BEST OF SOUTHERN TANZANIA SAFARI

The name Tanzania conjures up images of wildebeest stampeding across vast savannah, rain forests teeming with monkeys and birdlife, and great plains brimming with legions of game. All of these natural wonders and more are on offer in this exceptionally diverse African nation. Visitors typically visit Tanzania to partake in at least one of the four well-known Tanzanian tourist experiences: a relaxing seaside vacation on the picturesque island paradise of Zanzibar, an underwater tour of some of the world’s most renowned dive sites around the gorgeous Spice Islands, a safari adventure in some of Africa’s most impressive game reserves, or a hiking excursion around Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. Whichever of these incredible holidays you choose, you will undoubtedly be welcomed by some fabulously friendly and peaceful inhabitants who, despite being divided into 120 different ethnic groups and cultures, live in harmony with one another and provide some of the most wonderfully exotic local cuisine you could imagine. With all of this diversity on offer, the most difficult part of your Tanzanian holiday experience is likely to be deciding where to go!

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

• There are two options to obtain Tanzania Visa. These are Online Visa Platform and On-Arrival Visa Platform. This means, after introduction of Online Visa System, Visa are no longer issued at the Embassies;
• The On-Arrival Visa facility may only be used by applicants whose nationalities do not fall under Referral Visa category. Despite having the On Arrival Visa facility, it is recommended for all applicants to use online Visa platform;
• Applicants who wish to use on arrival Visa facility are required to countercheck If their nationalities are not in the list of countries which fall under Referral Visa category;
• Applicants of Online Visa are strongly advised to read carefully the Visa Guidelines before making an application;
• Online Visa applicants are advised to make their applications through the Official Tanzania Immigration website (www.immigration.go.tz) ONLY or directly through the link: visa.immigration.go.tz and Not through any other links;
• Any applicant of Visa is assumed to have read, understood and agreed to the Terms and Conditions available on the Visa Portal and stipulated in the Declaration;
• Applicants must ensure that their passports have a validity of at least six months and at least one unused visa page before submitting their application;
• Applicant is expected to apply for a right category of visa. If the applicant is not sure about the type of visa he/she requires, he/she is advised to seek guidance through the e-mail: info@immigration.go.tz
• Visitors who wish to come for holiday or Tourism are advised to apply for Ordinary Visa. However, holders of American passports who come for holiday or tourism will have to apply for Multiple Entry Visa;
• Applicants who are Not Americans, and wish to apply for Multiple Visa are strongly advised to read carefully and observe the requirements for Multiple Visa;
• Any Visa wrongly applied or which lacks sufficient attachment(s) may be rejected;
• No refund will be made in respect of any rejected Visa application;
• As reflected in the Client Service Charter, the normal Visa applications may be processed within ten days. However, some applications as may be determined by the authority, may call for more processing time;
• After making payments, applicants are required to wait for approval of their Visa before they start their journey, even If the stipulated time frame expires;
• Approval notifications will be sent to applicants’ e-mails. If for any reason, the applicant does not receive an email notification of Visa approval within the specified time, he may download the Visa Grant Notice through the following link: https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa/checkapplicationstatus;
• If the Visa is not issued within the specified time frame, applicant may make follow up through the official email: info@immigration.go.tz;
• The Tanzania Immigration Services Department may give or withhold reasons for rejection of Visa to the applicant;
• Applicants whose nationals fall under Referral Visa category are not eligible for on arrival Visa platform. They must apply Online. Before getting approval of their Visa, they are not advised to pay for flight tickets or hotel accommodation. They may only make flight booking or make hotel reservations; but actual payments should only be done after they get approval for their Visa. Also, such applicants are advised to apply at least 6 weeks before their date of travel;
• The list of countries which fall under Referred Visa may change at any time; therefore, applicants are advised to review this list on our website from time to time
• Visa regulations and conditions may be subject to change at any time without prior notification to the applicants

Note:

It should be noted that the possession of Visa is not a final authority to enter the United Republic of Tanzania. The Immigration Officer at the Entry point may refuse a holder of Visa to enter, if he is satisfied that the holder is unable to fulfil Immigration entry requirements or if the presence of such person or visitors in the United Republic of Tanzania would be contrary to the National Interests.

