spending holidays
• Travelling or
• Attending court
• Obtaining medical treatment or
• Any other sufficient reasons.

NOTE: The validity of Visitors pass shall not exceed 90 days or six months for citizens of the EAC Member States.

 RE-ENTRY PASS

Re- entry pass may be issued to any person lawfully entitled to re- enter the United Republic of Tanzania after a journey to any place outside Tanzania.

A Re-entry Pass shall be valid for such period not exceeding the period of the validity of Residence Permit.

BUSINESS PASS

Business Pass may be issued for single or multiple entries to a person from the country whose nationals do not require Visa to enter the United Republic of Tanzania for the purpose of temporarily conducting business, trade, profession or assignment. The validity of Business Visa is three months and it is non- extendable.

MIGRANT PASS

Migrant Pass is issued to persons of African descent from neighbouring countries who migrated into the United Republic before 1972 and continues to reside without having a passport or identification from their countries of origin.

STUDENT’S PASS 1        

Student’s Pass 1 is issued to any person studying in approved training establishments in the country including children of persons legally residing in the country who are above the age of 18 years.

STUDENT’S PASS 2

Student’s Pass 2 is issued to children of persons legally residing in the country who are below the age of 18 years and have not been endorsed in their parents Residence Permits.

FEES FOR PASSES

                               Fees for Passes Depending on the Category

Pass	Fees in USD	Fees for E.A countries	Fees in TSH
Dependant Pass	500	150
Dependant pass for foreigner wife married to Tanzanian husband	-	-	100,000
Business Pass	200	100
Re- entry pass	50	50
Special pass	600	600
Student Pass1	200	Gratis

Student Pass 2	100	Gratis
Migrant pass	-	-	10,000

EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE

Exemption Certificate is issued to:

• Diplomats;
• Wife and dependant children of the Diplomats;
• Foreign Expatriates involved in the Government projects;
• Students from the EAC Member States;

NOTE: No fee is paid for the Exemption Certificate.

REQUIREMENTS FOR EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE

• Covering letter from a given institution;
• Application form dully filled;
• Letter from President’s Office Public Service Management (Not applicable for E.A students);
• Copy of Work Permit from the Office of Labour Commissioner (Exemption);
• Passport copy;
• 5 passport copy;
• Curriculum Vitae;
• Academic Certificates;
• In case of renewal, previous exemption certificate should be attached.

EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE FOR EAST AFRICAN STUDENTS

• Covering letter from registered University/college/institute;
• Application form dully filled;
• Passport copy;
• Admission letter from University /College/Institute;
• 5 passport size;
• Academic certificates;
• Previous Exemption Certificate- in case of renewal.

REQUIREMENTS FOR FAMILY MEMBERS IN EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE

• Passport copy of Dependant;
• Copy of marriage certificate for dependant wife;
• Copy of Birth Certificate for children.

end faq

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