A Tanzania Transit Visa is the official short-term eVisa authorization that allows foreign nationals to pass through Tanzania en route to another destination. The transit visa is valid for up to 7 days, permits a single entry, and costs USD 50. It is applied for entirely online through the Tanzania Immigration portal at visa.immigration.go.tz. This guide covers every requirement, fee, and step to secure your Tanzania Transit Visa.
What Is a Tanzania Transit Visa?
A Tanzania Transit Visa is a specific category of the Tanzania eVisa designed for travelers who need to pass through Tanzania on their way to another country. If your journey involves a layover in Tanzania and you need to leave the airport transit area – whether to change airports, catch a connecting flight from a different terminal, or simply spend a few days in the country before continuing your trip – the Tanzania Transit Visa is the authorization you need.
Tanzania introduced its electronic visa (eVisa) system on 26 November 2018, replacing the previous paper-based process. The Transit Visa is applied for and processed entirely through the official portal at visa.immigration.go.tz.
The Tanzania Transit Visa is distinct from the Tanzania Tourist Visa, which is intended for sightseeing and leisure stays of up to 90 days, and from the Tanzania Business Visa, which authorizes professional activities. Using a transit visa for tourism or business purposes is a violation of immigration rules and can result in fines, detention, or deportation.
If you are simply transiting through a Tanzanian airport without leaving the international transit area, you may not need a visa at all. However, if you need to clear immigration, collect and re-check luggage, or exit the airport for any reason, the transit visa is required.
Tanzania Transit Visa Fees
The Tanzania Transit Visa costs USD 50 for a single-entry permit. Payment is made in United States Dollars through the official online portal at visa.immigration.go.tz. The portal accepts Visa and Mastercard for electronic payment. Cash payments are not accepted for eVisa applications.
Unlike other Tanzania visa categories that offer multiple-entry options, the Transit Visa is available only as a single-entry visa. This means you can enter Tanzania once during the validity period and must exit before the visa expires.
| Visa Type | Fee | Entries | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tanzania Transit Visa | USD 50 | Single | Up to 7 days |
| Tanzania Tourist Visa | USD 50 | Single | Up to 90 days |
| Tanzania Business Visa | USD 50 | Single | Up to 90 days |
| Tanzania Student Visa | USD 50 | Single | Up to 90 days |
For a full breakdown of Tanzania eVisa fees across all visa types, see the Tanzania eVisa fee guide.
Requirements for a Tanzania Transit Visa
To apply for a Tanzania Transit Visa, you need four core documents. Missing or incomplete documents are the most common cause of application delays and rejections.
Required documents:
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity remaining from your intended arrival date and at least 1 blank page for visa stamps
- Passport-size photograph in the format specified by the Tanzania Immigration portal (recent, color, white background)
- Onward travel ticket confirming your final destination beyond Tanzania – this is the most critical document for a transit visa application, as it proves you are genuinely transiting and not using the visa for tourism
- Valid visa for your final destination (if required by that country) – Tanzania Immigration may request proof that you are authorized to enter your next destination
Additional documents that may be requested:
- A cover letter explaining your transit itinerary and reason for passing through Tanzania
- Proof of accommodation if your transit stay extends beyond a single day
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from or transiting through a country with yellow fever transmission risk
Your passport must meet Tanzania’s standard entry requirements: a minimum of 6 months validity and at least 1 blank page. The Immigration Service Department will reject applications from travelers whose passports do not meet these conditions. For a complete checklist, see the Tanzania eVisa requirements page.
Who Needs a Tanzania Transit Visa?
Most foreign nationals passing through Tanzania who need to leave the airport transit area require a Transit Visa. However, the rules vary depending on your nationality and whether you stay within the international transit zone.
You need a Transit Visa if:
- You are transiting through Tanzania and need to exit the airport for any reason
- You are changing airports (e.g., arriving at Julius Nyerere International Airport and departing from a domestic terminal)
- You need to collect and re-check luggage between connecting flights
- Your layover is long enough that you wish to leave the airport and return later
- You are traveling overland through Tanzania to reach another country
You may NOT need a Transit Visa if:
- You remain within the international transit area of the airport
- Your connecting flight is from the same airport and terminal
- You do not need to clear immigration or collect luggage
- You are a citizen of a visa-exempt country (EAC member states, SADC countries except Comoros, and most Commonwealth countries except the UK, Canada, Nigeria, India, Pakistan, Australia, and New Zealand)
If you are unsure whether your specific transit situation requires a visa, contact the Tanzania Immigration Service Department at [email protected] before your travel date.
How to Apply for a Tanzania Transit Visa
Applying for a Tanzania Transit Visa is done online in 7 steps through the official Tanzania Immigration portal at visa.immigration.go.tz. The entire process takes approximately 10 working days from submission to approval.