Also, Visitors MUST show their Return Ticket upon arrival

TYPES OF VISA

There are six types of visa valid for entry into Tanzania

1. ORDINARY VISA (SINGLE ENTRY VISA)

This visa is granted to foreign national for the purposes of Visit, Tourism, Leisure, Holiday, attending Conference, Humanitarian and charity activities, Family Visit, Health Treatment or any other purpose as may be determined by the issuing authority. Its validity does not exceed 90 days for a single entry.

In this case, all visitors who wish to come to Tanzania for tourist purposes are required to apply for this Visa, except USA nationals who are required to apply for Multiple Visa.(due to bilateral agreement between the two countries).

2. BUSINESS VISA

Business visa may be issued for a period not exceeding 90 days to foreign nationals who wish to enter in the United Republic of Tanzania for one of the following purposes:

• To conduct special assignments such as fixing/repairing machines or to run short term training, etc.
• To conduct short time professional roles such as auditing accounts, making feasibility studies, establishing professionals and business contacts, making arrangements for investments during the start-up period etc;
• To conduct any other short term lawful business-related task recognised by the laws of the country and as may be determined by the issuing authority.

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR BUSINESS VISA:

• The maximum validity for business Visa is 90 days;
• Business Visa is issued on a single entry basis. It cannot be used to re-enter the country after the holder leaves the country;
• The Business Visa should not be taken as a substitute for Residence Permit. If for any reason, the activity or assignment for which the guest comes will exceed 3 months, then a guest is advised to obtain Residence Permit instead of Business Visa

3. MULTIPLE ENTRY VISA

Multiple Visa may be issued to American nationals (due to bilateral agreements between Tanzania and America) who wish to come for such purposes like Holiday/Tourism, visiting friends and relatives or attending a conference, as they are not entitled for Ordinary Visa. This implies that, USA passport holders who visit Tanzania for tourism or holiday MUST apply for Multiple Visa even If they come for single entry.

For American nationals who wish to come for business purposes, they are advised to read the Business Visa Section above.

Multiple Visa may also be issued to Directors of Companies registered in Tanzania who do not reside in the country, Persons engaged in Bilateral Meetings, Spouses married to Tanzanians/Residents, Government Consultants, Representatives of International NGOs and any other person as may be determined by the Commissioner General of Immigration or Commissioner of Immigration Zanzibar.

However, Non Resident Directors MUST upload proof showing they are Directors of Company registered in Tanzania. The required proof in this regard is a document from BRELA (This is the Competent Authority responsible for registration of companies in Tanzania) and the document name is called BRELA SEARCH. Therefore, the applicant (in this regard Director) should consult his company and obtain this document to be uploaded in his Online Application for multiple Visa.

Applicants who apply for Multiple Visa under the umbrella of projects or bilateral meetings with the Government Ministries or Institutions, should obtain a covering letter from respective Government Ministries or Institutions, and upload such letters in their applications. Failure to observe this procedure may render their applications to be rejected.

Applicants for Multiple Visa under family visit category are required to upload proof of relationships with their family members. In this case, certificate of marriage (for proof of relationship with regards to spouses) or birth certificates (for proof of relationship with regard to children) is required.

Validity and Stay Duration of Multiple Visa

Multiple Visa may be issued with a validity of maximum 12 months. However, the maximum stay duration is three months. This means, the holder of Multiple Visa cannot stay in the country for twelve (12) consecutive months. Instead, in each visit a holder may stay in the country for a maximum period of three months.

NB:

• Applicants who are not American citizens and who wish to apply for Multiple Visa MUST ensure they possess and upload justifiable documents for respective category of Multiple visa as listed in the Visa Portal;
• Applicants whose countries fall under referral Visa are not advised to apply for Multiple Visa;

4. TRANSIT VISA

This Visa may be issued to foreign nationals for the purpose of transiting through to another destination outside the United Republic for a period not exceeding seven days. The applicant of this visa may be required to provide proof of a Visa of the destination country and/or onward ticket..

