Tanzania, known for its beauty and diversity, now offers an e-visa to simplify travel. This modernizes the process, making Tanzania more tourist-friendly. Citizens from over 50 countries can apply for a single-entry e-visa online, valid for up to three months and usable at any port of entry.
Knowing your visa needs in advance streamlines your arrival process in Tanzania. It can prevent application rejections due to missing documents or incorrect visa types and helps you factor visa fees into your travel budget.
All documents must be in English or Swahili. An e-visa streamlines the application process, allowing you to handle everything from home.
Familiarize yourself with Tanzania e-Visa details to set the stage for a stress-free Tanzanian adventure.
Tanzania e-Visa Essentials
Regardless of the type or duration of the e-Visa, certain things are always required. Here are the essentials for any Tanzania e-Visa application:
A fast internet connection: Stable internet is essential for a smooth Tanzania e-Visa Application to avoid submission failures and delays. Use a reliable connection or visit a cyber cafe.
Online Application: The Tanzania e-Visa process requires completing an online application form.
Visa fee: After completing the application, pay the e-Visa fee, which varies by visa type and processing speed. Payment options include credit or debit cards (Visa/ Mastercard) and possibly PayPal.
Email address: When submitting your e-Visa application, please use a working email address. You'll receive updates (approval, rejection, tracking link) through this email.
Clearly scanned copies of the required documents: Unclear scans may be rejected, causing delays in your application.
Onward Travel Requirements: You may need to show proof of departure from Tanzania, such as a return flight or onward travel booking.
Accommodation: For certain visa applications, you might need to provide proof of booked accommodation for your stay in Tanzania.
Mandatory eVisa Application Requirements
Although requirements vary by visa type, there are certain mandatory requirements for all types of e-Visas to Tanzania:
Passport Bio Page – A clear scanned copy of the passport's biographical page.With at least 6 months of validity from the arrival date.
Photo – A recent passport-sized photograph.
Return Ticket – Proof of a return or onward travel ticket.
Tanzania Ordinary/ Tourist (single entry visa)
Travellers seeking to explore Tanzania can easily obtain a single-entry visa valid for up to 3 months. This visa allows visitors to engage in various activities, including sightseeing, visiting loved ones, and immersing themselves in cultural events. Along with the Mandatory requirements as stated above, the Tanzania Ordinary visa also requires certain additional documents.
Here are the Additional Requirements for an Ordinary Visa based on your Purpose:
Purpose: Visiting Friends or Relatives
Passport or National ID of Host – A copy of the passport (for a Tanzanian citizen) or a resident permit (for a foreign resident in Tanzania).
Invitation Letter – A formal invitation from the host in Tanzania, stating the purpose and duration of the visit.
Purpose: Meetings & Workshops
Invitation Letter – A formal invitation from the hosting organization.
Business License – A valid business license of the inviting entity.
Other Relevant Documents
Purpose: Exhibition and Trade Fairs Organized by Government & Private Institutions
Invitation Letter – A formal invitation from the organizing institution.
Purpose: Humanitarian and Charity Activities
Invitation Letter – A formal invitation from a legally registered institution, company, university, or college.
NGO’s Registration Certificate
Certificate of Registration – A valid registration certificate of the inviting organization.
Purpose: Health Treatment
Passport or National ID of Host – A copy of the host’s passport (for a Tanzanian citizen) or resident permit or a Valid visa (for a foreign resident in Tanzania).
Medical Report – A document from a recognized medical institution outlining the treatment required.
Purpose: Family Visit
Passport or National ID of Host – A copy of the host’s passport (for a Tanzanian citizen) or resident permit (for a foreign resident in Tanzania).
Marriage Certificate (for Spouse) – Proof of relationship for a spouse visiting their partner.
Birth Certificate (for Child) – Proof of relationship for a child visiting their parents.
Tanzania Business Visa
Obtaining a Tanzania business visa can be complex and time-consuming. Unlike a work visa, it is for temporary business ventures.
Here's what you'll generally need to secure a Business visa for Tanzania:
A copy of your valid passport (biographic data page)
A return flight ticket
A recent passport photo
Depending on the exact purpose, also prepare:
Purpose: Technical Activities with Registered Private Companies/Institutions
Copy of Registration Certificate or Certificate of Incorporation/Compliance – Proof of the company’s legal registration.
Invitation Letter – A formal invitation from a legally registered institution, company, university, or college.
Contract for Service – A signed agreement outlining the services to be provided.
Purpose: Business Consultants
Invitation Letter – A formal invitation from the host organization.
Copy of Registration Certificate or Certificate of Incorporation/Compliance – Proof of the inviting entity’s legal registration.
Purpose: Academic Purposes
Invitation Letter – A formal invitation from the academic institution.
Purpose: Facilitate Trade in Services
Copy of Registration Certificate or Certificate of Incorporation/Compliance – Proof of the inviting entity’s legal registration.
Invitation Letter – A formal invitation from a legally registered institution, company, or university.
Contract for Service – A signed agreement outlining the services to be provided.
Purpose: Setting Up a Business
Applicant’s Letter – A detailed letter from the applicant explaining the nature of the business they intend to establish.
Purpose: Implementation of Technical & Service Contract
Copy of Registration Certificate or Certificate of Incorporation/Compliance – Proof of the inviting entity’s legal registration.
Contract for Service – A signed agreement outlining the services to be provided.
Invitation Letter from Client Institution – A formal invitation from the institution where the contract will be implemented.
