Obtaining visas for Tanzania

While it is possible for nationals of certain listed countries to obtain a three- or six-month visa at the port of entry in Tanzania, it is best to obtain a visa ahead of time at a Tanzanian embassy or consulate abroad as queues at the airport are often long.

Those wishing to take up employment in Tanzania will need to obtain a work permit through the Tanzanian embassy or consulate in their home country prior to relocation.

There are three main types of work permit for Tanzania, namely Class A, B and C. The Class A work permit is for people who are self-employed, entrepreneurs and investors. Class C is reserved for missionaries and students who may be entitled to take up part-time work.

Most expats, however, will need to apply for a Class B work permit. This visa entitles the holder to be employed by a company in Tanzania. Class B visas are actually granted by the Labour Department as opposed to the Director of Immigration Services, who handles the vast majority of visa applications.

In addition, once a foreigner has received their work permit they will need to apply for a residence permit through the Department of Immigration. The process can be quite complex and time-consuming so it is best to start as soon as possible and enlist the services of an immigration consultant where possible.

Any foreigner wishing to reside in Tanzania for a period longer than 90 days will need to apply for a residence permit. In most cases, these residence permits are tied to the type of work permit a foreigner has obtained.

Class A residence permits are granted to those that are self-employed and Class B is reserved for expats that are employed by a company in Tanzania. Class C covers a broad range of categories including students who may be permitted to take up part-time employment, researchers, retired people, missionaries and volunteers.

The required documents and processing times vary according to the type of residence permit a foreigner is applying for.