Visa and Passport
When we move outside of Europe, just an identity card is no longer enough, most of the time even a passport isn’t enough, but it’s necessary to apply for a visa. This is Tanzania’s case: the italian citizens who wish to organize their holidays here, need to know some information. Don’t worry however, once you know the procedure, everything is extremely easy.
Passport for Tanzania: what you need to know
The italian citizens can enter Tanzania only if in possession of a passport with a validity of at least 6 months. Therefore, you’ll need to check that it’s not about to expire and, if necessary, you’ll need to ask for a renewal immediately. Another important detail not to be underestimated is that there must be two free pages.
However, the passport is not enough, you will also need to apply for an entry visa, also known as VISA
Visa for Tanzania
Known as “entry visa” or simply “VISA”, it can last up to 90 days and it can be requested online before arrival. It can take up to 3 weeks to obtain it, so to avoid problems, we suggest moving a little in advance making the request.
To obtain it, you can simply visit the local Immigration Office website and fill out the form. They will ask you for an electronic passport photo, a copy of the plain ticket and a copy of the passport as additional documents. You will then be asked to pay by credit card, but you will have to wait to do so when it will be requested to you by the operators, who will then send you the approval via PDF, that you must print and take with you during the trip. The form usually ask you where you will be staying, if you have booked a resort or an hotel you can indicate it, while if you are planning a safari, you can simply write the name of the company that deals with this activity and enter as an address not only your contact, but also the one of whoever is in charge of the activity.
In case you have forgotten to do it before leaving, you need to know that it is possible to request it upon arrival: at the Kilimanjaro, Dar Es Salaam or Zanzibar airport they offer the service, but you should know that it could take an hour or even more, but apart from patience, everything is really simple because it is done directly at the airport.
In case of problems, you should know that in Italy you can find contact with the consulate in Milan by requesting an appointment, or with the embassy in Rome. Going in person in one of these two places is only recommended for those who do not meet the electronic visa’s requirements and therefore have a different need of support that cannot be solved digitally.
How to request it: the application form
Going to the specific site for the visa application you will simply have to fill the form following a few steps. Keep a digital copy of your valid passport and your documents at hand, as well as a digital passport photo and information about your travel and accommodation.
Remember that, most likely, you will be also asked to show not only your way ticket, but also the return one. Take some time in advance to apply, now that it is possible to travel there are many people who will apply and therefore it could take up to 4 weeks. In case of incorrect data or compilation, do not worry, your request won’t be discarded, but clarifications will be requested and you will then have the opportunity to correct it and obtain your visa.
