Tanzania is a beautiful country with stunning views of nature, wildlife, and culture. However, one important formality before you plan your travel is the tourist visa that you have to acquire. In the following blog post, we will explain to you the general steps, the amount of time needed, necessary travel information, e-visa versus visa on arrival, referral visa, and the validity of the passport.

Getting an Online Visa

Applying for an E-Visa

Visas for Tanzania can be obtained online easily for tourists through the Tanzania immigration service. The process of applying for an e-visa is also less complicated compared to other ways of acquiring a visa. Here’s how to get started:

• Visit the Official Website: Visit the website of the Tanzanian e-visa portal using the link, eservices.immigration.go.tz.
• Create an Account: Sign in with your email and set a password for your account.
• Fill Out the Application Form: Fill a web registration form with your real data, travel information, and the aim of your staying. Anyone wishing to plan a Tanzania safari trip should be very clear to indicate this while applying for a visa so that one is classified under the right category.
• Upload Required Documents: A scan of the passport’s biographical page, a passport photograph taken in the last six months, and such other documents as may be necessary.
• Pay the Visa Fee: This can be done through the use of credit or debit cards that are offered online. Make sure that you have the means ready to make payment for the services that you will be receiving.
• Submit Your Application: Once you have made the payment, fill in your application and wait for a confirmation message.

Processing Time

The time it takes for an e-visa to be processed is approximately 10 working days. However, it’s recommended that you should apply for the visa at least three weeks before your intended date of travel, especially if you plan for Tanzania tours and safaris.

Required Time

Application Timeline

Timing is important when applying for a Tanzanian tourist visa in the sense that the visa application may or may not be processed depending on the time of year. Here are some key points to consider:

• Start Early: Start the application process at least four weeks before the intended traveling time so that in case of any complications, you will have ample time to sort them out.
• Regular Processing: Normally, the e-visa is processed for 10 business days from the day of application.
• Expedited Processing: If possible, there should be an option for fast tracking the order so as to reduce waiting time but this may attract some extra charges.
• Visa on Arrival: Nevertheless, visa on arrival is another possibility that can take significant time and lead to hectic queues. This is why e-visa is more preferable, especially for Tanzania Serengeti tours.

Difference between E-Visa and Visa on Arrival

E-Visa

An e-visa is one which is passed through a computer without having to go to an embassy physically. Here are its advantages:

• Convenience: It does not require candidates to apply only from a specific country or region, so long as there is internet connection available.
• Avoid Long Queues: Avoid spending several hours in queues at the immigration office upon arrival.
• Security: This made people confirm their visa status before traveling and thus limit their anxiety.

Visa on Arrival

The Tanzania visa which is issued at the entry port is known as the visa on arrival. Here’s what you need to know:

• Availability: This is available at major entry points such as Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro International Airport and other points of entry/exit.
• Documentation: The documents needed for the e-visa are similar to that of the e-visa, which include passport, photograph, and payment.
• Processing Time: This may result in long queues at immigration especially during the busy season of tourism which in turn could affect your Tanzania safari trip plans.

Choosing the Right Option

In general, obtaining an e-visa is much easier and less complicated than an old-fashioned visa or a visa on arrival. However, if he/she fails in the online application process, a visa on arrival is still a possibility, although not without some challenges.

Referral Visa

A Referral Visa is a type of visa that is granted on the recommendation or invitation of another person or organization.

People from some countries need the referral visa and before they are allowed into Tanzania, their visa application must be endorsed by the Tanzanian Commissioner General of Immigration or the Commissioner of Immigration-Zanzibar.

Application Process

• Check Eligibility: First, it is important to check whether the country of the referent is in the list of countries with referral visas, you can do this on the official website of immigration of Tanzania.
• Submit Application: This application is like the e-visa but may be accompanied by additional papers and take more time for the processing.
• Await Approval: It may take more time than standard e-visa, often reaching several weeks.
• Notification: You will be informed when your visa has been accepted, and you can then travel to Tanzania.

Countries Requiring Referral Visas

Some of the countries that require the referral visa often have higher security measures. It is recommended to always make sure the information you have is up to date by referring to official statement.

Passport Validity

Validity Requirements

Your passport must meet specific validity requirements to be eligible for a Tanzanian visa:

• Minimum Validity: You should have a valid passport for at least six months starting from the date of your entry into the country.
• Blank Pages: Ensure you have at least two blank pages for visa stamps.

Importance of Compliance

If any of these requirements are not met, then you may be barred from entry. It is always important to ensure that your passport is valid before the scheduled travel date to avert any disappointment, especially if you have booked for Tanzania Serengeti tours.

Conclusion

Getting a tourist visa to Tanzania is easy if you have to follow the right procedures and plan for the whole process. Whether you are going for an e-visa to avoid some of the hustle of getting a visa or you opt for a visa on arrival, the following is important to know. Check that your passport has not expired, be truthful about your travel plans, and then decide on the best course of action depending on the situation at hand. You will be ready to capture the spirit, culture, wildlife, geography and allure of Tanzania right from the Serengeti plains to the rooftop of Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro. Travel safely, and have a wonderful time on your Tanzania safari trip and all the other Tanzania tours and safari adventures that are out there waiting for you!