Tanzania Referral Visa Explained: Requirements, Process, and Fees

For most travelers visiting Tanzania, a tourist visa can be easily obtained through the eVisa system or on arrival. However, citizens of certain countries are subject to Tanzania’s Referral Visa requirement. This means their visa applications must be reviewed and approved by Tanzania Immigration Headquarters / central immigration authorities.

In case you belong to this category, such applications are subject to additional screening and longer processing times. It is thus important to know how the Tanzania Referral Visa operates to avoid delays, visa denial, or last-minute travel disruptions, and the entry to the country is easy and free of any complications.

A Tanzania referral visa is not a separate visa category, but a visa application that is subject to prior clearance and approval by the Tanzania Immigration Headquarters before issuance

Can You Enter Tanzania Without a Referral Visa?

Yes, there are numerous situations when travelers can enter Tanzania without a Referral Visa. The Tanzania referral visa is solely applicable to specific nationalities or certain travel purposes where permission has to be granted by the Immigration Department of Tanzania. The majority of the travelers who are either touring, paying a short business visit, or transiting apply for a Tanzania eVisa or receive a visa on arrival, depending on the nationality.

Nevertheless, travelers whose nationality falls under the Referral Visa category must obtain prior approval before traveling to Tanzania. Trying to board the plane without the necessary permissions may result in boarding refusal or denial of entry upon arrival 

To prepare their travel arrangements, applicants are always advised to verify the current visa requirements based on nationality and purpose of travel in order to have the right type of visa before traveling.

What is a Tanzania referral visa?

A Tanzania referral visa is a special visa that is provided to travelers whose requests have to be re-examined and approved by the the central immigration authorities of Tanzania before the issuance of entry permits.

A Referral Visa, as opposed to a normal Tanzania eVisa or Ordinary Visa, requires additional security and administrative approval. The application is referred to the Tanzania Immigration Department for final decision.

Key Characteristics of a Tanzania Referral Visa

• Requires prior authorization from central immigration authorities.
• Increased processing time as opposed to conventional visas.
• Not issued on arrival
• Typically required for specific nationalities or sensitive travel purposes.

Why Tanzania Uses the Referral Visa System

The Tanzanian government applies the referral visa system to:

• Carry out improved background and security checks.
• Check on the legitimacy of reasons for travelling.
• Control sensitive operations like media work, research, and volunteer programs.
• Enforce the immigration and national security policies.

Important Notes

• Approval is not guaranteed and is subject to referral review.
• Applicants are advised not to book non-refundable flights before approval is granted.
• The supporting documents should be precise, clear, and detailed.

Who Typically Needs a Tanzania Referral Visa?

Certain foreign nationals are required to apply for a Tanzania Referral Visa when their applications must undergo additional review. The visa applications have to be subjected to further examination and prior approval by the Tanzania Immigration Department. This is normally required for citizens of particular countries that are listed by Tanzanian immigration authorities based on security, diplomatic, or administrative reasons. 

In some cases, travelers whose purpose of visit involves sensitive activities or locations, or whose travel history requires further verification, may also be subject to the referral process. Travelers subject to the referral visa requirement are not eligible for a visa on arrival and must obtain approval before traveling to Tanzania.

Since the eligibility requirements might be altered, it is highly recommended that travelers verify whether their nationality comes under the category of the referral visa before submitting an application or making travel arrangements.

Countries that need a Tanzania Referral Visa

Nationals of referral countries are required to obtain prior clearance from the Tanzania Immigration Department before traveling. Certain nationalities are more frequently subject to referral processing under the Tanzania visa system. This may include, but is not limited to, nationals of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Yemen, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, depending on the purpose of travel and current immigration assessment.

The referral visa system allows Tanzanian authorities to conduct enhanced security screening, background checks, and a more detailed assessment of the traveler’s purpose of visit. Since referral visa applications typically take longer to process, applicants are strongly advised to apply well in advance and avoid making any non-refundable travel arrangements.

