Africa has many countries, however, Tanzania is one of its largest states. It is famous for its ideal safari destinations.
Moreover, Tanzania has several natural wonders including Mafia Island, Kilimanjaro National Park, and Zanzibar Beach.
So, if you, as an Indian, want to explore this beautiful country, the first step should be to get a visa. For this purpose, the following article will discuss the application process for a Tanzania visa from India.
In addition, the article will also help you learn about the various types of visas available, the entry guidelines, and the required documents. Moreover, this article from RFV Travels will also aid you in getting a visa for a hassle-free trip by outlining all the details.
What is a Tanzania Visa from India?
A Tanzania visa allows Indian nationals to travel to and within the target country. It is a travel document that permits you to enter the territory of Tanzania for a specific period.
The Tanzania visa has numerous categories depending on the purpose of visiting the foreign land. For example, it may include a tourist visa, business visa, student visa, etc.
Other than that, the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania has introduced two more visa types for foreigners including e-visa and visa on arrival.
E-visa
A Tanzania e-visa allows Indian citizens to visit the destination country for tourism or sightseeing purposes. You can also use it for humanitarian & charity activities, family visits, conference attendance, or health treatment.
Moreover, you can fill out your electronic visa form (e-visa) online by visiting the website of Tanzania Immigration.
This online visa application method can also be used for the different visa types in Tanzania. This means that you are no longer required to visit the embassy to start the process.
Validity
This online visa type is valid for almost three months (90 days) after reaching the target country. Besides, it is used for multiple entries.
Visa on arrival
The Government of Tanzania also allows foreigners to apply for a visa on arrival after arriving at the port of entry in the destination country. However, not every applicant can avail of this opportunity.
For this purpose, you must be a national of the country who does not fall under the Referral Visa category. For instance, these countries are listed below.
- Antigua & Barbuda, Anguilla, Ashmore & Cartia Islands
- Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Belize, Brunei, British Virgin Islands, British Indian Ocean Territory, Botswana, Burundi
- Cyprus, Cayman Islands, Channel Islands, Cocos Islands, Cook Islands, Congo, Democratic Republic (Zaire), Christmas Islands
- Dominica (Commonwealth of Dominica)
- Falkland Islands
- Gambia, Ghana, Gibraltar, Grenada, Guernsey, Guyana
- Heard Island, Hong Kong
- Isle of Man
- Jamaica, Jersey
- Kenya, Kiribati
- Lesotho
- Malawi, Montserrat, Malaysia, Madagascar, Malta, Mauritius, Macao, Mozambique
- Nauru, Niue Island, Norfolk Island, Namibia
- Papua New Guinea
- Rwanda, Romania
- Samoa, Seychelles, Singapore, Swaziland, Solomon Island, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, St. Helena, South Africa, South Sudan
- Trinidad & Tobago, Turks & Caicos, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu
- Vanuatu
- Uganda
- Zambia, Zimbabwe
So now because India is not included in this list, the Indian nationals are not eligible for a visa on arrival.
Types of Visas
The United Republic of Tanzania offers different types of visas to Indians who are traveling to the target state. This depends on their purpose of visiting Tanzania. Here are the common visa types that you can apply for.
Single entry visa
Also known as an ordinary visa, a single entry or tourist visa allows you to travel to Tanzania only one time for purposes including the following,
- Holidays
- Business
- Health treatment
- Studies
- Leisure
Moreover, with this visa, you cannot reside in Tanzania for more than three months.
Business visa
On the other hand, if you want to engage in business activities in Tanzania, you must apply for a business visa. For example, this may include conducting trade, professional meetings, assignments, or business negotiations.
A Tanzania business visa is valid for three months. This means that you cannot stay for more than 90 days and must return to your home country. Besides, this visa is non-extendable.
Multiple entry visa
As the name implies, a multiple-entry visa can be used when you have to travel to Tanzania from India several times within the validity of the visa. You can use this visa for your business or investment purposes.
Ideally, this visa has a validity period that ranges from three months to one year. However, make sure that your single stay does not exceed the 90-day limit.
Transit visa
A transit visa allows you to pass through the United Republic of Tanzania to another destination country. You can apply for this visa through the online application method or by visiting the entry points or borders.
Also, note that to get this visa, make sure that you have the necessary documents. For example, this includes proof of onward travel, sufficient funds, or a flight ticket for the next country.
A transit visa is valid for up to fourteen days only and is non-extendable.
Student visa
Indian nationals can apply for a student visa at any of the educational institutes in Tanzania. You can apply for a single or multiple-entry visa depending on the nature of your program.
Furthermore, the validity of this visa depends on the duration of your educational course, a maximum of two years.
Gratis visa
If you are an Indian citizen who is a part of the UN, AU Laissez-Passer, SADC, and other International Organizations recognized by the Tanzanian authorities, you can travel to Tanzania with a gratis visa. Moreover, make sure that you have either a Diplomatic, Official, or Service passport in this regard.
You can enter the country without paying the application fee.
However, if you are visiting the country for non-official purposes, you are supposed to pay the prescribed fee.
Referral visa
Lastly, citizens of certain countries require clearance from the Commissioner of Immigration (Zanzibar) or the Commissioner General of Immigration before applying for a visa.
Those countries and their nationals fall under this category of referral visa. Therefore, if you are included in this category, it is not recommended to make any reservations or book flight tickets before you get your visa.
Entry Guidelines for Tanzania Visa for Indians
Whether applying for an e-visa or any other visa category, make sure that you read and fulfill the entry guidelines for Tanzania visas for Indians. For example,
- You can get a Tanzania visa through two options. The first is through the online application method. Whereas, the second requires you to apply for a visa on arrival.
