How to Apply for a Tanzania Visa in Baltimore

Tanzania remains a popular destination for residents of Baltimore and others throughout the state of Maryland seeking a variety of unique adventures.  From the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro to African bush safaris and the tropical islands of the Zanzibar archipelago, “the green land” promises numerous one-of-a-kind natural experiences.

The United Republic of Tanzania, located in eastern Africa on the Indian Ocean, was formed in 1964 by the union of two former British colonies: Tanganyika and Zanzibar.  The country’s population of more than 65 million people blends more than 120 ethnic groups, creating a unique Swahili culture composed of African, Arab, European, and Asian influences.  More than 100 languages are spoken in Tanzania.  Most locals speak Swahili, but English is still used in secondary and higher education, foreign trade, and high court proceedings.

The largest city in Tanzania, the former capital of Dar es Salaam, is the country’s primary port and trade center.  Although the capital was moved to the more centrally located Dodoma in 1996, Dar es Salaam remains the national center of finance, commerce, art, music, and fashion.

While the cities boast numerous museums, historic sites, and Western amenities, most visitors from Baltimore are drawn to Tanzania’s natural settings.  Mountains and dense forests mark the northeastern portion of the country, home of the world’s largest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro.  Three of Africa’s Great Lakes also lie partially within the country: Lake Victoria (the largest in Africa), Lake Tanganyika (the deepest) and Lake Malawi.  Tanzania has three marine parks, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and 21 national parks – including Gombe Stream National Park, where Jane Goodall has studied chimpanzees since 1960.  The country also contains 20% of Africa’s warm-blooded animal population, making it a leading destination for safari tours.  Serengeti National Park is the most visited park.  The largest, 20,000-square-kilometer Ruaha National Park, is home to 10% of the continent’s lions and the largest number of elephants in East Africa.

After exploring the mountains and plains of East Africa, many travelers cool off with a post-safari trip to the white powder beaches and azure waters along Tanzania’s 885 miles of coastline.  Numerous resorts bordering the Indian Ocean provide swimmers, divers, and snorkelers access to vibrant coral reefs, idyllic islands, and colorful schools of fish.  The highlight of any ocean visit is the spice island of Zanzibar, where palm-fringed beaches encircle beach resorts, deep forests, and jungles inhabited by unique species of monkeys.  Zanzibar City and its Stone Town sector are known for a diverse architectural style that blends Arabian arches, Omani palaces, and Indian studded doors.  Its narrow streets are lined with corner cafes, bustling markets, and a wide variety of delicious foods just a short distance from the area’s laid-back beaches.

Tanzania Visa Requirements

Citizens of the United States and other countries who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 can enter Tanzania by providing a vaccination certificate with a QR code.  Those who are not fully vaccinated must present a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test with a QR code taken within 72 hours of departure.  Those arriving from certain countries the government has identified as at high risk of COVID must also take a PCR test upon arrival at your own expense.  Proof of yellow fever vaccination is also required if you are arriving from a country where that disease is prevalent.  Most foreign nationals are required to obtain a visa to enter Tanzania. (Citizens of several nearby sub-Saharan African nations are exempt.) The republic offers several visas, including student, business (visits lasting one to three months), transit (good for up to seven days), and referred. 

Tourists who are not U.S. citizens typically choose the ordinary (single entry) visa, which allows you to stay for up to three consecutive months.  A multiple-entry visa (several stays up to three months each over a 12-month period) is also available for those who are frequent visitors.  However, the immigration website states, “American nationals who wish to visit Tanzania for tourism or holiday purposes MUST select this type {multiple-entry} of Visa while applying online.” (See guidelines at https://visa.immigration.go.tz/guidelines.)  The fees are $100 for multiple-entry visa and $50 for the ordinary visa.

Obtaining a Tanzania Visa from Baltimore

Baltimore-based travelers who fly into Tanzania can either obtain a visa before leaving home or apply for the visa when they arrive at one of five designated international entry airports.  However, the option of obtaining the visa on arrival usually means long lines at the airport in Tanzania.  You will also have to pay an additional fee of around $100.  Thus, authorities recommend obtaining a visa before departure to make sure you are not turned away at the border or delayed.

Since the United States accounts for the second-highest number of tourists visiting Tanzania, the republic has created an online portal with an easy application.  Visa applications and supporting information are available at https://visa.immigration.go.tz/.  Complete the basic application data (https://visa.immigration.go.tz/start) and upload supporting documents, such as a scan of your passport data page.  You will receive an email reply containing your user ID number.  Add that information to the application, complete the other fields, pay the visa fee, and submit your application. 

Once your application is processed and approved, the government will send an acceptance email.  Print off a hard copy of the email and take it with you to present along with your passport at the Tanzania border to receive your visa.

When you apply, submit a copy of the biographic data page from your U.S. passport valid for at least six months from date of entry to Tanzania.  You will also need:

  • A digital passport-style photo.
  • Completed visa application and proof of fee payment.
  • Confirmed return flight.
  • For multiple-entry visas for non-U.S. citizens, a copy of the passport or national ID of the person you will visit; a letter from an institution explaining the need for multiple visits; or other type of justification of frequent visits.
  • Proof of required vaccinations outlined above.
  • Health Insurance. Although not required for the visa, we recommend purchasing international medical insurance to cover accidents, injuries, and illnesses while traveling in Tanzania.  International medical insurance from GeoBlue can be purchased from Visa Supply online through the following link: ⇒ Order Now.

 

We Can Help if You Need Assistance

If you live in Baltimore or anywhere in the state of Maryland and have difficulty applying for a Tanzania visa, or require assistance with any part of the visa process, please give our office a call at 404-682-5445 or schedule an appointment with our company.  We are a private agency in Atlanta providing Tanzania visa services for Americans and other U.S.-based residents.  Our number one goal is to ensure your application documents for a visa are submitted accurately to the government of Tanzania.  Our services eliminate delays and give you the peace of mind to focus on your travel plans. 

We provide the following Tanzania visa services for our customers in Baltimore:

  • Tanzania Tourist Visa
  • Tanzania Business Visa
  • Tanzania Transit Visa
  • Tanzania Student Visa
  • Tanzania Hotel Accommodations