Tanzania Business Visa Application: Complete Guide

The Tanzania business e-Visa ($250 USD) is for travelers whose primary purpose in Tanzania is commercial or professional. It is applied for online at eservices.immigration.go.tz and processed within 3–10 business days. This guide covers eligibility, required documents, fees, and the step-by-step application process.

Who Needs a Tanzania Business e-Visa?

The Tanzania business e-Visa is required when your primary purpose is:

• Business meetings with Tanzanian companies or clients
• Contract negotiations or deal-making
• Conference or trade fair attendance in a professional capacity
• Business consultancy or advisory assignments
• Commercial site visits (factory, facility, project inspections)
• Corporate training delivery (paid or unpaid)

You do NOT need a business visa for:

• Attending a conference as a regular delegate (tourist visa sufficient in most cases)
• Short exploratory business trip where tourism is the primary activity
• Unpaid volunteer work (humanitarian)

When in doubt, the business visa is the safer choice for any commercially motivated visit.

Tanzania Business e-Visa Fee

The business visa is significantly more expensive than the tourist visa ($50) due to the additional document verification required. The fee is non-refundable.

Tanzania Business e-Visa Required Documents

Beyond the standard passport requirements, business visa applicants need:

1. Invitation Letter from Tanzanian Company

• On official company letterhead
• Signed by an authorized signatory (director, GM, HR director)
• Company stamp/seal included
• Must specify:
• Your full name and nationality
• Your job title and employer
• The specific nature of business activities in Tanzania
• Planned dates of visit
• Confirmation that the company will be responsible for your activities
• Addressed to: Commissioner for Immigration, Tanzania Immigration Department

2. Company Registration Certificate

• Certificate of Incorporation or Certificate of Compliance from BRELA (Business Registration and Licensing Agency)
• Confirms the host company is legally registered in Tanzania
• Scanned copy is acceptable

3. Host's Identification

• Passport or national ID copy of the invitation letter signatory
• Clearly legible

4. Your Employer Letter

• From your employer/company in your home country
• On company letterhead, signed by HR or a director
• Confirms: your position, the purpose of your Tanzania visit, and authorization for travel
• Dates of travel should match your application

5. Standard Documents (Same as All Visa Types)

• Passport scan (color, 6+ months validity)
• Passport photo (white background, JPEG)
• Return ticket
• Accommodation proof (hotel or provided by Tanzanian host)

Tanzania Business Visa Application Steps

1. Gather all required documents including the invitation letter, company registration, and employer letter
2. Go to eservices.immigration.go.tz
3. Create an account and log in
4. Select "Business e-Visa" as the visa type
5. Complete the personal and passport details form
6. Enter business-specific information: company name, nature of business, host company details
7. Upload all documents (standard + business-specific)
8. Pay $250 USD via Visa or Mastercard
9. Submit and note your reference number
10. Check status in 3–10 business days
11. Download and print approved e-Visa

Tanzania Business Visa Processing Time

Same as other e-Visa types: 3–10 business days. Business visa applications may take slightly longer due to additional document verification. Apply at least 4 weeks before travel for a business visa.

Business Visa vs. Tourist Visa for Business Activities

Some travelers wonder if they can conduct informal business meetings on a tourist visa. Tanzania immigration regulations require a business visa for commercial activities. Using a tourist visa for business purposes is technically a violation of the visa conditions and could result in denial of entry or deportation.

For any trip where business is the primary purpose: apply for the business e-Visa.

Multiple Entries for Business Travelers

If you travel to Tanzania multiple times per year for business, consider:

• Business e-Visa (Single Entry): $250 per trip
• Multiple Entry Tourist Visa: $100 for 12 months (for tourism — not for business activities)

For frequent business travelers, the Tanzania Immigration Department may have provisions for long-validity business visas — contact them directly for current options.

Frequently Asked Questions