Deep coverage15 verified routes across visit, study, work, investment, family and more.
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Select the passports you hold to see short-stay access and per-route eligibility for Tanzania.
5 routes
Visit
Short stays: tourism, transit, business trips, medical, pilgrimage.
Tourist Visa
Tanzania Multiple Entry Visa
The Multiple Entry Visa allows repeated entries into Tanzania over a validity of up to 12 months, with each individual stay capped at 3 months (the holder cannot remain for 12 consecutive months). It is intended for nationals who by their nature of activity require frequent travel, including company directors, government consultants, participants in bilateral or business meetings, NGO representatives, spouses of Tanzanian citizens, and persons making regular family visits. Crucially, US passport holders wishing to visit Tanzania for tourism or holiday MUST apply for this Multiple Entry Visa even if they intend only a single entry. The official fee is USD 100 and the visa is applied for online via visa.immigration.go.tz. Supporting documents vary by eligibility category (for example director or company documents, government letters, or marriage and birth certificates). The visa does not authorise employment in Tanzania.
Completed online applicationMultiple-entry visa application submitted via visa.immigration.go.tz.
Category-specific evidenceDocuments supporting the eligibility basis: company/director papers, government or NGO letters, or marriage/birth certificates for family categories.
Return or onward ticketOptionalEvidence of confirmed travel.
Visa fee paymentOnline payment of the USD 100 multiple-entry visa fee.
Tourist Visa
Tanzania Ordinary Visa (Single Entry / Tourism)
The Ordinary Visa is Tanzania's standard single-entry short-stay e-visa for tourism, leisure, holiday, visiting friends or relatives, attending meetings, workshops, exhibitions, conferences, and humanitarian or charity activities. It is issued for a stay not exceeding 90 days for a single entry and is applied for online via the official e-services portal at visa.immigration.go.tz. The official fee is USD 50; the Immigration Department warns that any invoice above USD 50 for an Ordinary Visa indicates the applicant used an unauthorised agent or link. A single Ordinary Visa covers both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, so a visitor selecting one destination may visit both without a new visa. US passport holders are excluded from this category and must instead apply for the Multiple Entry Visa even for a single visit. Some nationalities (a published referral list) require a referral visa with prior clearance from Dar es Salaam, which takes longer to process. The visa does not authorise employment.
PassportTravel document valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended date of entry, with blank pages.
Passport photographRecent passport-size colour photograph uploaded to the online application.
Completed online applicationVisa application form submitted via the official e-services portal at visa.immigration.go.tz.
Return or onward ticketEvidence of a confirmed return or onward air ticket.
Proof of accommodationOptionalHotel booking, tour itinerary or host details for the stay.
Visa fee paymentOnline payment of the USD 50 ordinary visa fee.
Tourist Visa
Tanzania Referral Visa (Prior-Clearance Nationalities)
The Referral Visa is required for nationals of a published list of countries whose applications must be referred to and cleared by the Director of Immigration Services in Dar es Salaam (or the Principal Immigration Officer in Zanzibar) before a visa can be issued. The published list includes nationals of Somalia, Lebanon, Bangladesh, Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Syria, Egypt, Jordan, Yemen, Morocco, Tunisia, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Nigeria and other West African nationals, as well as all refugees and stateless persons. Because of the additional clearance, processing can take up to about 6 weeks, and applicants are advised to apply at least two months before travel. The underlying visa is otherwise an ordinary short-stay visa applied for online; the same fee schedule applies. Approval is at the discretion of Immigration and requires review.
Completed online applicationVisa application via visa.immigration.go.tz, flagged for referral to Dar es Salaam.
Invitation or host letterLetter from the host, employer or institution supporting the visit.
Return or onward ticket and itineraryConfirmed travel and detailed itinerary.
Proof of accommodationOptionalHotel booking or host accommodation details.
Transit Visa
Tanzania Transit Visa
The Transit Visa is issued to foreign nationals passing through Tanzania en route to another destination, for a period not exceeding 7 days. Applicants must hold a valid onward ticket and, where applicable, a visa for the destination country. It is applied for online via the official e-services portal. The official fee is USD 30. The transit visa does not authorise tourism beyond the transit period, employment, or any extended stay.
Onward ticketConfirmed ticket to the onward destination.
Destination country visaOptionalVisa for the onward destination where one is required.
