The Tanzania Immigration Department (officially the Tanzania Immigration Services Department — TISD) is the government body responsible for issuing visas, managing border crossings, and enforcing Tanzania's immigration laws. This guide covers entry requirements, key immigration rules, and how to contact the department.
Tanzania Immigration Services Department (TISD)
Official name: Tanzania Immigration Services Department
Parent ministry: Ministry of Home Affairs, United Republic of Tanzania
Official e-Visa portal: eservices.immigration.go.tz
Headquarters: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
The Tanzania Immigration Department manages:
- e-Visa applications and approvals
- Visa on arrival processing
- Entry and exit stamps at all ports of entry
- Visa extensions (done in person at immigration offices)
- Deportations and overstay penalties
- Residence permits and work permits
Tanzania Entry Requirements
Every international traveler entering Tanzania must present:
- Valid passport — 6+ months validity beyond planned departure from Tanzania
- Valid Tanzania visa — e-Visa (pre-approved) or visa on arrival, or visa-exempt nationality
- Return or onward ticket — proof of planned departure
- Accommodation details — address of where you will stay
- Completed arrival card — provided on inbound flights
- Yellow fever certificate — if arriving from endemic country
- Sufficient funds — ability to support your stay
Tanzania Immigration Rules for Visitors
Permitted Activities on Tourist Visa
Tanzania's tourist e-Visa permits:
- Tourism, sightseeing, safari
- Visiting friends or family
- Leisure and recreation
- Short-term health treatment
- Other activities recognized by Tanzania law
Activities NOT Permitted on Tourist Visa
- Paid employment or working for Tanzanian companies
- Long-term business operations (beyond permitted business visit categories)
- Study (beyond short courses — requires student permit)
- Journalism (may require special authorization)
Overstay Rules
Overstaying your visa is a violation of Tanzania immigration law:
- Daily overstay fines apply
- Possible detention at Immigration offices
- Risk of deportation
- Potential future entry ban
See Tanzania e-Visa overstay for full details.
Tanzania Border Crossings
Major international entry points managed by Tanzania Immigration:
International Airports:
- Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) — Dar es Salaam
- Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
- Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ)
Major Land Border Crossings:
- Namanga — Tanzania/Kenya (busy crossing near Arusha)
- Holili/Taveta — Tanzania/Kenya
- Horohoro/Lunga Lunga — Tanzania/Kenya (coastal)
- Sirari — Tanzania/Kenya (western)
- Mutukula — Tanzania/Uganda
- Kabanga/Kobero — Tanzania/Burundi
- Kasumulu/Mbeya — Tanzania/Malawi
- Tunduma — Tanzania/Zambia
All designated border crossings offer visa on arrival. e-Visa holders should confirm their portal-entered port of entry.
Tanzania Immigration Offices for Visa Extensions
Dar es Salaam — HQ:
Ohio Street, Dar es Salaam
Open: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Arusha Regional Office: For safari-belt extensions
Zanzibar Immigration: For Zanzibar-based extensions
Other regional offices: Mwanza, Dodoma, Mtwara, and others
In-person visit required for all visa extensions. No online extension option is available.
Contacting Tanzania Immigration
For application queries, status inquiries, or general immigration questions:
- Use the official portal's contact/support feature at eservices.immigration.go.tz
- Check the official TISD website for current contact details (phone, email)
- For urgent matters at the border, speak directly with the immigration duty officer
Frequently Asked Questions
Related guides: Requirements | Fees | Processing Time