Please note that the list of referral countries may change over time. Travelers should always check the latest Tanzania visa requirements before planning their trip.

Tanzania categorizes certain nationalities under the Referral Visa List due to security concerns, diplomatic relations, or additional screening requirements

Required Documents for a Referral Visa

Applicants for a Tanzania Referral Visa must prepare a complete set of supporting documents, and their application will be further scrutinized by the central immigration authorities. The specific requirements can differ based on nationality and purpose of the visit, but the list below is likely to contain the necessary documents:

Valid Passport

The applicants should possess a valid passport that should last at least half a year (six months) to the desired date of arrival in Tanzania. The passport must contain at least one blank page for visa endorsement and entry stamps.

Completed Visa Application Form

An application form for the Tanzania Referral Visa needs to be filled out. Any information supplied should be correct and in line with the passport details of the applicant to prevent delays and rejection.

Recent Passport-Size Photograph

A recent passport-size photograph meeting standard visa photo requirements is required (passport-size). The picture should be clear and have a plain background, and should be of standard visa photo requirements.

Cover Letter Explaining the Purpose of Travel

Applicants must submit a detailed cover letter explaining the purpose of travel to Tanzania. In this letter, the reason as to why a Referral Visa is required should be clearly mentioned, and travel dates as well as activities to be conducted should be included.

Invitation Letter or Supporting Documents

An invitation letter from a host in Tanzania might be necessary, depending on the reason why one wants to travel. This may involve documents in the form of letters by organizations, companies, family members, or institutions within the country of Tanzania.

Proof of Accommodation

The applicants should submit evidence of accommodation, such as a hotel or a letter from the host that they will provide accommodation during their stay in Tanzania.

Travel itinerary or flight reservation

It will also need to show plans and intentions of leaving Tanzania after the visit by carrying a copy of a flight itinerary or a confirmed return or onward ticket.

Additional supporting documents

Applicants might be required to provide other documentation corresponding to the nationality and purpose of travel, to include police clearance, work permit, or authorization from the Tanzanian authorities.

Since a Referral Visa requires special clearance, it takes longer to process than a standard tourist visa

How to apply for a Tanzania referral visa?

The process of applying for a Tanzania Referral Visa is more complicated than the process of an ordinary visa because the applications must be reviewed and approved by Tanzania Immigration Headquarters / central immigration authorities. To have a better understanding of the process, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Complete an Application Online

Fill the visa application form online, state the correct details about the travel, and attach all the documents. The application may be viewed as a referral case and sent to the central immigration office to review your application based on your nationality or reason for travel.

Step 2: Wait for Approval

Based on the case, referral visa processing typically takes several weeks, which can take between 2 and 6 weeks. The applicant should apply early enough, at least two months before traveling.

Step 3: Pay Visa Fee (Where Necessary)

The applicants are officially notified once the approval has been granted. Depending on the nationality and the type of visa, visa fees are normally paid after permission is granted.

Step 4: Travel to Tanzania

Once approved and paid, print the visa approval letter and present it to immigration officials upon arrival for final entry clearance.

Processing Time for a Tanzania Referral Visa

A Tanzania Referral Visa has a longer processing period than a normal tourist eVisa. Mostly, the applications can be processed within 10 to 30 working days, depending on the nationality of the applicant, the purpose of travel, and the completeness of the documents provided.

The reason behind this is the referral process that involves going through the application and subsequent approval by the Immigration Department of Tanzania and, in some cases, other government bodies. Consequently, more verification or background checks can be done.

Processing time note: It is important to understand that timelines are not guaranteed, and they may differ on a case-by-case basis. It is highly recommended that applicants apply well before their planned date of travel and monitor their application status regularly so as to prevent any inconveniences that can arise as a result of delayed delivery and travel.

Applicants whose nationals fall under the referral visa category are advised to submit their applications online at least 2 months before their travel date

Tanzania Referral Visa Fees Guide: Approval, Payment & Refund Policy

The referral visa system is not just applied to business or official visits made by individuals of specific nationalities to Tanzania, but it is also applied to individual travelers whose applications have to undergo further examination by the central immigration authorities.