Visa fee paymentOnline payment of the USD 30 transit visa fee.
Business Visitor Visa
Tanzania Business Visa
The Business Visa is issued to foreign nationals entering Tanzania for short-term professional assignments not exceeding 90 days, such as installing, repairing or servicing machinery, conducting short-term training, auditing, feasibility studies and similar special assignments. It is a single-entry visa, so the holder cannot re-enter after departing within the validity. The official fee is USD 250 and applications are made online via visa.immigration.go.tz. Applicants must show a contract or proof of the assignment with the Tanzanian host. The business visa covers short business activity but is not a work or residence permit and does not authorise ongoing local employment, which requires a Class B residence permit and a work permit.
Completed online applicationBusiness visa application via visa.immigration.go.tz.
Assignment documentationWork contract, invitation or proof of the special assignment from the Tanzanian host company.
Return or onward ticketEvidence of confirmed travel.
Visa fee paymentOnline payment of the USD 250 business visa fee.
Not yet researched
Medical Treatment Visa
Pilgrimage Visa
3 routes
Study & Training
Universities, language courses, internships and exchanges.
Student Visa
Tanzania Student Visa
The Student Visa is the entry visa for foreign nationals admitted to study, research, internship, volunteering or exchange programmes in Tanzania. The fee depends on duration: USD 50 for a single-entry visa up to 90 days, USD 250 for a multiple-entry visa for studies longer than 90 days (validity up to about 2 years), and USD 550 for language courses (capped at 6 months). Applicants must present a letter from the host institution detailing the course and its duration. For stays beyond the visa period, students must obtain a Class C residence permit (category C, students) from the Immigration Department. The student visa itself is an entry document and does not by itself confer long-term residence.
Study: Enrolment in the admitting institution or programme.
Institution admission letterLetter from the host institution detailing the course or programme and its duration.
Completed online applicationStudent visa application via visa.immigration.go.tz.
Return or onward ticketOptionalEvidence of confirmed travel.
Visa fee paymentOnline payment of the applicable fee (USD 50 short, USD 250 long, USD 550 language).
Student Visa
Tanzania Residence Permit Class C (Students / Interns)
Residence Permit Class C is the residence basis for foreigners admitted for study, occupational training, internships and volunteering, who are not in ordinary employment or running a business. Students and prospective students enrolled at a Tanzanian institution for stays beyond the student visa apply for a Class C permit, while occupational trainees, interns and volunteers fall under the C-5 category at USD 200 (USD 100 for EAC citizens). The permit is granted for up to two years, renewable for the duration of the programme. Applicants must hold an admission or placement letter from the host institution. The permit authorises study or the approved training/volunteer activity but not general employment.
Study: Enrolment and study at the admitting institution, or the approved training/volunteer placement.
Government fee
$200
Processing time
60 days
Validity
730 days
Document checklist (6)
Application form (TIF.8)Completed residence permit Class C application to the Commissioner General of Immigration.
Admission or placement letterLetter from the Tanzanian university, college or host organisation confirming enrolment, internship or volunteer placement and its duration.
PassportTravel document valid for the duration of the permit, with copies.
Proof of funds / sponsorshipEvidence of ability to meet study and living costs, or a sponsorship letter.
Permit fee paymentPayment of the applicable Class C fee (e.g. USD 200 for C-5 trainee/volunteer, non-EAC).
Student Visa
Tanzania Research Visa
The Research Visa is issued to foreign nationals coming to Tanzania to conduct academic or scientific research. According to the Immigration Department visa fee schedule the standard research visa fee is USD 300 with validity around 6 months, while a PhD-level research visa is USD 550 with validity up to about 2 years. Applicants must hold research clearance from the relevant Tanzanian authority (such as COSTECH for science and technology research) and a supporting letter from the host institution. For research stays extending beyond the visa, a Class C residence permit (researcher category, C-1) is required from the Immigration Department.
Study: Academic and scientific research at the host institution.
Research clearanceResearch permit or clearance from the relevant Tanzanian authority (e.g. COSTECH).
Host institution letterLetter from the Tanzanian host institution supporting the research.
Completed online applicationResearch visa application via visa.immigration.go.tz.
Visa fee paymentOnline payment of the USD 300 (or USD 550 PhD) research visa fee.