Step 1: Visit the Official Portal
Navigate to visa.immigration.go.tz and create an account if you do not already have one. Use a valid email address that you check regularly, as all correspondence and the visa grant notice will be sent to this address.
Step 2: Select the Transit Visa Application
From the visa application options, select “Transit Visa” as the visa category. Selecting the wrong category – such as Tourist Visa instead of Transit Visa – can result in rejection or complications at the port of entry.
Step 3: Fill Out the Application Form
Complete all required fields accurately. You will need to provide personal information, passport details, intended dates of travel, your transit itinerary, and your final destination beyond Tanzania.
Step 4: Upload Required Documents
Upload clear, legible scans or photographs of all required documents: passport bio page, passport-size photo, and onward travel ticket. If you have a valid visa for your final destination, upload that as well. Accepted file formats are typically JPG and PDF.
Step 5: Pay the Visa Fee
Pay the applicable fee of USD 50 through the portal’s secure payment system using a Visa or Mastercard. Save the transaction confirmation for your records.
Step 6: Submit and Wait for Approval
After payment is confirmed, submit your application. Processing takes approximately 10 working days. During this time, the Immigration Service Department reviews your documents and verifies your transit itinerary.
Step 7: Download Your Visa Grant Notice
Once approved, you will receive a visa grant notice by email. Download and print this document. You must present the printed visa grant notice at the port of entry along with your passport. The visa grant notice is not a physical visa stamp in your passport, but the authorization that permits entry.
Tanzania Transit Visa Validity and Duration
A Tanzania Transit Visa is valid for up to 7 days from the date of entry. This is significantly shorter than other Tanzania visa categories:
| Visa Category | Maximum Stay |
|---|---|
| Transit Visa | 7 days |
| Tourist Visa | 90 days |
| Business Visa | 90 days |
| Student Visa | 90 days |
| Work Visa | 90 days |
Key rules about transit visa validity:
- The 7-day period begins on the date you enter Tanzania
- You must exit Tanzania before the visa expires – there is no grace period
- Extensions are not permitted. Unlike tourist and business visas, you cannot extend a transit visa while in Tanzania. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Tanzania and apply for a new visa
- Overstaying a transit visa is a serious immigration violation that can result in fines, detention, and deportation
- The transit visa allows a single entry only – once you leave Tanzania, the visa is used and cannot be re-used for re-entry
If you anticipate needing more than 7 days in Tanzania, apply for a Tourist Visa or Ordinary Visa instead, which allows stays of up to 90 days and can be extended within Tanzania.
Transit Visa vs Other Tanzania Visa Types
Choosing the correct visa category is essential. Using a transit visa for purposes other than genuine transit is a violation of immigration rules.
| Feature | Transit Visa | Tourist Visa | Business Visa |
|---|---|---|---|
| **Purpose** | Passing through Tanzania en route to another country | Tourism, sightseeing, leisure | Meetings, conferences, professional activities |
| **Fee** | USD 50 | USD 50 | USD 50 |
| **Maximum stay** | 7 days | 90 days | 90 days |
| **Entries** | Single | Single (or multiple for US citizens) | Single |
| **Extension** | Not permitted | Permitted through Immigration | Permitted through Immigration |
| **Online application** | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| **Available on arrival** | Varies by nationality | Yes, for most nationalities | Yes, for most nationalities |
When to use a Transit Visa: You are flying from Country A to Country B and have a layover in Tanzania. You need to exit the airport, possibly stay a day or two, then continue your journey.
When to use a Tourist Visa instead: You plan to visit Tanzania as your primary destination – sightseeing, visiting national parks, beaches, or exploring the country. Even if your stay is short (a few days), the Tourist Visa is the correct choice if Tanzania is your destination, not just a stopover.
When to use a Business Visa instead: You are attending meetings, conferences, or conducting professional activities in Tanzania, even if the visit is brief.
Tanzania Transit Visa for US, UK, and Indian Citizens
Citizens of the United States, the United Kingdom, and India must apply for a Tanzania Transit Visa online in advance through the eVisa portal at visa.immigration.go.tz if they need to exit the airport transit area.
All three nationalities follow the same 7-step online application process. The required documents, fees (USD 50), and processing time (approximately 10 working days) apply equally regardless of nationality.
US passport holders should note that while they are typically required to apply for a Multiple-Entry Visa for tourism and business purposes in Tanzania, the Transit Visa remains a single-entry visa at the standard USD 50 fee.
Apply at least 4-6 weeks before your intended travel date to account for any processing delays. If your nationality falls under the Referral Visa category (countries requiring advance approval from the Commissioner General of Immigration), apply at least 2 months before travel. The referral category includes nationals of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Chad, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Eritrea, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Palestine, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen.
