Tanzania is one of the most visited countries in East Africa, and visitors from different corners of the world visit with different Tanzania visa types. The country is rich in wildlife and has a thriving tourist industry. Lush beaches on the East Coast, friendly locals, ancient towns, and attractive landscapes are some of the side attractions in the country. If you have ever considered spending your time in East Africa, Tanzania is one of the best countries to live in because it is safe and affordable.
To enjoy Tanzania's brilliant wonders, you may need to apply for a visa from your country before making the trip. Keep reading this article to know whether you need a visa and the types of visas available to foreigners.
Who Needs A Tanzanian Visa?
Persons who are not from visa Exempt Countries need visas to enter Tanzania. The visa is an entry requirement without which the traveler will be turned back at the airport or border crossing. Those who are from visa-exempt countries can enter and stay in Tanzania for a total of 30 days without a visa. Holders of diplomatic passports from Turkey, China, and Brazil don't need visas to enter Tanzania for a limited time. So before deciding on a trip to Tanzania, check the visa-exempt list for your country; if it is not included, you need a visa to visit Tanzania.
Tanzania Visa Types
Now let us look at the different types of Tanzania visas available to visitors.
Ordinary Visa: An ordinary visa is a single entry visa for foreigners coming to Tanzania for tourism, family visits, or to spend their holidays. The visa has a maximum of 90 days of visits for holders. This visa has the following requirements.
Valid passport with bio-data page copy
Return flight ticket
Completely application form
Visa fee receipt
Multiple Entry Visa
A multiple-entry visa is issued to visitors coming for different reasons and is valid for 12 months, but they can only stay for part of the year. The maximum length of stay is three months per visit, and the visa has the following requirements
Valid Passport
A host in Tanzania (optional)
Cover letter detailing the purpose of the trip
Marriage certificate for a married applicant
Return flight ticket
Visa fee receipt
Business Visa
A business visa is for foreigners visiting for business purposes that will not earn them direct pay for their services in the form of wages. This visa has the following requirements
Copy of valid passports
Visa fee payment
Return flight ticket
Transit Visa
The next on the list is a transit visa for applicants traveling to a different country but taking connecting flights at any country's airports. The requirements for transit visas are as follows
Flight ticket
Visa fee receipt
Passport and copy of bio-data page
Student Visa
Tanzania has quite the student population of international students and continues to issue student visas to foreigners coming to study in Tanzanian colleges and universities. Most student visas are at most two years but can be extended depending on the course they are doing. To avail of this visa, one would need to submit the following.
Visa fee payment
Admission letter issued by the Tanzanian institution
Copy of valid passport and bio data page
Gratis Visa
This visa is issued to holders of official and diplomatic passport holders working in Tanzania for their embassies or international organizations. The visa has multiple entry features.
These are the most common visas issued by Tanzanian Embassies to foreign visitors. If you need a different visa than these visas, contact the Tanzanian embassy in your country for more inquiries.
How To Apply For A Tanzanian Visa
Applicants have three options when applying for a visa, and they are as follows.
Apply Online: If you are eligible for an e-visa for a holiday or family visit trip to the country, you can apply online. E visas have short validity; you can get yours in a couple of days after submitting your application. This visa does not require visits to the embassy or consulate in your country.
Port of Entry: People from certain countries are eligible for a visa on arrival at the port of entry; if you are eligible, you may wait until you arrive in Tanzania to apply at the airport or border crossing but check the visa on arrival loss of countries first to be sure.
Embassy or Consulate: Another option is to apply to the embassy or consulate in your country if you are seeking a long-term visa. This option is the only one for applicants from certain countries who are not eligible for visas on arrival or e-visa.
If you want to visit Tanzania anytime soon, be aware of the Tanzania visa types and choose the one that suits your needs.