Tanzania Business eVisa: Application and Requirements Guide

What is the Tanzania Business eVisa?

The Tanzania Business eVisa is an electronic visa specifically designed for foreign nationals traveling to Tanzania for business-related activities. This online visa system simplifies the application process, allowing business travelers to obtain their visa authorization before arriving in the country.

Unlike tourist visas, the business eVisa is intended for travelers engaging in commercial activities such as business meetings, conferences, trade negotiations, or exploring business opportunities in Tanzania. The electronic system eliminates the need for embassy visits, making it convenient for busy professionals worldwide.

The Tanzania Business eVisa allows for a stay of up to 90 days and must be used within 90 days from the date of issue. It is important to note that this visa does not permit employment or paid work within Tanzania – those activities require a separate work permit. Learn more about Tanzania eVisa requirements for all visa types.

Who Needs a Tanzania Business eVisa?

Business professionals in meeting discussing Tanzania business opportunities

Business Activities Covered

The Tanzania Business eVisa is required for foreign nationals from eligible countries who plan to visit Tanzania for the following purposes:

Business Meetings - Attending meetings with Tanzanian companies or business partners
Conferences and Seminars - Participating in professional conferences, trade shows, or industry events
Contract Negotiations - Negotiating business contracts or agreements with local entities
Market Research - Conducting market research or exploring investment opportunities
Trade Activities - Engaging in import/export discussions or commercial transactions
Site Visits - Inspecting facilities, factories, or potential business locations

Note: Citizens of certain East African Community (EAC) and SADC countries may be exempt from visa requirements. Check our complete list of eligible countries for Tanzania eVisa.

Tanzania Business eVisa Requirements

Essential documents needed for your business visa application

Required Documents

To successfully apply for a Tanzania Business eVisa, you must prepare and submit the following documents:

Valid Passport - Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your planned date of entry into Tanzania. It should also have at least one blank page for visa stamps.
Passport Scan - A clear, color scan of your passport's biographical data page in JPEG or PNG format (maximum 300 KB).
Recent Passport Photo - A digital passport-style photograph with a white background, taken within the last 6 months. The photo must show your full face clearly without any obstructions.
Invitation Letter - This is the most critical document for a business visa. You need an official invitation letter from a registered Tanzanian company or organization that you will be visiting. The letter should include:
- Full details of the inviting company (name, address, registration number)
- Purpose and nature of your business visit
- Duration of your intended stay
- Contact information of the inviting company
- Company letterhead and authorized signature
Flight Itinerary - Proof of your travel arrangements, including entry and exit dates from Tanzania.
Accommodation Details - Hotel reservation confirmation or details of where you will be staying during your business visit.
Business Registration Documents - In some cases, you may need to provide proof of your own company registration or employment verification letter.

Start Your Business eVisa Application

How to Apply for Tanzania Business eVisa

Simple Online Application Process

Prepare Your Documents - Gather all required documents including your passport, invitation letter, and business documentation. Ensure all digital files meet the size and format requirements.
Complete the Online Form - Visit the official eVisa application portal and fill in your personal details, passport information, travel dates, and business visit purpose accurately.
Upload Supporting Documents - Submit scanned copies of your passport, photograph, invitation letter, and other required business documents through the secure online system.
Pay the Visa Fee - Make the payment using a credit card, debit card, or other accepted payment methods. The government fee for a business eVisa is USD 250, plus applicable service fees.
Submit and Track - After submission, you will receive a reference number to track your application status. Processing typically takes 2-10 business days.
Receive Your eVisa - Once approved, your Tanzania Business eVisa will be sent to your email. Print a copy to present upon arrival at Tanzanian immigration.

Important: Apply at least 10 days before your planned travel date to allow sufficient processing time.

Business professional completing Tanzania eVisa application online

Tanzania Business eVisa Fees and Processing

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Government Fee

$250

Official Tanzania government visa fee for business travelers

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Processing Time

2-10 days

Standard processing time for business eVisa applications

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Validity Period

90 days

Valid for 90 days from issue date for single entry

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Maximum Stay

90 days

Maximum duration of stay for business purposes

Important Information for Business Travelers

Organized business travel documents for Tanzania including visa and passport

Key Points to Remember

No Extension Possible - The Tanzania Business eVisa cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and apply for a new visa.
Single Entry Only - Most business eVisas are single-entry. If you plan multiple visits, you may need to apply for a new visa each time or consider alternative visa options.
Not for Employment - This visa does not authorize you to work or receive payment from Tanzanian sources. A separate work permit is required for employment.
Invitation Letter is Mandatory - The invitation letter from a Tanzanian company is crucial. Applications without this document will be rejected.
Print Your eVisa - Always carry a printed copy of your approved eVisa along with your passport when traveling to Tanzania.
Entry Decision - While the eVisa is an authorization to travel to Tanzania, the final entry decision rests with the immigration officer at the port of entry.
Valid for Zanzibar - Your Tanzania Business eVisa also covers travel to Zanzibar, as it is part of the United Republic of Tanzania.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Tanzania Business eVisa

A tourist visa is intended for leisure travel, vacations, and visiting friends and family, while a business visa is specifically for commercial activities such as meetings, conferences, and business negotiations. The business visa costs more (USD 250 vs USD 50) and requires additional documentation, particularly an invitation letter from a Tanzanian company. Business visas do not permit paid employment in Tanzania.

The standard processing time for a Tanzania Business eVisa is typically 2 to 10 business days. However, processing times can vary depending on the volume of applications and the completeness of your documentation. It is strongly recommended to apply at least 10 days before your planned travel date to allow for any potential delays or requests for additional information.

The invitation letter must be on the official letterhead of the inviting Tanzanian company and should include: the company's full name, address, and registration details; the purpose and nature of your business visit; the duration of your intended stay; details about planned business activities; and the signature of an authorized company representative. The letter should clearly explain why your presence is required and what business activities you will undertake during your stay.

No, the Tanzania Business eVisa does not authorize you to work or engage in paid employment in Tanzania. It only permits business-related activities such as attending meetings, conferences, and conducting business negotiations. If you intend to work for a Tanzanian employer or receive payment from Tanzanian sources, you must apply for a proper work permit through the Immigration Services Department.

Unfortunately, the Tanzania Business eVisa cannot be extended after arrival. If your business activities require a longer stay than initially planned, you must leave Tanzania before your visa expires and apply for a new visa if you need to return. It's important to accurately estimate your required stay duration when applying to avoid complications.

If your Tanzania Business eVisa application is rejected, you may not receive detailed reasons for the denial. However, common causes include incomplete documentation, missing or invalid invitation letters, incorrect information, or security concerns. The visa fee is non-refundable even if rejected. You may be able to reapply by addressing the issues that led to rejection, ensuring all documents are complete and accurate. Consider consulting with the inviting Tanzanian company or seeking professional assistance for your new application.

Tanzania Business eVisa