Which visa for Tanzania and Zanzibar?

Tanzania and Zanzibar are popular destinations for travelers from all over the world. Whether you want to discover wild animals on safari in Tanzania or enjoy the heavenly beaches of Zanzibar, it's essential to be well prepared for your trip. Among the formalities to be completed, obtaining a visa is often necessary.

e-Visa for Tanzania and Zanzibar : How does it work?

Since 2018, the Tanzanian government has introduced an electronic visa system called e-Visa. This document allows travelers to stay in Tanzania and Zanzibar for up to 90 days. The e-Visa offers several advantages:

  • There's no need to go to the embassy or consulate;
  • The application process is quick and simple;
  • Visa fees are paid online by credit card.

To apply for an e-Visa, simply go to the official Tanzanian government website or via an intermediary agency, fill in the online application form, pay the visa fee and wait for a reply. In general, e-Visa applications take between 2 and 3 weeks to process.

Documents required for e-Visa

To obtain an e-Visa for Tanzania and Zanzibar, it is necessary to provide certain documents when applying online. Here is the list of documents to be enclosed:

  • A passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of entry into Tanzania;
  • A recent passport photo;
  • Round-trip air ticket or confirmed reservation;
  • If applicable, a letter of invitation or sponsorship;
  • Proof of payment of visa fees.

Please note that documents must be scanned and sent in electronic format when applying for an e-Visa.

Specialized visa agencies for Tanzania and Zanzibar

If you don't want to use the e-Visa system, or if your nationality doesn't allow you to benefit from this system, you can use an agency specialized in visa applications for Tanzania and Zanzibar. These private agencies take care of all the formalities involved in obtaining a visa from the Tanzanian and Zanzibar authorities. They generally offer a fast, personalized service, but visa fees may be higher than for an e-Visa application.

How do I choose an agency?

Here are a few tips to help you choose the right visa agency for Tanzania and Zanzibar:

  • Check that the agency is registered with the relevant authorities;
  • Compare the rates offered by several agencies;
  • Read reviews and testimonials from other travelers who have used the agency's services;
  • Make sure the agency has a customer service department that is accessible and responsive in the event of a problem or question.

Don't hesitate to ask for a detailed quote to find out the total cost of the service before committing yourself to an agency.

Nationalities concerned by the visa requirement for Tanzania and Zanzibar

Most nationalities require a visa to enter Tanzania and Zanzibar. However, there are some exceptions. Here are the main categories of travellers according to nationality:

Visa-exempt nationalities

Nationals of certain countries are exempt from visa requirements when entering Tanzania and Zanzibar. These include members of the East African Community (Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi) and certain SADC countries (South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, etc.).

Nationalities eligible for e-Visa

The list of nationalities eligible for e-Visa is regularly updated by the Tanzanian authorities. Among the countries concerned are members of the European Union, the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Nationalities requiring a visa issued by an embassy or consulate

Some countries require a visa from a Tanzanian embassy or consulate prior to departure. This applies in particular to nationals of Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nigeria and Somalia.

It is advisable to check the entry requirements for Tanzania and Zanzibar for your nationality before planning your trip, as these are subject to change without notice.

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