Do not travel before approval
Referral-category applicants must complete advance review and receive authorization before departure. Do not rely on obtaining a Tanzania visa on arrival without prior approval.
Countries requiring Tanzania referral approval
The following passport holders are treated as referral cases. Stateless persons and holders of refugee travel documents also require referral processing.
- 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: Visa policy can change and individual passport circumstances differ. Check your result again before applying or booking travel.
How to apply for a Tanzania referral visa
- Apply early. Begin at least two months before the intended travel date.
- Select the correct purpose. Choose the visa category that matches tourism, business, transit, study or another permitted purpose.
- Complete the application carefully. Enter passport, travel, host and contact details exactly as shown in your supporting documents.
- Upload clear evidence. Provide all standard documents and any referral-specific evidence requested for your circumstances.
- Pay the applicable fee. The amount is based on the underlying visa category rather than a separate referral fee.
- Wait for written authorization. Do not travel until the referral review is complete and approval has been issued.
Documents to prepare
- Passport valid for at least six months
- At least one unused passport visa page
- Recent passport-style photograph
- Return or onward travel itinerary
- Accommodation and local host details
- Invitation or application letter addressed to the Commissioner General of Immigration
- Host identification or lawful immigration-status evidence, when applicable
- Business, transit or study evidence for the selected visa category
Additional documents or clarification may be requested during review.
Visa categories and indicative fees
| Visa category | Indicative fee |
|---|---|
| Ordinary single-entry visa | US$50 |
| Multiple-entry visa | US$100 |
| Business visa | US$250 |
| Transit visa | US$30 |
| Student visa | US$50–550, depending on category and duration |
Referral review does not replace the selected visa category. Confirm the amount shown during your application before paying.
Processing time and travel planning
Referral cases require additional checks and should not be treated as standard eVisa applications. Avoid non-refundable flights, accommodation, tours or onward arrangements until authorization is issued.
An application confirmation or payment receipt is not permission to travel. Even after a visa is approved, the immigration officer at the point of entry makes the final admission decision.
Frequently asked questions
Can referral nationals obtain a Tanzania visa on arrival?
Not without prior approval. Complete referral processing and receive authorization before travelling.
Is referral processing another visa type?
No. It is an advance approval procedure. You must still choose the visa category matching your travel purpose.
How long does referral approval take?
No short processing time should be promised. Apply at least two months before travel because additional review is required.
Can a host guarantee approval?
No. A host may provide supporting documents, but only the immigration authority can approve the application.
Does referral approval cover travel to Zanzibar?
An approved Tanzania visa may cover travel within the United Republic, including Zanzibar, subject to the authorization issued. Zanzibar inbound travel insurance is a separate requirement.
Editorial and service disclosure
This guide was reviewed on 22 July 2026 against published Tanzania visa guidance. Rules may change, so applicants should verify their current category and instructions before applying.
Visit-TZ is an independent information and optional assistance service. It is not a government authority, and immigration officials make all approval and entry decisions.