Not yet researched
Language Course Visa
Internship / Trainee Visa
Exchange Program Visa
1 route
Work & Self-Employment
Digital nomad, freelance, skilled employment and company transfers.
Skilled Work Visa
Tanzania Residence Permit Class B (Specified Employment)
Residence Permit Class B is issued to foreigners who have been offered specific employment by a specific employer and hold the required qualifications and experience (category B-1), and to professionals, technicians and associate professionals from EAC partner states under the EAC Common Market Protocol (B-2). Class B is the immigration residence basis for employment, but it must be paired with a Work Permit (Class B) issued by the Ministry responsible for Labour / the Labour Commissioner; in practice the employer first secures the work permit, then the Class B residence permit is applied for. The non-EAC fee is USD 2,000 (USD 500 for EAC citizens). The permit is granted for a maximum of two years, renewable in line with the work permit and employment contract, with cumulative duration ordinarily not exceeding eight years.
Work: Authorises the specific employment with the named employer; requires a separate Ministry of Labour work permit.
Family: Spouse and dependent children may apply for dependant residence permits tied to the employee.
Government fee
$2,000
Processing time
60 days
Validity
730 days
Document checklist (8)
Application form (TIF.7)Completed residence permit Class B application to the Commissioner General of Immigration.
Work Permit (Class B)Valid work permit issued by the Ministry of Labour / Labour Commissioner for the same employment.
PassportTravel document valid for the duration of the permit, with copies.
Employment contractContract or letter of offer from the specific employer stating role, salary and duration.
Qualifications and CVCertified academic and professional certificates and curriculum vitae.
Employer documentsEmployer registration, tax clearance and succession/localisation plan as required.
Permit fee paymentPayment of the USD 2,000 (non-EAC) Class B fee.
Not yet researched
Digital Nomad Visa
Freelancer Visa
Self-Employment Visa
Startup / Entrepreneur Visa
Seasonal Work Visa
Intra-Company Transfer Visa
2 routes
Invest & Capital
Golden visas, real estate, citizenship by investment, passive income.
Residence by Real Estate
Zanzibar Investor Residence Permit (Class C-11)
Available
Buyers of ZIPA-approved Zanzibar villas or apartments worth at least US$100,000 receive a 2-year residence permit, renewable indefinitely while the property is held, covering spouse and dependent children.
Tanzania Residence Permit Class A (Investor / Self-Employed)
Residence Permit Class A is issued to foreigners who intend to invest in or independently operate a business in Tanzania, across categories such as mineral prospecting/mining (A-1), large-scale investment, trade and businesses including agriculture (A-2), professional and consultancy services (A-3), small-scale commerce, artisanship, fishing or farming (A-4), and diaspora investors (A-5). The standard non-EAC fee is USD 3,000 for categories A-1 to A-3 and USD 1,000 for A-4 and A-5; East African Community citizens pay reduced fees (USD 1,500 for A-1 to A-3, USD 500 for A-4). The permit is granted for a maximum of two years and is renewable, with cumulative duration ordinarily not exceeding eight years and tied to the validity of any business licence. Large investments are typically channelled through the Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) certificate of incentives. The permit confers the right to carry on the approved investment or business; it is the residence basis for investors and the self-employed.
Work: Authorises the approved investment or self-employed business activity.
Family: Spouse and dependent children may apply for dependant residence permits (Class C / derivative) tied to the principal.
Government fee
$3,000
Processing time
60 days
Validity
730 days
Document checklist (7)
Application form (TIF.6)Completed residence permit Class A application to the Commissioner General of Immigration.
PassportTravel document valid for the duration of the permit, with copies of the bio-data page.
Business registration / TIC certificateCertificate of incorporation, business licence and, for major investments, a Tanzania Investment Centre certificate of incentives.
Proof of capital / investmentEvidence of the capital invested or to be invested and bank statements.
Tax clearanceOptionalTRA tax identification and clearance where the business is operating.
Permit fee paymentPayment of the applicable Class A fee (e.g. USD 3,000 for A-1 to A-3, non-EAC).
Not yet researched
Golden Visa (Residence by Investment)
Citizenship by Investment
Non-Lucrative / Passive Income Visa
1 route
Retire & Lifestyle
Retirement visas and working holiday schemes.