NB:
Transit Visa is strictly intended for those travelers whose purpose of entry is just to pass through Tanzania to other country, and cannot be used for tourism or other purposes.

5. GRATIS VISA

This visa may be issued to a holder of diplomatic, services or official passport or Travel Document of recognized International Organization who is on official duty and their Dependents. It can be also issued to a holder of ordinary passport or Travel document as it may be directed by the Commissioner General of Immigration and Commissioner of Immigration Zanzibar.

NB:
Applicants of Gratis Visa who wish to submit their applications online must be holders of Diplomatic Passports, and are required to upload invitation letter from Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, biographic data page and cover page or any page which shows that the passport attached is diplomatic

6. STUDENT VISA

Student visa is granted to foreign national who enters the Country for the purpose of Academic conducts such as Research Students, Intern, Volunteering, Exchange students and Prospective Students who have obtained admission in registered Institutions in Tanzania. The validity of this Visa is categorised in two, the first category is for applicants whose academic programs do not exceed 90 days, for which the visa fee is 50 USD. And the second category is for those whose academic programs exceed 90 days, for which the Visa fee is 250 USD.

Applicants whose countries do not require Visa to enter Tanzania, and who wish to come for academic purposes will have to apply for Student Pass.

NB:
The validity of Visa for applicants who come for language courses will not exceed six months.

There are some countries which their nationals cannot obtain Visa on arrival. These countries fall under the so called Referral Visa Category. The list of these countries is available on our website (in the Visa Information Section), and may be reviewed from time to time.

PROCEDURE FOR REFERRAL VISA CATEGORY:

Applicants from this category MUST submit their Visa applications Online, and should wait until their applications are approved before starting their journey. These applicants are further advised to submit their applications at least 1 month before their travel date. Having an invitation letter or a request letter for visa from the Host is an added credibility of their application. This letter, if available MUST be uploaded in the Online Visa Application and NOT to be sent by email as a separate document. The letter may be uploaded separately or merged with the Itinerary of the Trip and uploaded in the Return ticket field.

If the Visa is approved, the holder MUST come with the actual return ticket upon arrival. If the Host wishes to write a request letter to support his guest’s application, the letter should be addressed to the Commissioner General of immigration, If the guest will visit mainland Tanzania, or addressed to Commissioner of Immigration, Zanzibar, if the guest will be visiting Zanzibar. If the guest wishes to visit both, then the address of the letter should regard the first destination.

NB:

• Applicants whose nationals fall under this category are not advised to pay for flight tickets or make payments for any reservations in Tanzania before they get approval for their Visa
• Also, applicants under Referral Visa Category are Not advised to apply for Multiple Visa.

STATELESS AND REFUGEES:

Stateless persons and Refugees who hold Vienna Convention documents also fall under Referral Visa category, and are required observe the Referral Visa Category procedure indicated above.

HOW TO APPLY FOR A VISA ONLINE:

• Visit the Immigration Services Website (www.immigration.go.tz)
• Click e-services button;
• Select and click e-Visa Application Form ;
• Upload and attach the applicant s scanned relevant documents for the Visa;
• Then, the applicant will receive an e-mail message containing User Identification Number (that may be used to track the application online);
• After completion of filling an online visa application form, the applicant will have to pay for a for respective visa fee;
• Upon successful payment, the applicant will submit his application;
• Lastly, the applicant will receive a message of confirmation of his application being received.

HOW TO TRACK VISA APPLICATION STATUS:

After successfully submitting the application, an applicant may track the progress of his application by using his ID Number, which is given during the application stage. To track the application, applicant will go back to the Visa Application System, then click the Visa Status button.

NOTIFICATIONS:

Applicants may be notified progress of their applications through respective emails they filled while filling their applications online. However, it is recommended that applicant track progress of their applications periodically as described above.

