The Tanzania Business Visa costs $250 USD, is valid for up to 90 days on a single-entry basis, and can be applied for online through the official Tanzania Immigration Services portal or obtained on arrival at designated entry points.
Whether you are attending a conference in Dar es Salaam, negotiating a deal in Arusha, or setting up an investment in Dodoma, you will likely need a business visa to enter Tanzania for professional purposes. This guide covers everything you need to know – from fees and documents to the step-by-step application process.
For a broader overview of all Tanzania visa types, see our Tanzania eVisa Complete Guide.
What Is the Tanzania Business Visa?
The Tanzania Business Visa is a short-term visa issued to foreign nationals who wish to enter the United Republic of Tanzania for business-related activities. It is designed for professionals conducting work that does not constitute long-term employment in the country.
The visa covers a range of short-term business purposes, including:
- Conducting special assignments such as fixing or repairing machines
- Running short-term training sessions
- Performing auditing or feasibility studies
- Conducting professional consulting work
- Establishing business contacts and networking
- Making arrangements for investments during the start-up period of a company
- Attending meetings, conferences, or workshops
- Any other short-term lawful business-related task
The Tanzania Business Visa is issued for a maximum of 90 days and on a single-entry basis. This means once you leave Tanzania, you cannot re-enter on the same visa – you would need to apply for a new one.
Tanzania Business Visa Fee
The standard fee for a Tanzania Business Visa is $250 USD. This is the government consular fee charged by the Tanzania Immigration Services Department.
| Visa Type | Fee | Validity | Entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Visa | $250 USD | Up to 90 days | Single entry |
| Ordinary (Tourist) Visa | $50 USD | Up to 90 days | Single entry |
| Multiple Entry Visa | $100 USD | 12 months | Multiple entry |
| Transit Visa | $30 USD | Up to 7 days | Single entry |
Visa fees can be paid online using a Visa card or Mastercard when applying through the official portal. The fee is non-refundable even if the application is rejected.
For a detailed breakdown of all visa types and fees, see our Tanzania eVisa Fee Guide.
Tanzania Business Visa Requirements
Before submitting your application, make sure you have the following documents ready:
Mandatory documents:
- Valid passport – Must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry, with at least one unused visa page
- Return ticket – Proof of onward or return travel
- Work contract or proof of assignment – Documentation showing the business purpose of your visit (e.g., invitation letter from a Tanzanian company, work contract, or assignment letter)
- Visa fee payment – $250 USD paid online via Visa or Mastercard
Additional documents (recommended):
- Passport-size photograph (colored, plain background, max 45mm x 35mm, max 500KB in JPG/JPEG format)
- Travel itinerary
- Proof of accommodation in Tanzania
- Cover letter from your employer explaining the purpose of the trip
For a complete document checklist covering all Tanzania visa types, see our Tanzania eVisa Requirements page.
Photo specifications:
- Color photograph with a plain background
- Full face, front view, eyes open
- Natural expression
- No distracting shadows on the face or background
- Maximum size: 45mm (length) x 35mm (width)
- File size must not exceed 500KB
- Format: JPG or JPEG
How to Apply for a Tanzania Business Visa
There are two ways to obtain a Tanzania Business Visa: online (recommended) and on arrival. The Tanzania Immigration Services strongly recommends applying online to avoid delays at the airport.
Option 1: Online Application (Recommended)
- Visit the Tanzania Immigration Services website at www.immigration.go.tz
- Click the “e-Services” button
- Select and click “e-Visa Application Form”
- Log in to the visa application portal using your email address
- You will receive an email with a User Identification Number (save this to track your application)
- Fill in the application form, upload your photo, and attach all required documents
- Select “Business Visa” as the visa type
- Pay the $250 USD fee online using Visa or Mastercard
- Submit your application and wait for the confirmation email
Once submitted, you will receive a Visa Grant Notice via email when your application is approved. You must wait for this approval before traveling to Tanzania.
Option 2: On Arrival
You can also obtain a Business Visa upon arrival at any official entry point in Tanzania, including Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam), Kilimanjaro International Airport, and Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (Zanzibar). However, applying online in advance is strongly recommended to avoid queues and potential issues at immigration.
Tanzania Business Visa Processing Time
The standard processing time for a Tanzania Business Visa is approximately 10 business days when applied for online. However, processing may take longer during peak travel seasons or if additional verification is needed.
If your visa has not been processed within the expected timeframe, you can:
- Check your application status online at the visa portal
- Contact the Immigration Services Department at [email protected]
- Call the telephone numbers listed on the immigration website
It is advisable to apply at least 2 to 3 weeks before your planned travel date to allow sufficient processing time.
Business Visa vs Other Tanzania Visa Types
Understanding the difference between a business visa and other Tanzania visa types will help you choose the right one for your trip.
| Feature | Business Visa | Ordinary (Tourist) Visa | Multiple Entry Visa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Short-term business activities | Tourism, holidays, visiting friends | Frequent business travel, directors |
| Fee | $250 USD | $50 USD | $100 USD |
| Validity | Up to 90 days | Up to 90 days | 12 months |
| Entry | Single entry | Single entry | Multiple entries |
| Extendable | No | No | No (max 90 days per visit) |
| Work allowed | Short-term assignments only | No | Depends on category |
Key distinction: The Business Visa is for short-term professional assignments only. If your stay will exceed 3 months, or if you plan to take up employment in Tanzania, you need to apply for a Work Permit and Residence Permit instead. The Business Visa cannot be used in lieu of a Residence Permit.
Important Rules and Restrictions
Before applying, keep these important rules in mind:
Single entry only: The Business Visa is issued on a single-entry basis. If you leave Tanzania during your visa validity period, you cannot re-enter on the same visa. You would need to apply for a new visa.
Not extendable: The Business Visa cannot be extended. If your assignment requires more than 90 days, you must apply for a Work/Residence Permit.
Referral visa countries: Nationals of certain countries cannot obtain a visa on arrival and must apply online in advance. These countries include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Chad, Eritrea, Guinea, Iran, Iraq, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine, Somalia, Syria, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Yemen. Stateless persons and refugees must also apply online.
Visa-free nationals: Citizens of EAC (East African Community) member states, most SADC countries, and many Commonwealth countries do not need a visa to enter Tanzania. However, if you are visa-free but visiting for business purposes, check whether your activities require a specific business authorization.
Mainland and Zanzibar: A single Tanzania visa covers both the mainland and Zanzibar. If your business takes you to both areas, you do not need a separate visa for Zanzibar.
Return ticket required: All visitors must show their return ticket upon arrival in Tanzania.
