Getting Tanzania Tourist Visa​

Getting Tanzania Tourist Visa

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Outline

Tourist Visa for Tanzania

Most foreign nationals need a visa to enter Tanzania. Previously, tourists had two options to obtain a tourist visa: to get a visa upon arrival or apply in advance through their nation’s Tanzanian consulate, which required sending their passport away in the mail and waiting for it to be returned. The latter option was less than ideal, time-consuming, and somewhat risky if you’ve ever experienced the postal system losing your passport.

Thankfully, the process has become easier. Now tourists can apply for an Electronic Visa to enter Tanzania as a tourist. Don’t let the prospect of a visa deter you—it is a very simple step, similar to the requirements nearly every nation in the world has for travelers.

The cost of a Tanzanian tourist visa is $50 USD for most travelers and $100 USD for American citizens. Citizens of some countries (such as several neighboring African countries) can enter Tanzania for free without a visa.

To see if your country is exempt from requiring a tourist visa, please check out Tanzania’s official visa exemption list here.

Getting a Visa Online

For convenience and peace of mind, we highly recommend applying for a tourist visa in advance through the official Tanzania Immigration website.

Visit the Tanzania Immigration Department website to complete and pay for your application securely online.

Official online visa guidelines may be found here.

Key Guidelines:

  • US Citizens: When completing your application, select “Multiple Entry Visa” as this is the required option for US tourists. Choose “Holiday and Leisure” as the purpose of travel.
  • Other Nationals: Decide whether a Single Entry Tourist Visa or a Multiple Entry Visa best suits your travel plans.
 

Important Tips:

  • Print all confirmation pages and keep them in a secure place.
  • Upon arrival in Tanzania (typically at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Julius Nyerere International Airport), you will receive an official visa sticker in your passport.

Completing the Online Application Form

  • Only use the official Tanzania Immigration website to complete your e-visa. Avoid sharing your passport number or personal details with unofficial sites claiming to offer visas.

The authentic E-Visa application portal can be accessed here.

Processing Timeframe

  • Allow up to 10 days for your visa application to be processed, so apply well in advance.
  • If your travel is last-minute, you can obtain your visa upon arrival at the airport.
  • Note: Applications should not be submitted more than 3 months prior to your travel dates. Applying too early could lead to complications.

Completing Online Application Form

To apply for your E-Visa, visit the official Tanzania Immigration website. Be sure to use the authentic portal and avoid sharing your passport number or other important details with unofficial sites.

Steps to Apply:

  1. Select “New Application” to start your E-Visa process.
  2. Provide clear and accurate answers to all questions.
  3. Save your application number. Take a photo, screenshot, or write it down for future reference.

If you are unable to complete your application in one sitting, you can return to it using your email address and application number. Simply select “Continue Application” when revisiting.

You can check the status of your application on the Visa Status page, which indicates if your visa is received, in process, or approved.

Important Details:

  • Ensure all information matches your passport, especially if you use different spellings or surnames (e.g., maiden names).
  • Double-check spellings before submitting.
  • If you don’t have a passport photo ready, you can save your application and complete it later.
  • For tourists, select “Holiday and Leisure” as your purpose of visit.

 

Tips for the “Travel Information” Section:

Provide a physical address in Tanzania and the names of your host.

  • If you’re staying in a hotel, select “Hotel” even if part of your stay includes camping or safari lodges.
  • Use the itinerary provided by Shiri Adventures to list the name and address of your first hotel. For example, if you’re staying at Aishi Machame, Moshi, Tanzania before climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, include this information.

Under the Local Host section:

  • Select “Company/Organization” and list Shiri Adventures.
  • Your relationship to Shiri Adventures will be “Tour Operator”.

 

Tips for the “Travel Companions” Section:

  • For minors (e.g., your child), complete this section thoroughly.
  • For group travel (e.g., climbing teams), select “Group or Organization”, but if traveling individually or meeting up in Tanzania, select “Single Adult”.

 

Visa on Arrival vs. E-Visa

If the E-Visa process feels complicated or you face technical issues, you can still obtain a visa upon arrival. However, completing the E-Visa in advance saves significant time at the airport.

E-Visa Advantage:

  • Use the “Visa Holder” line for quick processing upon arrival.

Visa on Arrival:

  • Prepare $50 USD in cash ($100 USD for US citizens).
  • Be ready to provide your tour operator’s contact details and your hotel’s name.
  • Expect longer wait times due to additional paperwork and queues.

Referral Visa

Citizens of certain countries must apply for a referred visa in advance. This process can take over 60 days, so plan accordingly.

Countries requiring referred visas include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Somalia, and others. For the full list, refer to Tanzania Immigration guidelines.

If you need assistance with a referral visa, Shiri Adventures can guide you through the application process and ensure a smooth experience.

 

Passport Validity

Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Tanzania. If your passport’s expiration date is close, consider renewing it before applying for your E-Visa.

For additional questions about visitor visas to Tanzania, feel free to contact Shiri Adventures, we’re happy to help!

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