Keen on chilling on the beautiful white beaches in Zanzibar or hiking up the magnificent Kilimanjaro? For Nigerian passport holders, a referral visa to Tanzania is needed, and if you follow the steps below, your next travel adventure will be easier to tick off your bucket list.

Procedure for Referral Visa to Tanzania

Nigerians and other nationalities that fall under this must submit their visa to Tanzania applications online and should wait until their applications are approved before starting their journey. Applicants should submit their applications at least 2 months before their travel date.

Having an invitation letter or a request letter for a visa from a Host adds credibility when applying and increases the chances of approval greatly. The invitation letter must be uploaded via the online application and should not be sent via email. The letter may be uploaded separately or merged with the Itinerary of the Trip and uploaded in the Return ticket field.

The easiest way to resolve this is by booking your trip via a travel agent, but if you have friends, colleagues, or family in Tanzania, a letter from them will help your application process.

LIST OF COUNTRIES WHOSE NATIONALS REQUIRE REFERRAL VISA

Image Guide for How to Apply Online for a Visa to Tanzania

To apply online for a visa to Tanzania, visit https://visa.immigration.go.tz/ for applications and to check the application status. Also note that it took over 1 hour for me to receive a copy of my dummy online application, so exercise some patience if you do not receive a confirmation immediately.

For an image guide for how to apply online for a visa to Tanzania, see the screenshots below for the dummy application I created.

Note that once you enter your nationality, for Nigerians and others that require a referral visa, you will see a popup that states:

Dear Applicant,

Kindly be informed that your nationality falls under Referral Visa Category for which the Visa process may take longer than normal Visa process. However, to expedite your application, you are advised to attach an invitation letter/ request letter for Visa from your Host (registered Institution or person) in Tanzania. If you are visiting for tourism purposes, you may consult a local Tour Operator(registered in Tanzania) to apply on your behalf online or send you an invitation letter so as you can upload it as part of your attachments while filling Visa form Online by yourself.

You are advised not to confirm or make payments for any bookings/ reservations made before the Visa is issued.For more information / clarification you may send your inquiry through the following e – mail: Info@immigration.go.tz

Continuation of the image guide for how to apply online for a visa to Tanzania

Where to Apply in Person for a Visa to Tanzania

Tanzania High Commission

All applications must be made in person (except for government officials, agencies and religious groups) at the Tanzania High Commission in Abuja.

Please note courier applications are not accepted!

Types of Visa to Tanzania

Single-Entry Visa – This visa allows you entry into Tanzania once for visiting, leisure, medical treatment, studies, or any other activity considered legal by the Tanzanian government. You may stay in the country for a maximum of 90 days.

Multiple-Entry Visa – This visa is ideal for people who need to make frequent visits to Tanzania. The maximum validity of the multiple-entry visa is 12 months. Each visit has a maximum stay of up to 90 days.

Business Visa – The Tanzanian business visa will only be granted for the following purposes:

• The person who goes to Tanzania for special duties such as the installation of plants/machines or to facilitate short courses.
•  The person who goes to Tanzania for expert duties such as auditing financial reports.
• The person who will go to conduct legal business in Tanzania.

Processing Time for Visa to Tanzania

Once you have submitted your application form and documents it will take two (2) working days to process your application. However, it is best to apply at least 2 Months before your departure date, to avoid delays or disappointment if additional documents are required. A good number of people had to wait about 2 weeks to receive their visa, so apply on the very safe side of time caution.

Collection for Visa to Tanzania

When your Tanzania visa has been approved, you will need to collect it at the Tanzanian High Commission in Abuja. You will be contacted via email and telephonically to let you know that your visa is ready for collection.

Tanzania Visa Fees

VISA FEES:

• Nigerian Citizens: $100 (Multiple entry) for one year, 90 Days at a time (do not request this via online application)
• Non-Nigerian and Nigerian Citizens: $50 (Single entry) for 90 Days
• Non-Nigerian Citizens: $100 (Double entry) for 90 Days each

Note: All visa fees must be paid at any UBA Bank Plc after verification of your visa application documents at the Tanzania High Commission.

Requirements for Visa to Tanzania for Tourists

You need to bring along the following documents when applying at the High Commission:

• Two recent passport-size photos
• Flight Itinerary
• Passport valid for six months
• Visa Fee
• The visa application form must be filled out and signed by the applicant

Tanzania Host

A third option to consider is getting a host in Tanzania to apply for your Tanzania visa on your behalf. You must make sure that your host (a registered tour agent or resident) is registered with immigration and has a license to do the visa application process for you! (See above for the Tanzania host visa Naija Nomads offer)

Visa Payment

You will need to send the visa fee to the Tanzanian host who will then make the visa payment in Tanzania.

Visa Collection

Once your visa has been approved, you will receive an email notification. The original copy of your Tanzania visa will be sent to the airport that you will be landing at, you will also be sent a soft copy via email which you must print and present at the point of entry.

Please note: the process will take at least two weeks, it’s best to apply at least 2 months ahead!

Make Sure To Print the Documents Required Before Going to the Tanzania High Commission office!

Fastest Way to Get to Zanzibar from Nigeria

With your visa to Tanzania approved, it’s time to pack your bag to jet off for your trip!

Kenya Airways offers the fastest route from Lagos to Zanzibar in less than 9 hours. Other airlines are about 17hrs and above.

See Here for the Best Accommodation Options in

Budget/Hostels in Zanzibar

Hostels are my preferred way to travel when traveling solo because there are usually like-minded travelers there and I’m able to create a safety bubble system with other travelers.

Resorts/Hotels in Zanzibar

Vacation Rentals in Zanzibar

Travel Insurance

There are some local travel insurance companies in Nigeria like AXA Mansard and Allianz Nigeria.

To avoid currency valuation issues, I prefer to use international insurance companies to receive a dollar value of whatever loss I incur during my travel because the local companies reimburse in Naira. I don’t think I need to say more regarding the Naira.

My current preferred option is SafetyWings

Things to Do in Zanzibar

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