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
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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.