Tanzania Embassy & Consulate Guide
Key highlights
- Comprehensive support for Tourist, Business, and Volunteer visas
- Standardised processing for e-Visa and paper-based applications
- Mandatory health documentation checks (Yellow Fever)
- Clear fee structures based on nationality and visa duration
- Professional consular assistance for diplomatic and official travel
- Specific procedures for 'Referral Visa' nationalities
- Guidelines for safe passport handling and return postage
Processing time
5-10 working days
Referral cases for specific nationalities can take 8-12 weeks for approval from Dar es Salaam.
Estimated cost
$70 - $150
- Standard Tourist Visa fee (varies by nationality)$50 - $100
- US Citizen Tourist Visa fee (multiple entry)$100
- Consular processing/service fee$20 - $50
Requirements
- Passport must have at least two blank pages for entry stamps
- Applicants must not have any prior deportation orders from Tanzania
- Tourism applicants must provide a clear travel itinerary
- Business applicants require an invitation letter from a registered Tanzanian company
- Volunteer applicants must provide a letter from the hosting NGO/organisation
- Minor applicants require a notarised consent letter from both parents
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover the duration of the stay
- Payment must be made via the embassy's approved method (usually bank transfer or money order)
- Applicants for a transit visa must show proof of a visa for the next destination
- Valid contact information, including a current phone number and email address
Documents you'll need
- Original passport with at least six months validity
- Two recent passport-sized photographs (white background)
- A copy of the flight itinerary or return ticket proof
- Proof of accommodation or an invitation letter from a host in Tanzania
- Evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statements)
- A yellow fever vaccination certificate (if coming from an endemic country)
- Completed and signed visa application form
- A self-addressed, prepaid envelope for passport return (if applying by mail)
How to apply, step by step
- 1
Identify Your Visa Type
Determine if you need a standard visa or a Referral Visa based on your nationality and identify the nearest Tanzanian mission.
- 2
Prepare Documentation
Complete the official visa application form and gather all supporting documents, including photos and flight proofs.
- 3
Book an Appointment
Check the embassy website to see if you need to schedule an interview or a drop-off slot.
- 4
Submit Application and Pay Fees
Attend the consulate to submit your documents and pay the non-refundable visa fee via the prescribed method.
- 5
Track Your Application
If the embassy allows, use their tracking system or contact them after the typical processing window has passed.
- 6
Passport Collection
Once notified, collect your passport in person or wait for it to arrive via your provided prepaid envelope.
Tips to avoid refusal
- Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your date of entry into Tanzania.
- Do not book non-refundable flights until your visa has been approved and issued.
- If you are a US citizen, remember you must apply for the $100 Multiple Entry Visa even for a short holiday.
- Double-check that your passport photos meet the strict 2x2 inch white background criteria.
- Apply at least 1 month in advance (or 3 months for referral nationalities) to account for any delays.
- Carry a physical copy of your Yellow Fever certificate if you are travelling through an endemic region.
- Ensure all letters of invitation are signed and include clear contact details for the host.
Frequently asked questions
Related visa guides
PermitlyHQ provides informational software tools only and does not offer legal, immigration, or consulting services. Visa policies change frequently — always verify current requirements with the official embassy or consulate before applying.