March 22, 2019 — You dream of embarking on a safari in Tanzania? Or perhaps you'd rather unwind on the paradisiacal islands of Zanzibar? Great news: Tanzania's immigration service unveiled, just a few months ago, an online visa procedure designed to streamline the application process and boost the country's tourism sector. And English-speaking nationals are among the fortunate beneficiaries of this program! Here's everything you need to know about the formalities for Tanzania's e-visa…

An Initiative to Facilitate Access for Foreign Visitors

Since November 26, 2018, travelers wishing to stay in Tanzania can now apply for a visa online. This innovation reflects the government's commitment to developing the country's tourism sector. When officially launching the platform, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa described this initiative as a means to facilitate access for foreigners and promote Tanzania's investments.

There's also the time saved in bureaucracy. Indeed, this decision also aims to strengthen the country's security. By transitioning to digital systems, the immigration department is adopting the government's policy of using information and communication technologies in its operations for better monitoring.

The Different Types of Visas

If you wish to benefit from an e-visa, you'll need to choose the type of stay you'd like during your trip to Tanzania. Several options are available to you:

• Tourist visa: This is the standard visa that allows you to stay in Tanzania for a maximum period of 3 months. It is issued for a single entry for tourist and leisure stays for vacation, tourism, short-term health care, or any other activity recognized by the law of the United Republic of Tanzania. The cost is $50.

• Multiple entry visa: This is intended for people who need to travel to Tanzania frequently due to the nature of their activities or circumstances. This type of visa is valid for 12 months but requires the holder to leave the country at least every 3 months. The cost is $100.

• Transit visa: As the name suggests, this visa is issued for those who wish to transit through Tanzania before heading to another destination. It allows you to stay in the country for a period of 7 days and is only granted if the applicant has a visa for the destination country. The cost is $30.

• Business visa: This type of visa is for those who wish to conduct legitimate business in accordance with the country's laws. To obtain it, you must have an invitation letter from the company you're visiting and present a business mission order upon arrival. The cost is $250.

What Are the Steps to Obtain a Visa?

Applying for a visa is straightforward. Visit the official website of Tanzania's immigration service to complete your registration. Once you've determined the visa type, simply provide the necessary documents (invitation letter and mission order for a business visa, proof of hotel reservation and return airline ticket for a tourist visa). In any case, you must provide a copy of your passport, an identity photo, and complete a form according to the visa type you've chosen. Electronic visa fees are paid online via credit card or bank transfer.

For your information, visas are typically issued within 3 days. The eligible entry points are Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam (JNIA), the Namanga land border post (Kenya border), and the Tunduma land border post (Zambia border).

Good to know: When applying for your visa, you'll need to choose between a trip to mainland Tanzania or a stay in the Zanzibar archipelago! Plan your application accordingly…

Lastly, know that while e-visas save time and simplify procedures for everyone, it's still possible to apply for a visa the traditional way, namely at the Tanzania Embassy or even on-site at international airports upon arrival (Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, and Kilimanjaro).

Florine Dergelet

Florine Dergelet — A web writer for over 10 years, Florine Dergelet is a traveler driven by the desire to discover the world with an open heart. Each of her articles is an invitation to slow down, to listen, to understand. For her, traveling is not about ticking countries off a map, but about forging connections (often invisible yet always powerful) with places, peoples, and all manner of wildlife. Her philosophy? Advise travelers with integrity, raise their awareness about animal welfare, respect for cultures, and the importance of humble and sustainable tourism. Because the most beautiful memories are often born far from the spotlight, in the shadow of a path, in the midst of a conversation, or in the quiet breath of a world we finally take time to truly listen to…