Passport and Visa Verification in Tanzania

Since mid-2018, Tanzanian online visas have been in operation, marking a significant stride by the Tanzanian Government in embracing digitalization. For those aspiring to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, meticulous attention to visa requirements is imperative.

A valid passport, extending at least 6 months beyond the anticipated visit, is a prerequisite. Additionally, travelers must furnish evidence of a return ticket and demonstrate financial sufficiency for the duration of their stay in Tanzania.

Possessing a passport is a fundamental step in obtaining a Tanzanian visa, an obligation for those seeking to explore Mount Kilimanjaro. Travelers bear the responsibility of securing both a visa and a valid travel document, underscoring the need for careful planning.

For citizens of Commonwealth countries such as the U.K., New Zealand, India, the United States of America (USA), Canada, Australia, and most EU countries, a visa is not mandatory for entry into Tanzania. Nevertheless, it is prudent to consult respective embassies and high commissions abroad to ascertain Tanzania visa requirements, ensuring a seamless travel experience.

Tanzania Online VISA Applications for Mount Kilimanjaro

Tanzania has made it easier for those planning to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, go on safaris, or visit Zanzibar islands. Now, you can apply for a Tanzanian visa online, making the process more straightforward and efficient. This online system simplifies the application, ensuring a convenient experience for travelers.

How to Apply for Tanzania VISA Online?

To apply for Tanzania VISA online, follow this link https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa/, fill in the forms, make the payment, and submit your application. Once the government visa agency processes your information, you’ll receive an email confirming your visa status.

Additionally, you can conveniently track the status of your visa through the same online portal, providing travelers with a user-friendly and transparent application experience.

How to Apply for a Tanzania e-visa?

To apply for the e-visa, exclusively utilize the official Tanzania Immigration website. Avoid disclosing your passport number or any sensitive details to alternative visa issuance websites.

The authentic and official E-Visa platform can be accessed solely through the following link https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa/

Referral Visa

While visiting Tanzania, citizens of specific countries may require a referral visa, and the application process can be more intricate, often unable to be completed on-site. Travelers from the following nations are required to apply in advance for a referred visa:

Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Chad, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine, Senegal, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sierra Leone, Syria, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Yemen, as well as Stateless or Refugee Persons.

If your nationality is on the list, it is essential to apply for a referral visa. The processing time for this type of visa can exceed 60 days, emphasizing the need to apply well in advance. Tanzania Immigration recommends booking your flight only after receiving approval for your referral visa.

For those encountering challenges with their visa application, Kilimanjaro Climbing has the expertise to assist visitors in successfully obtaining a referral visa. Feel free to reach out to us if you encounter any difficulties, as we would be delighted to offer our assistance.

Passport Validity

Ensure your passport has a validity of at least six months before traveling to Tanzania. If for instance, if your passport expires in November 2022, plan your earliest departure for May 2022.

Before applying for your e-visa, consider renewing your passport if it will expire in less than six months. This prevents your Tanzania visa from becoming invalid due to a change in your passport number.

How Much Does it Cost for a Tanzanian VISA?

If you plan to climb Kilimanjaro and require a regular tourist visa for your trip to Tanzania, we’ve provided the prices for various types of visas needed for travel in Tanzania.

We recommend applying for your visa well in advance of your Kilimanjaro climb. Take the time to thoroughly read the online Visa Application Guidelines to ensure you are paying for the right visa that aligns with your purpose and reason for traveling to Tanzania.

This helps avoid any complications and ensures a smoother process for your journey.

Where to Obtain a Tanzanian VISA upon arrival?

• In Dar Es Salaam, visit the Office of the Director of Immigration Services.
• In Zanzibar, you can go to the Office of the Principal Immigration Officer.

NOTE; Abroad, apply online at https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa/ or visit a Tanzanian Embassy or High Commission. 

• All Tanzania Entry points, such as international airports, Zanzibar Airport, the port of Kigoma, Horohoro, Sirari, Tunduma, and Namanga.

What is the difference between a Visa on Arrival and an e-visa?

If you find the e-visa process challenging or encounter technical difficulties, don’t worry. If you’re from a country that doesn’t require a recommended visa, you can still get a visa in Tanzania for the same price. Tanzania offers a visa-on-arrival option for citizens of several nations.

For those with an e-visa, the advantage is time-saving upon arrival in Tanzania. E-visa holders can use the immigration “Visa Holder” queue, bypassing additional paperwork and fees, and easily obtaining a visa sticker in their passport.

On the other hand, the alternative process involves more steps, including filling out papers and answering questions to confirm your leisure travel. Following this, you’ll queue to receive an official payment control number and then queue again to pay for your visa in cash. This process may be lengthy, particularly if your flight has many passengers.

If you choose to obtain a visa upon arrival in Tanzania, be prepared with $50 in cash (other forms of payment are not accepted). For US citizens seeking a tourist visa, $100 in cash is required. We recommend having your tour operator’s contact information and the name of your hotel on hand to provide to immigration, facilitating a smoother process.

Pets Licenses and Certifications

Pet licenses and certificates are mandatory and will be required if you opt to travel with pets to Tanzania.

Embassies of Tanzania Around the World Contacts 

Contact information of Foreign Embassies in Tanzania