Business visa to Tanzania: registration, terms and documents

 Yes, most foreign nationals need to obtain a business visa before entering Tanzania. There is a visa-free regime only for a limited list of countries. Even short-term business trips require separate permission. Violation of visa rules can lead to deportation or a ban on re-entry.

 A special Business Visa is issued for business purposes. It is intended for participation in negotiations, conferences, business meetings, and short-term training. The visa does not allow engaging in paid employment.

 The validity of the visa is up to 90 calendar days. The count starts from the date of first entry into the country. The visa is not multiple entry, and re-entry will require a new permit. If you need to stay longer, it is advisable to arrange an extension in advance with the immigration service.

Obtaining a business visa upon arrival is not possible. All documents must be arranged in advance before the trip. Business visas are not issued at airports in Tanzania, even with an invitation. Exceptions are possible only for diplomatic passports and under special agreements. Violation of the requirements can lead to denial of entry.

You need to apply. The process includes uploading documents, paying the fee, and filling out the form. The response arrives by email within a few business days. After approval, the visa is sent in PDF format. It is important to print it out and present it upon entry.

Required are a copy of the foreign passport, digital photo, invitation from a Tanzanian company, letter from your organization, flight reservation, and accommodation confirmation. The invitation must be in English and include the purpose of the visit. All documents are uploaded electronically. Additional materials may be required at the request of immigration authorities. Without a complete set of documents, the application will be rejected.

The business visa does not grant the right to employment in Tanzania. It is suitable only for business meetings, negotiations, and short-term professional activity. A special work permit is required for work under contract. Violation of visa conditions can lead to deportation. It is important to adhere to the declared purpose of the trip.

In standard mode, processing takes from 7 to 10 business days. Urgent submission is possible only by agreement with the visa center. The term may increase with an incomplete set of documents. It is recommended to apply at least 2 weeks before the trip.

 Extension is possible only on the territory of Tanzania if there is a valid reason. You must apply to the immigration service in Dar es Salaam. The decision is made individually, and a positive response is not guaranteed. It is better to initially request a visa for the full necessary term. The extension takes several working days.

Yes, confirmation of accommodation is a mandatory document when applying. This can be a hotel reservation or an invitation from the host side. Without these data, visa processing is not possible. The accommodation address must match the one stated in the form. Checks may be conducted upon arrival.

The passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Tanzania. It must contain at least one blank page. Otherwise, a refusal is possible. It is also recommended to scan all pages containing visas and stamps. Damaged documents are not accepted.

It is not included in the list of mandatory requirements. However, it is strongly recommended to have insurance in case of illness or accident. This is especially important when traveling to remote regions. The insurance policy should cover the entire duration of the stay. In the absence of insurance, all expenses fall on the tourist

No, a scanned letter is sufficient for submission. The document should be on the company's letterhead with a signature and stamp. The format — PDF or JPEG, good quality. An electronic copy is considered an official confirmation of the purpose of the trip. It is advisable to have the original with you upon entry.

 Yes, participation in official conferences and forums is among the permissible purposes. It should be a professional or thematic meeting related to your field of activity. The invitation must specify the name of the event and the dates of the conference. Tourist character conferences are not suitable. It is important to correctly state the purpose in the form.

Yes, if the training is time-limited and conducted without an employment contract. For example, it can be a training, seminar, or exchange of experience. The invitation should reflect the purpose of the visit. Commercial training without payment — permissible. Otherwise, a work visa may be required.

In most cases — no. The process is done remotely via the online system. Personal presence is required only when applying through the consulate. In rare cases, additional information may be requested by phone or email. This is done to clarify the purpose of the trip.

First, analyze the reasons for the refusal. They are usually related to errors in the form or unreliable documents. Resubmission is possible after rectifying the violations. It is recommended to consult with our visa specialists. There are no time limits for resubmission.

No, this is a violation of visa regime. The tourist visa is intended only for rest, excursions, and personal trips. Engaging in business activity on a tourist visa can result in a fine or deportation. Immigration services regularly check the purposes of visits. It is better to immediately state the real purpose of the trip.

Border control is carried out at international airports in Tanzania, including Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, and Kilimanjaro. Entry is also possible through official land border points. Document check is mandatory. You should have a printed visa and confirmation of the purpose of the visit. Questions at the border are standard.

Yes, Zanzibar is part of the United Republic of Tanzania. All visa rules are the same for the mainland and the islands. If you are flying to Zanzibar for business purposes, you need a business visa. Internal flights do not exempt from visa requirements. This applies to all foreign nationals.

Visa-free entry is possible for citizens of East African countries and some Commonwealth states, such as Kenya, Uganda, Singapore. The list changes, so it is advisable to check with an official source before traveling. Exemption from visa does not grant the right to long-term stay. Even citizens of these countries may need a visa for extended business activity. It is advisable to have an invitation letter with you.

No, biometric data is not required when applying through eVisa. All processing is done remotely. Fingerprint verification may be conducted at the border. This is a standard procedure. Additional biometry is not conducted with an online application.

Yes, the invitation must be issued only in English. Other languages are not accepted and will require notarized translation. The document must contain signature, stamp, company details, and contact information. The language of the form must also be English. Non-compliance with this requirement leads to application rejection.

Yes, with a valid visa, it is allowed to cross the border through land checkpoints. This applies to routes from Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, and other neighboring countries. The main condition is having a visa and passport. Border guards may check the purpose of the trip. Be prepared for additional questions.

The most common reasons for refusal of a business visa are incomplete set of documents, incorrectly filled form, wrongly stated purposes of the visit, and doubts by immigration authorities regarding migration risks. Moreover, refusal is possible if the passport's validity period is insufficient. Resubmission is possible after rectifying all shortcomings, however, this requires additional time and resources. 

To avoid such situations, we recommend applying for a visa with our help. Our specialists will carefully check the documents and fill out the form without errors, significantly reducing the risk of refusal.