REF
Referral category
Applies to nationals of specific countries and persons with refugee or stateless travel documents.
Tanzania Visa · Referral Category · Special Clearance
Tanzania Referral Visa for Special-Clearance Nationals
A Tanzania referral visa is for travelers whose nationality or travel document requires prior approval from Tanzania Immigration before arrival. Referral visa applicants cannot obtain a visa on arrival and should apply online at least two months before travel.
No VOAVisa on arrival not allowed
2 monthsApply before travel
ClearanceCommissioner approval
Wait firstDo not book before approval
What Is a Tanzania Referral Visa?
Some travelers require special clearance from the Commissioner General of Immigration or the Commissioner of Immigration in Zanzibar before they can enter Tanzania. These cases are called referral visa cases.
CLR
Special clearance
The application needs prior review and approval before the traveler can depart for Tanzania.
NO
No visa on arrival
Referral-category nationals may not obtain a visa on arrival at airports, seaports or land borders.
Important travel warning: Referral visa applicants should not book flight tickets, pay for hotels, tours or other reservations in Tanzania before receiving visa approval.
Countries Whose Nationals Require Tanzania Referral Visa
The official Tanzania Immigration list may be reviewed from time to time. Applicants and host institutions should verify the current list before applying or making travel plans.
AfghanistanBangladeshBurkina FasoChadEritreaGuinea-BissauGuinea ConakryIranIraqKyrgyz Republic / KyrgyzstanLebanonMaliMauritaniaNigerNigeriaPakistanPalestineSomaliaSierra LeoneSyriaTajikistanTurkmenistanUzbekistanYemenStateless personsPersons with refugee statusRefugees holding Vienna Convention travel documents
Spelling note: Official pages may use forms such as “Burkinafaso”, “Guinea Conakry”, “Kyrgyz Republic (Kyrgyzstan)” and “persons with refugee status.” This page uses clearer travel-search wording while preserving the official categories.
Tanzania Referral Visa Requirements
Referral applications require stronger supporting documents than ordinary tourist visa files because the application must be cleared before arrival.
| Requirement | Who provides it | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Covering letter | Host company/institution or individual host | Explains purpose and duration of visit | Official visit requires a legally registered institution/company. Personal visit requires a letter from a person who knows the applicant. |
| Valid passport copy | Applicant | Identity and nationality check | Passport should have sufficient validity and at least one unused visa page. |
| Passport-size photo | Applicant | Visa identification | Use a recent clear photo that meets upload requirements. |
| Host company documents | Host institution/company | Confirms legal registration | May include Certificate of Incorporation, TIN, Business License or similar documents. |
| Host ID or residence proof | Individual host | Confirms host identity/status | If host is foreign national: passport and residence permit. If host is Tanzanian: passport or national ID. |
| Security Bond T.I.F 12 | Applicant/host as applicable | Required referral security undertaking | Use the current official form where requested. |
| Visa fee | Applicant | Processing and visa category fee | Pay only through official or trusted support channels. |
How to Apply for Tanzania Referral Visa
Start early, upload complete documents and track your application until the grant notice is available.
Confirm referral category
Check whether your passport nationality or travel document appears in the referral visa list.
Prepare host support
Get a covering letter and supporting documents from the host individual, company or institution.
Apply online
Submit the application through the official Tanzania eVisa platform and upload referral attachments.
Pay and keep references
Keep payment receipt, application ID, email, security answer and uploaded document copies.
Wait for approval
Do not begin your journey until the referral visa application is approved and the grant notice is available.
Referral Visa Fees and Processing Notes
Referral visa applicants still apply for a visa type such as ordinary, business, student or other category, but the application is subject to special clearance.
| Item | Typical handling | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Visa category fee | Depends on visa type | Ordinary, business, student or other category fees may apply depending on travel purpose. |
| Referral clearance time | Apply at least 2 months early | Referral processing can take longer than standard online visas due to clearance review. |
| Service assistance fee | Optional | AfricaTourVisa support fees, if used, are separate from official government visa fees. |
| Wrong visa type risk | Can lead to rejection | Do not choose ordinary visa or visa on arrival route if referral clearance applies. |
Important Referral Visa Warnings
Referral visa cases have stricter timing and travel-planning rules than ordinary eVisa applications.
NO
Do not use visa on arrival
Referral nationals may not obtain a Tanzania visa on arrival. Apply online and wait for approval.
WAIT
Do not book before approval
Avoid non-refundable flights, accommodation, safaris or Zanzibar transfers before approval is issued.
ENTRY
Final entry is at border
A visa grant notice helps travel, but immigration officers at entry can still refuse entry if requirements are not met.
HOST
Host details must match
Purpose, host, duration and accommodation must match the covering letter and form details.
ZNZ
Zanzibar clearance
If arriving in Zanzibar, referral approval may involve the Commissioner of Immigration in Zanzibar.
DOC
Carry printed documents
Carry passport, grant notice, host letter, hotel details, return ticket and health documents where required.
Related Tanzania Visa Links
Use these pages to connect referral visa planning with Tanzania visa, eVisa, eligibility, Zanzibar and travel services.
Tanzania Referral Visa FAQ
Quick answers about referral visa countries, requirements, timing and approval.
What is a Tanzania referral visa?
A referral visa is required when a traveler’s nationality or travel document requires special clearance before arriving in Tanzania. It is not a visa-on-arrival category.
Can referral visa nationals get visa on arrival?
No. Tanzania Immigration says nationals in the referral category may not obtain visa on arrival and require special clearance before arrival.
When should I apply?
Apply online at least two months before your intended travel date and wait for approval before booking flights or reservations.
Which countries require referral visa?
The official list includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Chad, Eritrea, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea Conakry, Iran, Iraq, Kyrgyz Republic, Lebanon, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine, Somalia, Sierra Leone, Syria, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Yemen, and stateless or refugee-status persons.
Do refugees and stateless persons need referral visa?
Yes. Stateless persons and refugees, including holders of Vienna Convention travel documents, are required to obtain referral visa prior to coming to Tanzania.
What if my referral visa is refused?
Tanzania Immigration may approve or reject applications. Avoid non-refundable bookings before approval, and make sure all documents are accurate and complete.
Apply early for Tanzania referral visa
Check the referral country list, prepare host documents, apply online, and wait for approval before making travel payments.