Retirement Visa
Tanzania Residence Permit Class C (Retired Persons)
Residence Permit Class C category C-2 is issued to retired foreign nationals who wish to reside in Tanzania without engaging in employment or business. The fee is USD 500 for non-EAC nationals (USD 250 for EAC citizens). The permit is granted for up to two years and is renewable. Applicants must demonstrate a stable retirement income or pension and the means to support themselves, along with health cover and accommodation. The permit does not authorise employment or business activity.
Family: An accompanying spouse may apply for a derivative Class C permit.
Government fee
$500
Processing time
60 days
Validity
730 days
Document checklist (7)
Application form (TIF.8)Completed residence permit Class C application to the Commissioner General of Immigration.
Proof of pension / retirement incomeEvidence of a regular pension or other stable income sufficient for self-support.
Bank statementsRecent bank statements showing financial means.
PassportTravel document valid for the duration of the permit, with copies.
Health insurance / accommodationOptionalEvidence of medical cover and secured accommodation in Tanzania.
Permit fee paymentPayment of the USD 500 (non-EAC) C-2 fee.
Not yet researched
Working Holiday Visa
1 route
Family & Origin
Reunification, spouse routes and ancestry-based repatriation.
Dependent Relative Visa
Tanzania Dependant Residence Permit (Spouse / Children)
Dependants of a foreign national holding a valid Tanzanian residence permit (Class A investor, Class B employee, or another Class C holder) may obtain a derivative residence permit under Class C tied to the principal permit holder. This covers a spouse and dependent children. The permit is granted for up to two years and is renewable in line with the principal's permit. Fees follow the Class C schedule (commonly the USD 200 minor-category fee for non-EAC dependants, with the exact category assigned by Immigration). Applicants must prove the family relationship and the principal's valid permit. The dependant permit does not by itself authorise employment, for which a separate Class B residence and work permit would be required.
Study: Dependent children may attend school; tertiary study may require a student permit.
Family: Covers the spouse and dependent children of the principal permit holder.
Government fee
$200
Processing time
60 days
Validity
730 days
Document checklist (7)
Application form (TIF.8)Completed residence permit Class C dependant application to the Commissioner General of Immigration.
Proof of relationshipMarriage certificate for a spouse or birth certificate for children, certified/translated as required.
Principal's residence permitCopy of the valid residence permit of the principal holder being joined.
PassportDependant's travel document valid for the duration of the permit, with copies.
Proof of supportEvidence the principal can support the dependant (income / bank statements).
Permit fee paymentPayment of the applicable Class C dependant fee.
Not yet researched
Family Reunification Visa
Spouse / Partner Visa
Ancestry / Repatriation
2 routes
Special Categories
Talent, religious, humanitarian, media, official and permanent residence.
Religious Worker Visa
Tanzania Residence Permit Class C (Missionaries / Religious Activities)
Residence Permit Class C category C-3 is issued to foreign missionaries and persons engaged in approved religious activities in Tanzania. The fee is USD 200 for non-EAC nationals (USD 100 for EAC citizens). The permit is granted for up to two years and is renewable while the religious assignment continues. Applicants must be sponsored by a registered religious organisation and provide a letter detailing the role and its duration. The permit authorises the approved religious work but not other employment.
Work: Authorises the approved religious activity only; not general employment.
Family: Dependants may apply for derivative Class C residence permits.
Government fee
$200
Processing time
60 days
Validity
730 days
Document checklist (6)
Application form (TIF.8)Completed residence permit Class C application to the Commissioner General of Immigration.
Sponsorship letterLetter from a registered Tanzanian religious organisation detailing the role and duration.
Religious organisation registrationCertificate of registration of the sponsoring religious body.
PassportTravel document valid for the duration of the permit, with copies.
Permit fee paymentPayment of the USD 200 (non-EAC) C-3 fee.
Official / Diplomatic Visa
Tanzania Gratis Visa (Diplomatic / Official)
The Gratis Visa is a free-of-charge visa issued to holders of diplomatic or official/service passports and their dependents, representatives of international organisations, and other persons as directed by the Commissioner General of Immigration Services. It is applied for through the official e-services portal and supported by a note verbale or official authorisation. Validity and conditions follow the authorising instrument. The visa does not by itself authorise private employment.
Family: Dependents of diplomatic/official passport holders may be included.
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