Tanzania Visa Extension | Get-Visa

Tanzania Visa Extensions

If you're in Tanzania and need to extend your tourist visa, it's generally possible, but it's crucial to follow the correct procedures and apply before your current visa expires. Overstaying your visa can lead to significant fines and potential issues with future travel to Tanzania.

Here's what you need to know about extending your Tanzania visa:

1. Tanzania Visa Eligibility for Extensions

• Single-Entry (Ordinary) Tourist Visas Extension: These are typically issued for 90 days (3 months) and are generally extendable for up to an additional 90 days, bringing your total possible stay to six months. Tourist Visas Extension
• Multiple-Entry Visas Extension: These are generally not extendable. If you have a multiple-entry visa (often issued to US citizens due to bilateral agreements), you typically need to leave the country and re-enter if you wish to stay longer than the permitted 90-day stay per entry. Multiple-Entry Visas
• Transit Visas: These are valid for a maximum of 7 days and are not extendable.
• Business Visas Extension: May be extended in special cases, but are generally not renewable/extendable without special permission from the Commissioner General of Immigration. Check Business Visas

2. Where to Apply for Tanzania Visa Extension

You must apply in person at one of the main Immigration Offices in Tanzania. The most common locations are:

Tanzania Regional Immigration Office

• Dar es Salaam Immigration Offices: The Immigration Head Office. Immigration - DSM, Box 512 DAR ES SALAAM, DAR ES SALAAM, TANZANIA 255 can email: info@immigration.go.tz
• Zanzibar Immigration Offices: Immigration Head Office Zanzibar, 1354, Zanzibar - Tanzania, email: proznz@immigration.go.tz or call +255 242 233 678, +255 242 233 676
• DAR ES SALAAM - RIO Regional Immigration Officer, PO.BOX 3315 DAR ES SALAAM, DAR ES SALAAM, you can email: riodaresalaam@immigration.go.tz
• Arusha Immigration Offices:
• Other major cities may also have regional immigration offices.
• DODOMA Regional Immigration Officer PO.BOX 558, DODOMA Email: riododomA@immigration.go.tz
• Tell:+255 262-323542
• Tell+255 262323532

3. When to Apply for Tanzania Visa Extension

By planning ahead and adhering to the official procedures, you can often successfully extend your stay in beautiful Tanzania.

• Highly recommended It is highly recommended to apply for an extension well in advance of your current visa's expiration date. Applying within the final month of your current visa is usually advised.
• Processing times for visa Extension can vary, typically taking a few days to a week. Don't leave it to the last minute.

4. Required Documents (General Checklist) For Visa Extensions

While specific requirements can sometimes vary, you will generally need the following:

• Valid Passport For Tanzania Visa Extensions: Your original passport, which must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended extended stay and have sufficient blank pages.
• Current Visa/Entry Stamp Copy: A photocopy of your existing visa and the entry stamp in your passport.
• Completed Visa Extension Application Form: This form can usually be obtained at the Immigration Office or, in some cases, downloaded from their official website (though the online application system for extensions might not always be fully functional or preferred for extensions). Fill it out accurately.
• Recent Passport-Sized Photographs: Usually two recent passport-sized photos meeting Tanzanian visa photo specifications (e.g., 2x2 inches on a white background, neutral expression, no glasses or headwear unless for religious reasons).
• Reason for Extension (Written Explanation): A formal letter or statement explaining why you need to extend your stay in Tanzania.
• Proof of Financial Means: Evidence that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your extended stay (e.g., recent bank statements).
• Proof of Onward/Return Travel or Accommodation: An updated flight booking out of Tanzania, or proof of accommodation arrangements for your extended stay.
• Visa Extension Fee: Be prepared to pay the fee in cash (often USD) or via designated payment methods. The fee for a tourist visa extension is typically around USD $45-$100, but confirm the exact amount at the office. These fees are usually non-refundable.

5. The Application Process

• Gather Documents: Collect all the necessary documents mentioned above.
• Visit Immigration Office: Go to the relevant Immigration Services Department office in person.
• Submit Application: Present your completed application form and supporting documents to the immigration officer.
• Pay Fee: Pay the required extension fee.
• Interview/Questions: You might be asked questions about your reasons for extending your stay and your travel plans.
• Wait for Approval: Processing times vary. You will usually be notified when your extended visa is ready for collection, or it might be processed on the spot.
• Collect Extended Visa: Once approved, you will receive a new visa sticker or stamp in your passport with the new expiry date. Verify all details carefully.

Important Considerations:

• Discretion of Authorities: Visa extensions are granted at the discretion of the immigration authorities. Approval is not guaranteed, so having all documents in order and a valid reason is essential.
• Overstaying Penalties: If you overstay your visa, you will face fines (e.g., USD $600 per month of overstay) and potential legal consequences, including deportation and future entry bans. It is critical to avoid overstaying.
• Official Sources: Always refer to the official Tanzania Immigration Services Department website (www.immigration.go.tz) for the most up-to-date and accurate information on visa regulations and extension procedures, as policies can change.

Tanzania Visa information

The Tanzania Visa information: Since November 2018, Tanzania government began issuing visa online valid for 30 days in a simplified procedure to visitors from worldwide. This eVisa system allows travellers to apply for their Tanzania visa in the easiest way through anywhere in the world. Types of Tanzania Online visa: Single Entry visa for 30 days, Multiple Entry visa for 90 days, Transit visa and Referral Visa. Simplified procedure to visitors from worldwide.

Tanzania Border crossings

The main international road crossings into Tanzania are from Kenya. The most used is the border crossing at Namanga, about halfway between Nairobi and Arusha. The other principle border crossing is south of Mombasa on the coast at Lunga Lunga, from where the nearest large Tanzanian town is Tanga. There are quieter border crossings at Taveta, between Voi and Moshi, and Isebania on the main road between Kisumu and Mwanza.

Border crossings from other neighbouring countries include the Songwe border with Malawi and the Tunduma border with Zambia, both of which are in the southwestern corner of Tanzania and are reached by a good (but long) road from Dar es Salaam. There is a crossing with Uganda at Mutukulu, northwest of Bukoba, but this is a rough road and a remote region to get to. The easiest way to get to Uganda from Tanzania is via Nairobi in Kenya, from where there are daily bus services to Kampala. There is a border crossing with Rwanda at Rusomo, although again this is in the remote northwestern part of Tanzania although there are bus services between Mwanza and Kigali. Tanzania does share a border with Mozambique to the south, but road access between the two countries is very limited. Complete Tanzania Visa Form Online

Tanzania By road

There are many Tanzania local bus companies that ply the main routes over the borders. Several companies run comfortable shuttle bus services between Nairobi and Arusha and Moshi in Tanzania. These are aimed at tourists who fly into Nairobi and are visiting the game parks in Tanzania’s northern circuit region from Arusha, or are climbing Mt Kilimanjaro from Moshi. The buses take about 5-6 hours in either direction, and drivers assist passengers with border procedures