If you are an eligible foreign visitor traveling to Tanzania for tourism, you need a visa to enter the country and to travel between Tanzania and Zanzibar. You can apply for a visa online by completing a simple application form.
All foreigners who want to enter Tanzania must meet the following entry requirements:
A visa allows a foreign visitor to enter and stay in Tanzania for a set period. It is issued to individuals traveling for tourism, holidays, business, health treatment, conferences, or other activities recognized by Tanzanian law.
This visa is single-entry and allows you to stay for up to 3 months for holidays, visits, leisure, health treatment, studies, or other legal activities.
To apply for an Ordinary Visa, you need to provide the following:
This visa is for foreign visitors who need to visit Tanzania often, such as for official visits, government missions, family reunions, or other reasons approved by the immigration office.
It can be given to company directors who live outside Tanzania, family members, representatives under bilateral agreements, and consultants.
This visa is valid for up to twelve months, but you cannot stay in Tanzania for the entire year without leaving. You must leave the country at least once every three months.
Note: The Multiple Visa is not for business visitors. If you are visiting for business, please see the Business Visa section.
Important: U.S. citizens planning to visit Tanzania for tourism or holidays must apply for this visa type.
To apply for a Multiple Entry Visa, you need to provide the following:
This visa may be issued for single or multiple entries to individuals holding diplomatic, service, or official passports, or travel documents from recognized international organizations, who are on official duty, as well as their dependents.
It may also be issued to holders of ordinary passports, subject to approval by the immigration authorities.
This visa is for foreign nationals passing through Tanzania to another country, for up to seven days. You may need to show a visa for your next destination or an onward flight ticket.
An application for a Multiple Entry Visa should be accompanied by the following;
This visa is for expatriates coming to Tanzania for short-term assignments of up to 90 days. It allows entry for the following purposes:
To conduct special assignments, such as repairing machines or running short-term training.
To perform professional roles such as auditing accounts.
To conduct lawful business according to the laws of the country.
You can obtain a business visa at the Immigration Headquarters in Dar es Salaam, the main office in Zanzibar, at entry points, or at Tanzanian consular offices abroad.
An application for a Multiple Entry Visa should be accompanied by the following;
This visa may be issued for single or multiple entries to individuals holding diplomatic, service, or official passports, or travel documents from recognized international organizations, who are on official duty, as well as their dependents.
It may also be issued to holders of ordinary passports, subject to approval by the immigration authorities.
An application for a Multiple Entry Visa should be accompanied by the following;
Nationals of certain countries require special clearance from the Commissioner General of Immigration or the Commissioner of Immigration in Zanzibar before obtaining a visa. These countries are in the Referral Visa Category.
If you are from a country in this category, do not book flights or make reservations in Tanzania until your visa is approved.
It is best to apply for a Referral Visa at least two months before your planned travel date.
There are two ways to apply for a Referral Visa. The first and recommended way is to get permission through your host in Tanzania.
The host sends a request letter to the immigration office explaining your reasons for travel and how long you will stay.
When you apply online, attach your passport photo, a copy of your passport, and the permission letter. Your application will be processed within five working days.
The second option is to apply directly online and attach the following documents:
Note: Stateless persons and refugees holding Vienna Convention documents are also required to obtain a referral visa before entering the United Republic of Tanzania.
Click here to apply online for a Tanzanian visa. If you need help arranging a safari in Tanzania, please contact us.
