Visa to Tanzania

Tanzania Visa Application: Commonly Asked Questions

Great news! Your safari adventure has been planned and the anticipation is growing. Tanzania’s breathtaking wildlife, warm and welcoming people, and stunning landscapes are eagerly awaiting your arrival.

"Preparations Before Your Trip"

Now is the time to ensure that all your paperwork is in order. We understand that it may not be the most exciting aspect of your trip, but it is crucial to make sure everything is correct, so your arrival in Tanzania is as seamless as possible. Please read on for more information. Alkebulan Travels has provided the following information to assist you in applying for your visa. We’re always here to help, but it’s important to note that each visitor must apply for their visa well in advance of their proposed visit, follow the correct procedures in their application, and possess a valid visa upon arrival.

The official website for visa applications is www.immigration.go.tz, which also offers contact numbers for further inquiries. It’s essential to note that the only official website to apply for a Tanzania online visa is www.immigration.go.tz. Tanzanian immigration does not recognize or accept any other website or agent that claims to be the Tanzania Visa application centre.

Is a Visa Required for My Trip?

In brief, a visa is necessary unless you possess a passport from the countries enumerated below.

If your country of origin is among these countries, then you are fortunate to be exempt from obtaining a visa. However, if your country is not on this list, it is mandatory to obtain a visa. It is crucial to note that the list is frequently revised, so please verify it before submitting your application to avoid any inconvenience.

Exempted Countries

A	Antigua & Barbuda, Anguilla, Ashmore & Certie Island
B	Bahamas, Barbados Bermuda, Belize, Brunei, British Virgin Island, British Indian Ocean Territory, Botswana
C	Cyprus, Cayman Island, Channel Island, Cocoas Island, Cook Island, Christmas Island
D	Dominica
F	Falkland Island
G	Gambia, Ghana, Gibraltar, Grenada, Guernsey, Guyana
H	Heard Island, Hong Kong,
I	Isle of Man,
J	Jamaica, Jersey
K	Kenya, Kiribati
L	Lesotho
M	Malawi, Malaysia, Madagascar, Malta, Mauritius, Macao Mozambique
N	Nauru, Naue Island, Norfolk Island, Namibia
P	Papua New Guinea
R	Rwanda Romania, Ross Dependency,
S	Samoa Seychelles, Singapore Solomon Island, South Sudan, Swaziland, St. Kitts & Navis, St. Lucia, St. Vicent, St. Helana, South African Republic,
T	Trinidad & Tobago, Turks & Caicos, Tokelan, Tonga, Tuvalu,
V	Vanuatu
U	Uganda
Z	Zambia, Zimbabwe

"Does Having a Tanzanian Visa Guarantee Entry into the Country?"

It is important to note that just like many other countries, having a valid visa for Tanzania does not automatically guarantee entry into the country. The final decision rests with the immigration officer at the port of entry, who may deny entry if they believe the individual is unable to meet the immigration requirements or if their presence poses a threat to national security or interests.

Can I Still Get a Visa on Arrival in Tanzania?

While it is still possible to obtain a visa on arrival in Tanzania, we strongly advise visitors to apply for their visa using the online process through the official website at www.immigration.go.tz. Please note that applying online can take up to three weeks for the visa to be issued, so it is important to apply well in advance.

Recent changes mean that obtaining a visa on arrival can result in significant delays, as visitors have to queue three separate times to

obtain a Government Control Number,
pay for the Government Control Number,
and have their visa checked and issued by Tanzanian Immigration.

If you are entering Tanzania through the five entry points listed below, we recommend that you apply online to avoid the three queues, which can take up to two hours:

Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR)
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ)
Namanga (road border between Arusha & Nairobi)
Tunduma (road border between Tanzania & Zambia)

However, it is important to note that currently, only these five entry points are fully equipped to accept the online visa. If you are entering Tanzania through any other entry point, you should still obtain your visa on arrival. At these entry points, the online visa will still be accepted, but it will take longer to validate and resulting in delays.

Entry points where the online visa should be presented:

Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR)
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ)
Namanga (road border between Arusha & Nairobi)
Tunduma (road border between Tanzania & Zambia)

Entry points where it is preferable to obtain your visa on arrival:

Isebania Border

Which Visa Should I Apply For?

When it comes to applying for a visa for Tanzania, most visitors will need to apply for a single-entry ‘Ordinary’ visa. This type of visa is suitable for tourists who plan on making a single trip to Tanzania and do not intend to stay in the country for more than 90 days. However, if you are planning to make multiple trips to Tanzania, or if you are travelling for any purpose other than tourism, you will need to carefully read the guidelines on the official website to ensure that you apply for the correct type of visa.

It is important to note that US citizens have different requirements for their visas. They must apply for a multiple-entry visa regardless of whether they are making a single trip or multiple trips to Tanzania. Therefore, US citizens should take special care when applying for their visas.

What is the duration of an ordinary single-entry visa?

When you apply for an ordinary single-entry visa to Tanzania, the visa will be valid for 90 days. It is important to keep in mind that this time frame starts from the date of your arrival in Tanzania, and not from the date of your visa application or approval.

Therefore, it is advisable to plan your trip accordingly and ensure that you will be able to complete your visit within the 90-day period.

How Much Does A Visa Cost?

