Tanzania Visa Extension: How to Extend Your Stay

Tanzania Visa Extension: How to Extend Your Stay

How to extend a Tanzania tourist visa. Apply at Immigration HQ in Dar es Salaam before expiry. Get up to 90 extra days. Requirements and fees explained.

Apply for Tanzania e-Visa

If you need more time in Tanzania beyond your original visa duration, a Tanzania visa extension allows you to stay for an additional period โ€” up to 90 extra days โ€” without leaving the country. Extensions are processed in person at the Tanzania Immigration Department headquarters in Dar es Salaam or at regional offices.

Can I Extend a Tanzania e-Visa?

Yes. The Tanzania Immigration Act allows visa extensions for holders of tourist, business, and other categories. Tourist visa holders can typically obtain one extension of up to 90 additional days.

Who can extend:

  • Holders of a valid Tanzania tourist e-Visa
  • Business visa holders (subject to business justification)
  • Any visitor who has not yet overstayed their current visa

Who cannot extend:

  • Travelers who have already overstayed (must pay penalties and report immediately)
  • Transit visa holders

Tanzania Visa Extension Requirements

To apply for a visa extension, bring:

  1. Original passport with your current Tanzania visa stamp
  2. Printed Tanzania e-Visa (your original approval document)
  3. Completed extension application form (obtained from the Immigration office)
  4. Return/onward ticket โ€” proof you plan to eventually leave Tanzania
  5. Accommodation proof โ€” hotel booking, rental agreement, or host letter for the extended period
  6. Passport photo โ€” one recent passport-style photo
  7. Extension fee payment โ€” paid at the office (exact fee varies; typically $250โ€“$500 USD equivalent)
  8. Sufficient funds โ€” ability to demonstrate financial support for your extended stay

Where to Apply for Tanzania Visa Extension

Primary office (Dar es Salaam):

Tanzania Immigration Department Headquarters

Ohio Street, Dar es Salaam

Open: Mondayโ€“Friday, 8:00 AM โ€“ 4:00 PM

Regional offices are available in Arusha, Mwanza, Zanzibar, Dodoma, and other major cities. Contact the regional office before visiting to confirm they handle visa extensions.

Zanzibar: Extensions for Zanzibar visitors can be processed at the Zanzibar Immigration offices in Zanzibar City.

Tanzania Visa Extension Process

Step 1: Gather all required documents

Step 2: Visit the Immigration Department office in person. Visa extensions cannot be processed online.

Step 3: Collect and complete the extension application form at the office

Step 4: Submit all documents to the immigration officer

Step 5: Pay the extension fee (at the cashier)

Step 6: Wait for processing โ€” same-day or next-day for most routine extensions

Step 7: Collect your passport with the new extended stay stamp

How Long Before Expiry Should I Apply?

Apply for your extension at least 1โ€“2 weeks before your current visa expires. Do not wait until the last day:

  • Immigration offices can be busy with queues
  • Processing can occasionally take 2โ€“3 days
  • Applying late risks an accidental overstay

If your visa expires before you can reach an immigration office, contact them immediately โ€” penalties accumulate daily for overstays.

How Many Times Can I Extend a Tanzania Visa?

Typically, one extension is granted on a tourist visa, adding up to 90 days. A second extension is at the immigration officer's discretion and is not guaranteed.

If you need long-term stay in Tanzania, consider:

  • A residence permit (Class B or C)
  • A work permit (for employment)
  • Consulting an immigration lawyer for your specific situation

Tanzania Visa Extension Fees

Extension fees are determined by the Tanzania Immigration Department and can change. As of 2026, approximate fees are:

  • Tourist visa extension: $250 USD equivalent (in Tanzanian shillings or USD)
  • Business visa extension: higher rates apply

Bring both USD cash and some local currency (TZS) as payment practices can vary by office.

Frequently Asked Questions

A: Yes. Apply at the Tanzania Immigration Department in person before your current visa expires. Up to 90 additional days is typically granted.

A: No. Extensions must be done in person at a Tanzania Immigration Department office.

A: Up to 90 additional days for a tourist visa extension.

A: You will be overstaying, which results in fines and potential deportation. Apply for an extension before expiry. See Tanzania e-Visa overstay.

A: Visit the Arusha Regional Immigration Office. Confirm opening hours before visiting.

Related guides: Requirements | Fees | Processing Time

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