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Tanzania referral visa countries

A clear guide for passport holders who require advance Tanzania Immigration approval. Check the referral-country list, application process, documents, fees, timing and restrictions on visa on arrival.

Do not travel before approval. Referral-category applicants must apply online and receive authorization before departure. They cannot rely on obtaining a visa on arrival without prior approval.
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Who requires Tanzania referral approval?

Based on Tanzania Immigration guidance, nationals of the following countries require referral processing. Stateless persons and holders of refugee travel documents are also treated as referral cases.

  • Afghanistan
  • Bangladesh
  • Burkina Faso
  • Chad
  • Eritrea
  • Guinea (Conakry)
  • Guinea-Bissau
  • Iran
  • Iraq
  • Kyrgyzstan
  • Lebanon
  • Mali
  • Mauritania
  • Niger
  • Nigeria
  • Pakistan
  • Palestine
  • Sierra Leone
  • Somalia
  • Syria
  • Tajikistan
  • Turkmenistan
  • Uzbekistan
  • Yemen

Important: Policy can change and passport circumstances differ. Confirm the current category using Tanzania Immigration’s official guidance before booking.

How to apply for a referral visa

  1. Apply early. Begin at least two months before the intended travel date.
  2. Select the correct purpose. Referral is a processing route; choose ordinary, business, transit, student or another appropriate visa category.
  3. Complete the online form. Enter passport, travel, host and contact information exactly as supported by your documents.
  4. Upload supporting evidence. Include all standard and referral-specific documents in clear, readable files.
  5. Pay the applicable visa fee. The amount follows the selected visa category rather than a separate “referral” fee.
  6. Wait for written approval. Do not board a flight or proceed to the border until Tanzania Immigration grants authorization.

Referral application documents

  • Passport valid for at least six months
  • At least one unused passport visa page
  • Recent passport-size photograph
  • Return or onward travel itinerary
  • Accommodation details
  • Local host’s full address and contact details
  • Invitation or application letter addressed to the Commissioner General of Immigration
  • Host identification, passport or lawful immigration-status evidence where applicable
  • Business, transit or study evidence when applying for those purposes

Immigration may request additional information or documents during the referral review.

Visa categories and government fees
Visa categoryIndicative government fee
Ordinary single-entry visaUS$50
Multiple-entry visaUS$100
Business visaUS$250
Transit visaUS$30
Student visaUS$50–550 depending on category and duration

Referral review does not replace the underlying visa category. Confirm the current government fee before payment.

Timing and travel planning

Allow at least two months. Referral cases require checks by Tanzania authorities and do not follow the ordinary eVisa processing timeframe.

Avoid non-refundable flights, accommodation, tours or onward arrangements until approval is issued. An application confirmation or payment receipt is not permission to travel.

Even after approval, final admission is decided by the immigration officer at the port of entry.

Frequently asked questions

Can referral nationals obtain a Tanzania visa on arrival?

Not without prior approval. Apply online, complete referral processing and wait for authorization before travelling.

Is referral visa processing another visa type?

No. Referral is an advance approval procedure. Applicants must still choose the visa category that matches their travel purpose.

How long does referral approval take?

No short processing time should be promised. Tanzania Immigration advises applying at least two months before travel because additional review is required.

Can a host guarantee approval?

No. A host can provide invitation and supporting documents, but only Tanzania Immigration can approve the application and border officers make the final entry decision.

Does a Tanzania referral approval cover Zanzibar?

An approved Tanzania visa can cover travel within the United Republic, including Zanzibar, subject to the authorization issued. Zanzibar inbound travel insurance is a separate requirement.

Official source and independent-service disclosure

This guide was reviewed on 22 July 2026 against Tanzania Immigration’s published online visa guidance. Rules may change, so applicants should verify the current list and instructions before applying.

Read Tanzania Immigration guidelines

Visit-TZ is an independent information and optional assistance service. It is not Tanzania Immigration, and applicants may apply directly through the official government portal.