Currently, the cost of a single-entry ‘Ordinary’ visa for Tanzania is $50 USD. If you plan on making multiple entries to the country, you will need to apply for a multiple-entry visa which costs $100 USD. US citizens must apply for a multiple-entry visa regardless of the number of trips they plan to make to Tanzania. It is important to note that these fees are subject to change, so be sure to check the official website for the most up-to-date information on visa fees.

It is also important to note that there are other types of visas available for Tanzania, which have different costs. If you are not a tourist or if you plan on staying in Tanzania for more than 90 days, you will need to carefully read the guidelines on the official website to determine which type of visa you need and how much it will cost.

How Do I Pay For My Visa?

When applying for a visa to Tanzania, you can pay for your visa online by using a credit card. The official website accepts Visa and Mastercard as payment methods. However, it is important to note that some third-party websites or agents may offer other payment options such as ‘SWIFT transfer’. We recommend that you avoid using these options as they can be difficult to trace and may delay the processing of your visa. If your visa is delayed, this could cause problems with your entry to Tanzania, which is why it is important to follow the official guidelines when paying for your visa.

How Can I Check If my Visa Application Has Been Approved?

After submitting your visa application, you will receive a confirmation email with a reference number. This reference number can be used to check the status of your visa application on the Tanzania Immigration website. You can also receive updates on the status of your application via email or SMS if you provide those details during the application process.

It is important to note that visa processing times can vary depending on the type of visa applied for and the volume of applications being processed by the Tanzanian Immigration Department. Therefore, it is recommended that you submit your application well in advance of your intended travel date to allow sufficient time for processing. If your application is approved, you will receive your visa by email. Be sure to check your email and spam folder regularly to ensure you do not miss any important communication regarding your visa application.

If for any reason your application is not approved, the Tanzanian Immigration Department will notify you by email and provide the reason for the denial. In such a case, you may be eligible to apply for a different type of visa or may need to reapply for the same type of visa after addressing the issues outlined in the denial notice.

What Documents Are Required Besides Payment When Applying for a Visa?

When applying for a Tanzanian visa, it is important to ensure that you have all of the necessary documents required to complete your application. One of these requirements is a passport-size photo of yourself, which needs to be in JPG or PNG format with a maximum file size of 300kb. Additionally, the photo should have dimensions of 4.5mm X 3.5mm. It is important to ensure that the photo is of high quality and meets the specifications listed on the official website to avoid delays or complications with your application.

In addition to the photo, you will also need to provide the biographic data page of your passport. This page typically includes your name, date of birth, passport number, and other personal information. It is important to ensure that the page is clear and legible to avoid any complications with your application. Lastly, you will need to provide a copy of your return flight ticket. This serves as proof that you plan to leave Tanzania at the end of your trip and helps to demonstrate that you are not planning to overstay your visa. Make sure that the copy of your return flight ticket is accurate and up to date to avoid any issues with your application. Having all of these documents ready and available before starting the online application process can save you time and prevent complications with your application. It is important to ensure that all of the documents meet the specified requirements to avoid any unnecessary delays.

My Visa Application Has Been Rejected. How Do I Get My Fee Refunded?

If your visa application has been rejected, unfortunately, the fees paid for the application cannot be refunded. Therefore, it is important to ensure that you meet all the requirements and provide all the necessary documents when applying for your visa, to avoid the possibility of rejection and loss of your application fee.

When Should I Apply For My Visa?

While the government website states that a visa application takes 10 days to process, it is advisable to apply for your visa as soon as possible, preferably not less than 30 days before your departure to Tanzania. This will give you ample time to complete the application process, submit all required documents, and allow for any unforeseen circumstances that may delay the processing of your application.

I Am From A Country Which Is Listed Below In The Category Of ‘Referred Visa.’ When Should I Apply For My Visa?

If you are from a country listed in the ‘Referred Visa’ category, it is recommended that you apply for your visa at least 90 days before your intended arrival in Tanzania. It is also advisable to obtain visa approval before making any flight or hotel bookings to avoid incurring non-refundable costs in case of rejection. To apply for a visa in this category, you will need to have a referral letter from Alkebulan Travels, which can be obtained once you have made a deposit for your booking. It is important to check the list of countries in this category before applying, as it is frequently updated to reflect any changes in visa requirements.

There are Several Websites Offering Visas application assistances To Tanzania. Can I Apply Through Any Of These Sites?

There are many websites that claim to offer Tanzanian visas, but we strongly advise against using any website other than the official government website, which is www.immigration.go.tz. Using any other website may result in higher fees, longer processing times, or even scams where you pay for a visa that is never issued. The official website is the most reliable and secure option for obtaining a Tanzanian visa. Please note that if you do choose to use another website, we cannot guarantee the safety or validity of the visa you receive.

I Have Received Confirmation Of The Grant Of My Visa. Do I Still Need A Yellow Fever Certificate?

Yes, you may still need a yellow fever certificate even if you have received confirmation of your visa approval. This is particularly true if you are arriving from or transiting through certain countries. Yellow fever is a serious and potentially fatal disease that is spread by mosquitoes, and Tanzania requires travellers from certain countries to be vaccinated against it. You can find more information about the countries and requirements for yellow fever vaccinations on the website of the Tanzanian Ministry of Health. Even if you have a valid visa, you may be denied entry to Tanzania if you do not have a valid yellow fever certificate. It is important to make sure you comply with all health requirements before traveling to Tanzania.

TANZANIA SAFARI EXPERT

info@alkebulantravels.com

TANZANIA SAFARI EXPERT