Purpose: Business Research
Invitation Letter – A formal invitation from a legally registered institution, company, or university/college.
Permission from a Competent Authority – Authorization from the relevant regulatory body for conducting business research.
Purpose: Pre-Skills Test
Invitation Letter – A formal invitation from a legally registered institution, company, or university/college.
Contract for Service – A signed agreement outlining the services to be provided.
Purpose: Managing a Ltd Company
Copy of Registration Certificate or Certificate of Incorporation/Compliance – Proof of the company’s legal registration.
Invitation Letter from a Client Institution – A formal invitation from the institution where the applicant will be managing the company.
While a business visa allows you to conduct business meetings, attend conferences, and negotiate deals in Tanzania, it doesn't authorize actual paid employment within the country. For that to happen, you must obtain a work permit.
Obtaining a Work Permit in Tanzania involves a structured process. Here's a brief outline:
Application Submission: To secure a work permit, your Tanzanian employer will initiate the application process on your behalf. This involves submitting the application to the Ministry of Labour, Employment, and Youth Development. This includes your qualifications, employment contract, and proof of medical fitness.
Approval Process: The Ministry reviews your application, possibly requesting more information or conducting background checks. Processing times vary.
Work Permit Issuance: After approval, you receive a work permit detailing your job title, employer, and employment duration. Application and issuance involve fees.
Tanzania Transit Visa
A transit visa is a temporary permit for travellers with layovers. It allows a brief stay of a few days to wait for a connecting flight. For more details, visit the Transit Visa of Tanzania page.
Here's what you'll generally need to secure a Transit visa for Tanzania:
A copy of your valid passport (biographic data page) and a photo
An entry visa or onward ticket to your intended destination
Application letter explaining the reason for transiting through Tanzania
Tanzania Multiple Entry Visa
Tanzania's multiple-entry visa lets frequent flyers visit multiple times within a year, with a maximum stay of 90 days per trip. Enjoy repeat adventures, but remember each visit is capped at 3 months.
Here's what you'll generally need to secure a Multiple Entry Visa for Tanzania:
A recent passport-size photo
A copy of your valid passport (biographic data page)
A return flight ticket
Additional Requirements by Category:
Category
Additional Requirements
For Directors
Cover letter from your company
Company’s registration certificate or certificate of compliance
Proof of directorship/shareholding (e.g., share certificate)
Consultancy with Registered Companies, NGOs, & Other Institutions
A formal invitation from the registered company, NGO, or institution.
Copy of Registration Certificate or Certificate of Compliance proving the company’s legal registration.
Certificate of Registration – Additional proof of the organization’s legal status.
Passport or National ID of Host
Return Ticket
For Regular Family Visit
Invitation letter from the spouse or child you are visiting
Marriage certificate (if visiting a spouse) or birth certificate (if visiting a child)
A valid residency permit if the spouse or child is a resident or a valid passport or national ID, if appropriate.
Onward or return ticket
For USA Nationals Visiting for Holiday/Tourism
No additional requirements
Others
Authorization letter from Zanzibar's Commissioner of Immigration or the Commissioner General of Immigration
Note:
US Citizens: Travelers from the United States visiting Tanzania for leisure or tourism purposes require a Multiple Entry Visa.
Non-US Citizens: For visitors from countries other than the US, applying for a Single or Multiple Entry Visa depends on your needs. It's recommended to thoroughly review the specific requirements for each visa type to ensure you choose the most suitable option.
Tanzania Student Visa
This visa is tailored for international students pursuing academic studies in Tanzania. It allows you to reside in the country for the duration of your enrolled program, typically up to a maximum of two years. The correct validity period will depend on the specific length of your chosen course.
Here's what you'll generally need to secure a Student visa for Tanzania:
A copy of your valid passport (biographic data page)
A cover letter from the host institution or college specifying the course or field and the duration of the program.
An open return ticket
Visa Fee
The cost of your Tanzania visa depends on two factors: your nationality and the type of visa you're applying for. Visa fees can fluctuate, so it's important to confirm the current rates before submitting your application.
To make this process easier, we offer a handy tool that allows you to instantaneously find the exact fee information you need. To check it out, visit the Tanzania Visa Fee page.
Your Travel Itinerary:
A travel itinerary is a comprehensive schedule of a trip that includes destinations, lodging, activities, and transport details.
When travelling to Tanzania, an itinerary often includes:
Flight details
Hotel bookings
Planned tours, such as safaris in national parks
Visits to Zanzibar and other excursions
Certain Key elements may include:
Dates
Locations
Contact information
Proof of bookings
These elements show a well-prepared trip, enhancing safety and compliance with entry requirements, and are essential for visa applications and border control.
FAQs
For an e-Visa to Tanzania, your passport must typically have at least six months remaining on it after the intended stay. Check the expiry against this to be sure.
A confirmed return flight isn't always mandatory, but it is highly recommended. It shows your intended exit from Tanzania. If you don't have one yet, consider contacting Tanzanian authorities.
The impact of a criminal record on e-Visa applications is unclear. For specific guidance, it's best to consult the Tanzanian embassy or consulate.
Editing options for mistakes depend on the application system. To enjoy an error-free visa application, fill out the Application form; our visa experts will take care of the rest.
Content Disclaimer: Although this information was last updated in May 2025, we recommend verifying with the appropriate agencies, embassies, and airlines to ensure complete accuracy regarding your travel plans.
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