Fee Structure:

There is no separate or fixed fee specifically for a Tanzania Referral Visa. Visa fees vary depending on the applicant’s nationality and visa type and generally range from approximately USD 50 to USD 100. In many referral cases, visa fees are paid only after the application has been approved.

Key Points:

• Referral status is determined by the applicant’s nationality or purpose of travel.
• Certain visa types may require sponsorship or invitation letters, depending on the purpose of travel.
• The processing time is typically 2-6 weeks.
• Visa fees are non-refundable once paid
• Visa fees are generally paid online or through the payment method specified by Tanzania Immigration or the relevant embassy, depending on the application channel.

Additional Costs:

Applicants may also incur optional service fees, document preparation costs, or courier charges. The current requirements should always be checked on the official site of Tanzania Immigration or on the Tanzanian embassy.

The cost of a Tanzania Referral Visa varies based on several factors, including the type of visa and the applicant's nationality

Denial of a Tanzania Referral Visa: Reasons and Next Steps

A Tanzania Referral Visa refusal can be disappointing, but there are practical steps applicants can take afterward.

Look at the Notification Carefully

Refusal of referral visas is usually accompanied by a short or no explanation. Check any email or notice you got to see if there are any hints or demands to provide more documents.

Review Your Application for Issues

 Check to see if some of your documents are missing, or your travel purposes are not clear, or if there are discrepancies in your application.

Reapply With Improved Documentation

 In case the rejection seems to be connected with the paperwork or clarity, you can apply again with more convincing papers. Invitation or sponsorship letters are only needed with certain types of visas.

Apply Through a Tanzanian Embassy or Consulate

Depending on the purpose of travel, another visa type may be more appropriate, even if referral review is still required.

Consider Applying for a Different Visa Type

 This is another type of visa, depending on the reason you intend to travel, and even a reference review may be relevant.

Seek professional assistance when necessary

 Professional visa firms can assist you in making sure that your application is done according to the specifications of Tanzania

Note: Visa fees are generally non-refundable, even if the application is refused.

Tips for a Successful Referral Visa Application

Careful preparation of the application is necessary in the process of applying for a Tanzania Referral Visa because the application may be further scrutinised by the immigration authorities. To increase your chances of being approved and shortening the time taken for processing, you can:

 Ensure all documents are complete, accurate, and easy to understand

Apply Well in Advance

The visa application made under the reference area takes longer to be processed compared to an ordinary visa. It is advisable to submit your application several weeks before your intended travel date of travel so as to give people time to review and approve the application.

Provide Complete and Accurate Information

 Make sure that all personal information, passport details, and travel plans are accurate and consistent in all applications and supporting documents. Inconsistency or mistakes may lead to delays or rejection.

Submit Strong Supporting Documents

Also, bring a copy of your passport, invitation letter (where applicable), accommodation details, and a reason why you are traveling.

Be clear about your travel purpose

The immigration officials look into the purpose of your visit keenly. Being credible means having a clear, legitimate, and well-documented purpose.

Clearly explain your purpose of travel

Monitor your application and act on time in the event immigration officials demand further details.

Avoid Making Non-Refundable Travel Bookings

Make no final flight or accommodation reservations until your referral visa is granted.

This will improve the process of the Tanzanian Referral Visa application because it is only then that they get to know the steps involved in its application.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a traveler must understand the process of the Tanzania Referral Visa, which must be applied for before one is allowed to enter the country. As referral visas require further screening and also take more time to be processed, proper preparation and proper documentation are very important in ensuring that there are no delays or other surprise travelling inconveniences. 

For eligible travelers, applying for a Tanzania eVisa is the most convenient way to obtain entry authorization. In order to be accurate and keep up with the current immigration requirements, it is strongly advisable to Applicants are advised to rely on official Tanzania Immigration guidance or seek professional assistance when necessary to ensure compliance with current requirements. Proper planning and reliable support provide greater confidence and peace of mind when traveling to Tanzania.