- However, not everyone can apply for a VOA except for those nationals who do not fall under the referral visa category.
- In case you are applying for an e-visa, make sure to visit this website instead of any other link.
- You can apply for an ordinary visa for tourism or holiday purposes. However, American passport holders should apply for a multiple-entry visa for sightseeing purposes.
- In case of insufficient submission of documents, your visa will be rejected.
- The deposited visa fee is non-refundable, which means that you will not get it back in case of visa denial.
Documents Required for a Tanzania Visa from India
One of the most important steps of the entire visa application process is the submission of the required documents. Besides, this submission depends on the visa type you applied for.
However, certain standard documents are part of every visa-type application, which are listed below.
Passport
Make sure to submit an Indian passport with a validity period of at least six months after you leave Tanzania. Other than that, your passport must have a single unused page to stamp the new visa sticker.
Also, ensure to attach a copy of the biographical page of your passport.
Photographs
Furthermore, you are required to submit two passport-size digital photos to the relevant authority. However, before applying, make sure that your pictures are according to the set requirements of the Government of Tanzania.
The following are some of the common photo guidelines.
- The photograph must be in color format.
- It must not be older than the last three months.
- Make sure that the picture contains 70-80 percent of your face and shoulder.
- The photo’s background should be white.
- Neutral expressions are required in the case of a professional photo.
- Headgear or any other accessory is not allowed.
- The photo must have a dimension of 35*45mm.
Visa application form
Depending on your visa category, you are supposed to fill out a visa application form. So, make sure that you complete it by providing accurate details. This is because leaving any blanks unfilled will result in visa delay or rejection.
Proof of accommodation
Another important requirement is to show that you have managed your stay in the target country. For this purpose, submit proof of accommodation including a hotel reservation or a rental contract.
Moreover, if your trip is sponsored, you are required to submit an invitation letter from the Tanzanian host.
Travel medical insurance
Purchasing travel medical insurance is not compulsory, but to be on the safe side, you should have this document. This will help you bear unexpected travel and medical expenses.
For example,
- Hospitalization
- Surgery
- Repatriation
- Passport loss
- Flight cancellation
- Loss of luggage
Flight reservation
Lastly, demonstrating your flight details to the relevant authority is a necessary step in the application process. Therefore, you can either reserve a flight or purchase a flight ticket.
This document shows essential flight information including,
- Passenger’s first and last name
- Departure and arrival airport names
- Airport terminals
- IATA codes
- Booking ID
- Destination country
RFV Travels can help you get these documents at the best possible price. We are a well-trusted travel agency with thousands of clients worldwide.
Cover Letter
Writing a cover letter is an art and knowing how to write it properly can affect the outcome of your visa application. So, make sure to include details of your whole trip.
For example, this includes the reason for your visit, your travel dates, the planned itinerary, the place of your stay, your employment status, etc.
How to Apply for a Visa Online?
Follow the steps below to apply for a Tanzania visa online from India.
- The first step requires you to visit the website of the Immigration Services.
- Then, click on the e-services button to proceed ahead.
- After that, select and click on the e-visa application form to start applying for the visa online. This step gives you two options. Either you can start a new application or continue with the previous one.
- Firstly, fill in the basic information to generate a user ID for future application purposes as well.
- Fill out the visa application form. Moreover, upload and attach the scanned copies of the documents required for the specific visa type.
- Once done, you will receive a confirmation message via email. This will help you track your application through the User Identification Number.
- After that, you have to pay the visa fee.
- Review the information and then submit your application.
- You will receive a message upon successful submission of the form.
- Wait for the processing time and you will get your e-visa.
Visa Fees
Applying for a Tanzania visa from India requires you to pay the application fee to the relevant authority as well. However, the standard fee depends on the visa category you have applied for.
- If you are applying for an ordinary visa, you are supposed to pay 100 dollars. This is the standard amount applicable to all foreigners except for Pakistanis (200 dollars), Americans (100 dollars), and Irish (100) in case of a double entry. In addition, non-Indian citizens should pay 50 dollars for a single entry.
- Moreover, the standard fee for a transit visa is 30 dollars.
- The visa fee for a multiple entry visa is 100 dollars for all foreigners. However, this is not the case with Pakistani nationals. They must pay 200 dollars in the name of the Tanzania visa fee.
- Furthermore, a business visa may cost you 250 dollars.
- A student visa may cost Indian citizens almost 100 dollars.
Payment methods
You can pay for the application fee for a Tanzania visa from India by a Visa or MasterCard. Secondly, another method is to submit the fee through Swift Transfer. You will receive a confirmation message after you deposit the dues.
Preparation and Processing Time
The standard processing time for a Tanzania visa for Indians is 5 to 10 working days. However, this is not the case if the application form is incomplete or filled with inaccurate details. Moreover, another factor for extended processing time would be the workload on the immigration officials.
So, make sure to apply ahead before the intended date of your departure from India.
FAQs
- Is it permitted to apply for an extension of an e-visa?
No. You cannot apply for an extension of an e-visa when traveling to Tanzania from India. Therefore, you must leave the country once your e-visa expires.
- If my children are traveling with me to Tanzania, do I need to apply for a visa?
Yes. Your children also need a Tanzania visa if they are traveling with you. The Tanzania visa application has the same rules and requirements that apply to Indian adults and minors too.
- Can Indians get a visa on arrival when visiting Tanzania?
No. Tanzania does not offer the opportunity for a visa on arrival for Indian citizens. So, they cannot get it after reaching the target country. Thus, they must apply for a visa before traveling to Tanzania.
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