Yellow Fever and Health Requirements
If you are arriving from or have transited through a country with yellow fever transmission risk, you must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate upon entering Tanzania. This requirement applies even if you are only transiting through Tanzania.
Tanzania’s Ministry of Health mandates a yellow fever certificate for travelers who have spent more than 12 hours in transit in a yellow fever risk country, or who have disembarked from the immediate airport area in such a country during transit.
Yellow fever risk countries include nations across Africa and South America, including Brazil, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Kenya, and others listed by the World Health Organization. Check the current list before your journey.
If you are transiting through Zanzibar, note that since 1 October 2024, all visitors to Zanzibar must have mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) for the duration of their stay (up to 92 days). International travel insurance policies are not accepted in Zanzibar. Contact ZIC at [email protected] for details.
Tips for a Successful Transit Visa Application
Apply 4-6 weeks before your travel date. While processing typically takes about 10 working days, allowing additional time accounts for document requests, corrections, or seasonal processing loads.
Ensure your onward travel ticket clearly shows your final destination. The transit visa is specifically for travelers passing through Tanzania – your ticket must demonstrate that Tanzania is a stopover, not your final destination.
Upload clear, legible document scans. Blurry passport scans and cropped document edges are frequent causes of delays. Upload documents in the requested format (JPG or PDF) and ensure all text is readable.
Select the correct visa type. Choosing “Tourist Visa” instead of “Transit Visa” will result in the wrong visa category. Double-check your selection before submission.
Keep digital copies of your visa grant notice. Print the visa grant notice and carry it with your passport. Having a digital backup on your phone is also advisable in case the printed copy is lost.
Plan your transit carefully. Since extensions are not permitted and the maximum stay is 7 days, ensure your travel itinerary fits within the visa validity period.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Tanzania Transit Visa cost?
A Tanzania Transit Visa costs **USD 50** for a single-entry permit. Payment is made online through the Tanzania Immigration portal at visa.immigration.go.tz using Visa or Mastercard. Cash payment is not accepted for eVisa applications.
How long can I stay in Tanzania on a transit visa?
A Tanzania Transit Visa allows a maximum stay of **7 days** from the date of entry. Extensions are not permitted. If you need to stay longer, apply for a Tourist Visa or Ordinary Visa instead.
How long does Tanzania transit visa processing take?
Processing a Tanzania Transit Visa typically takes approximately **10 working days** from the date of application submission. Apply at least 4-6 weeks before your travel date to allow for any processing delays.
Can I extend my Tanzania Transit Visa?
No. Extensions are not permitted for the Tanzania Transit Visa. If you need to stay in Tanzania beyond 7 days, you must leave the country and apply for a new visa (such as a Tourist Visa) which allows stays of up to 90 days and can be extended.
Can I use a transit visa for tourism in Tanzania?
No. The Tanzania Transit Visa is strictly for travelers passing through Tanzania en route to another destination. Using it for tourism or business purposes is a violation of immigration rules and can result in fines, detention, or deportation. If you plan to sightsee or explore Tanzania, apply for a Tourist Visa instead.
Do I need a transit visa if I stay in the airport?
If you remain within the international transit area of the airport and do not clear immigration, you may not need a transit visa. However, if you need to exit the transit area for any reason – including changing terminals, collecting luggage, or leaving the airport – you will need a Transit Visa or must be a citizen of a visa-exempt country.
Can I get a Tanzania transit visa on arrival?
Visa-on-arrival availability for transit purposes varies by nationality. Citizens of many countries can obtain a visa on arrival at major ports of entry, but applying online in advance through the eVisa portal is recommended to avoid queues and ensure smooth processing.
What happens if I overstay my Tanzania Transit Visa?
Overstaying a Tanzania Transit Visa is a serious immigration violation. You risk arrest, detention, fines, and deportation. Tanzania immigration authorities actively enforce visa compliance. Always ensure you leave Tanzania before your 7-day transit visa expires.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate for a transit visa?
Yes, if you are arriving from or have transited through a country with yellow fever transmission risk. Tanzania requires a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate from travelers who have spent more than 12 hours in transit in a risk country or who have left the airport in such a country.
What is the difference between a Transit Visa and a Tourist Visa?
The Transit Visa (USD 50) is for travelers passing through Tanzania en route to another country, with a maximum stay of 7 days and no extensions. The Tourist Visa (USD 50) is for visitors whose primary destination is Tanzania, allows stays of up to 90 days, and can be extended. If Tanzania is your final destination, choose the Tourist Visa.
Which nationalities need referral approval for a transit visa?
Nationals of certain countries – including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Chad, Eritrea, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen – require advance approval from the Commissioner General of Immigration. These applicants must apply online at least 2 months before travel and wait for approval before purchasing tickets.
