Tanzania eVisa for UAE

For residents of the UAE, escaping the desert heat for the lush savannahs of the Serengeti or the pristine beaches of Zanzibar is a popular holiday choice. With direct flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi to Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar, Tanzania is more accessible than ever.

However, navigating visa regulations can be the trickiest part of planning your trip. Whether you are an Emirati citizen or an expatriate living in the UAE, this guide answers every question you have about the Tanzania eVisa for UAE.

Do UAE residents need a visa to Tanzania?

Yes. Most travelers from the UAE require a visa to enter Tanzania.

It is important to distinguish between citizenship and residency:

• UAE Citizens (Emirati Passport Holders): You do need a visa to enter Tanzania. You are not visa-exempt.
• UAE Residents (Expatriates): Your visa requirement depends on your nationality (the passport you hold), not your UAE residency. However, most common expatriate nationalities in the UAE (including citizens of India, Pakistan, Philippines, UK, and EU countries) do require a visa.

Note: If you hold a passport from a South African or designated East African nation, you might be exempt. Always check based on your specific nationality.

How to get an e-visa for Tanzania?

The Electronic Visa (eVisa) is the most efficient way to secure your entry. You can apply for Tanzania eVisa entirely online from your home in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.

1. Fill the Form: Enter your personal details, passport information, and travel dates.
2. Upload Documents: Attach the required scans (see below).
3. Pay: Complete the payment using a Credit/Debit card.
4. Download: Once approved (usually via email), print your Grant Letter.

What documents are needed for a Tanzania visa application for UAE residents?

To avoid rejection, ensure you have clear digital scans of the following. Files should generally be in PNG or JPEG format and under 300KB.

1. Valid Passport: Must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from the date of arrival.
2. Passport Photo: A recent, clear digital photo (white background).
3. Return Ticket: Proof of your flight back to the UAE or to an onward destination.
4. UAE Residence Visa: While not strictly asked for by the Tanzanian government form, carrying proof of your UAE residency is highly recommended to prove your intent to return, especially if your passport is from a high-risk country.
5. Accommodation Proof: Hotel booking confirmation in Tanzania.

Can I apply for a visa on arrival in Tanzania, or is pre-application mandatory?

Pre-application is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended.

You can get a Visa on Arrival (VoA) at major entry points like Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). However, consider the downsides:

• Long Queues: Flights from the UAE often land at similar times to European carriers, leading to immigration queues that can last over an hour.
• Cash Requirements: You often need to pay in USD cash (notes printed after 2013). Card machines are frequently down.
• Risk: If there is any issue with your documentation, you risk being denied entry at the border.

Verdict: Apply for the eVisa 2 weeks in advance to skip the stress.

What types of Tanzania visas can UAE residents apply for online?

1. Ordinary Visa (Single Entry): The standard choice for tourists. Valid for 90 days.
2. Business Visa: For those attending meetings or short-term professional assignments. Valid for 90 days. (Requires an invitation letter and host company documents).
3. Multiple Entry Visa: For frequent travelers (see specific requirements below).
4. Transit Visa: Valid for up to 7 days if you are passing through to another country.

What documents prove sufficient funds for a Tanzania visa?

Immigration officers need to know you can support yourself during your stay. While you don't always need to upload this for the eVisa, you should carry evidence with you:

• Bank Statements: A statement from your UAE bank account for the last 3 months.
• Credit Cards: Showing you have active credit cards.
• Cash: Carrying a reasonable amount of USD or Tanzanian Shillings.

What are the visa requirements for multiple entries into Tanzania?

This is a common point of confusion. Unlike many other countries, Tanzania does not issue Multiple Entry Visas to standard tourists (unless you are a USA citizen, who is mandated to get one).

For UAE residents (non-US citizens), to get a Multiple Entry Visa, you must prove a specific need for frequent travel, such as:

• Directors of companies registered in Tanzania.
• Spouses of Tanzanians.
• Consultants on long-term missions.

Requirement: You typically need to submit a Security Bond form and a cover letter justifying why a Single Entry visa is insufficient. If you are just going for two separate holidays, you usually need two separate Ordinary Visas.

What are the requirements for a Tanzanian visa photo from the UAE?

Do not just use a selfie. The photo must meet strict standards:

• Background: Plain white.
• Expression: Neutral, no smiling.
• Attire: No hats or head coverings (unless for religious reasons, and the face must be fully visible). No glasses.
• Format: JPEG/PNG, under 300KB.

How do I contact the visa directly?

If you are facing issues with the official portal (which can be glitchy) or need to check the status of a delayed application, it is often difficult to reach the immigration office in Dar es Salaam directly by phone.

Recommended Support: For reliable assistance, application review, and status tracking, many UAE residents use evisa-tanzania.it.com. They act as an intermediary to ensure your application is error-free before submission.

Are there restrictions on items allowed in Tanzania?

Yes, Tanzania has strict customs rules that UAE residents should be aware of:

1. Plastic Bags: There is a total ban on single-use plastic bags. Do not pack your shoes or toiletries in standard plastic duty-free bags or grocery bags. You will be fined at the airport. Use Ziploc bags for toiletries (usually tolerated if you take them back with you) or cloth bags.
2. Drones: You cannot bring a drone into Tanzania without a permit from the Civil Aviation Authority, which must be obtained months in advance. Drones found at customs without a permit will be confiscated.
3. Wildlife Products: Strict ban on ivory, tortoise shells, and similar items.

Safe travels!