ENQUIRY WHILE MAKING VISA APPLICATION:

An applicant may at any time enquire to seek clarification or guidance regarding Visa process through the following e-mail: info@immigration.go.tz

SUMMARY/IMPORTANT NOTES:

1. All visitors wishing to come for tourist purposes are required to apply for ordinary visa EXCEPT American nationals (USA Passport holders) who are required to apply for Multiple Visa;
2. If an applicant wishes to visit both Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar, he/she is advised to select his first destination while filling the form;
3. The nearby Embassy is regarded as the Embassy closest to where the applicant is while applying for Visa, and If required, the applicant may be called to appear physically to that Embassy for interview;
4. Every Passport holder is required to have his/her own Visa application submitted. In this case, even minors who are filled in their parents’ Visa applications must have their own separate Visa applications submitted;
5. Once Visa application is submitted, no further changes may be done and effected to such applications. If for any reasons there will be some mismatch in information on the issued visa or flight changes which affects the arrival or departure date, the applicant will communicate this to the relevant immigration authority for guidance or assistance;
6. Business Visa is not a substitute for Residence Permit. As such, it cannot be extended nor renewed while the holder is still in the country;
7. Applicants of Multiple Visa who are not USA national are strongly advised to read carefully and observe requirements for each category of Multiple Visa as stipulated in the Visa Guidelines. Any application lacking required attachment(s) will be disqualified;
8. Applicants of Multiple Visa who are not USA national are strongly advised to read carefully and observe requirements for each category of Multiple Visa as stipulated in the Visa Guidelines. Any application lacking required attachment(s) will be disqualified;
9. Multiple Visa is not supposed to be used as a Residence Permit. The holder can stay at a maximum for 3 months in each visit. This does not mean that, a holder should be staying for 3 months, leave for a while and come back for another 3 months;
10. Transit Visa is strictly for applicants who wish to pass through the United Republic of Tanzania to other countries and MUST be supported by onward ticket and Visa (If applicable) to such other country. Visiting Tanzania for tourism for few days does not warrant applicant to apply for Transit Visa;
11. All applicants (travellers) MUST show their return ticket upon arrival.
12. Applicants whose countries fall under Referral Visa are advised to observe the Visa Procedure for Referral visa Category;

Currency 

Local currency: Tanzanian Shilling 
Symbol: TSh 
ISO code: TZS 
Subunit: Cent 
Banknotes: 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000, and 20000 shillings 
Coins: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 shillings 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: No 
Diner’s club: No 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM 
Weekends: Closed 
Public Holidays: Yes (limited hours) 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 
Main airlines: Air Tanzania, Precision Air 
International Airports: Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam), Kilimanjaro International Airport 
Domestic Airports: Zanzibar International Airport 

Road: 
Driving on the: Left 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Yes 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: No 

Bus: 
Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 
Railway system: Limited 
Subway System: No 

Water: 
Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

Food and water safety: 
Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: No 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: Tanzanian cuisine reflects its diverse cultural influences, offering a blend of Indian, Arab, and European flavors. Staple foods include ugali (maize porridge), nyamachoma (grilled meat), pilau (spiced rice), and chapati. Traditional dishes like mshikaki (marinated meat skewers) and samosas are popular street foods. Don't miss trying the Swahili cuisine with its rich seafood dishes. 

Drinks: Notable local drinks include Tangawizi (ginger soda), Tembo (local beer), and Konyagi (a spirit). 

Tipping: 10-15% 

Annual rainfall: Varies by region, averaging around 1,000 mm 
Average temperature: 25°C 

Summer: 
Average highs: 30°C 
Average lows: 20°C 

Winter: 
Average highs: 25°C 
Average lows: 15°C 

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Tanzania is during the dry season, from June to October, when wildlife viewing in national parks like Serengeti and Ngorongoro is optimal. 

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 

General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Plug Type: Type D and Type G 

Voltage (V): 230 

Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50 

*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances