🛂 What Is the Referral Visa For Bangladesh?
The Referral Visa is a special category required For Bangladesh nationals of certain countries — plus stateless individuals and refugees — who cannot obtain a visa on arrival in Tanzania. They must obtain special clearance before traveling by applying online.
Tanzania Referral e-Visa: It's not a visa type based on the purpose of travel (like tourism or business), but rather a classification for certain nationalities or individuals who require additional security checks or diplomatic considerations. Referral e-Visa Application
This type of visa is typically required for nationals of certain countries that have been designated by the Tanzanian authorities.
Applicants from this category MUST submit their Visa applications Online, and should wait until their applications are approved before starting their journey. These applicants are further advised to submit their applications at least 1 month before their travel date. Having an invitation letter or a request letter for visa from the Host is an added credibility of their application. This letter, if available MUST be uploaded in the Online Visa Application.
Here's a breakdown of the generally Visa required documents
📋 Tanzania Referral Visa For Bangladesh?
These nationalities (among others) fall into the Referral category: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Chad, Eritrea, Guinea‑Bissau, Guinea‑Conakry, Iran, Iraq, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine, Somalia, Sierra Leone, Syria, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Yemen — plus stateless or refugee-status individuals
Important Note: If your nationality is on this list, you cannot obtain a Visa on Arrival and you must apply for your visa online, selecting "Referral Cases" as your visa type.
⏳ Timing & Processing For Bangladesh
- ✅ Apply online only:
- ✅ Do not book flights or make non-refundable hotel reservations until visa is approved.
- ✅ Apply at least 2 months before travel; 6 weeks is often advised.
- ✅ Payment: Visa fee paid online by credit/debit card
- ✅ Typical processing time: 2–6 weeks (some sources say up to 10 working days general, but referral takes longer).
📝 Tanzania Referral eVisa Required Documents For Bangladesh
The Tanzania Referral Visa is a specific category of visa application that requires special clearance from the Commissioner General of Immigration or the Commissioner of Immigration (Zanzibar) before the visa can be issued. This is a more complex process than the standard eVisa or Visa on Arrival options.
A complete Referral e‑Visa application For Bangladesh must include:
- ✅ Covering Letter: If travel is official/business: from a registered Tanzanian institution/company. If personal: from an individual host outlining purpose and duration
- Passport Bio Page Copy: Valid ≥ 6 months from entry date
- Passport-size Photo: (biometric standard)
- Host Documents: If institution/company host: Certificate of Incorporation, TIN, License, etc. If individual host: their passport + residence permit (if foreigner) or national ID (if Tanzanian)
- Security Bond Form (T.I.F 12):
- Visa Fee Payment: (50 USD for most referral cases; may vary), Hotel, lodge booking, or host accommodation plan
- Proof of Travel & Accommodation: Flight itinerary (out & return)
- Yellow Fever Certificate: if arriving from/high-risk country
- Bank Statement: (showing sufficient funds) — recommended/additional
- Possible extra documents: (depending on nationality or purpose)
✔️ Tanzania Referral eVisa Application Tips For Bangladesh
- ✅ Upload cover letter and host invitation hrough the “Return ticket” upload field if needed
- ✅ Choose single-entry visa (Referral Visa applicants are not advised to apply for multiple-entry)
- ✅ Track your status on the portal; there’s no email confirmation
- If delays occur (~2+ weeks), contact the local Tanzanian embassy/consulate or immigration directly or Contact Our Visa Support Services
🚨 Important Reminders For Tanzania Referral eVisa For Bangladesh
- ✅ No visa on arrival For Bangladesh / referral nationalities
- ✅ No bookings until visa approval
- ✅ Carry your security bond form and return ticket when arriving
- ✅ Statelessness/travel documents also require referral process
🕒 Tanzania Referral Visa Processing Time For Bangladesh
- Standard: Typical processing time: 2–6 weeks
- Entry Tanzania with Minors: For minors (under 18) traveling alone or with only one parent/legal guardian, additional documents like a notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent(s) and copies of their IDs/passports may be required.
✅ Quick Checklist For Tanzania Referral e-Visa For Bangladesh
- Online application via official portal
- Cover letter from host/institution
- Passport copy (≥ 6 months) + visa photo
- Host’s ID or company documents
- Completed T.I.F 12 bond form
- Visa fee payment (~50 USD)
- Flight itinerary + accommodation proof
- Yellow fever certificate (if relevant)
- Bank statement (recommended)
- Upload all in correct portal fields
- Apply at least 6 weeks before travel
- Wait for approval — no bookings until then
How to Identify Which eVisa Type For Bangladesh
When applying on the official Tanzania eVisa portal (visa.immigration.go.tz), or Agency application form you will be prompted to select your purpose of visit, which will then guide you to the appropriate visa type and its specific requirements. It's crucial to select the correct type to avoid issues with your application or entry into Tanzania. Checking Visa Type
Referral Visa Recommendation For Bangladesh: Due to the extended processing times and the nature of the clearance required, if your nationality falls under the Referral Visa category, start your application process as early as possible – ideally 2 to 3 months before your planned travel date.