Do Tanzanian Citizens Need a Visa to Visit South Africa?

‍If you’re a Tanzanian citizen planning a trip to the Rainbow Nation or if you are a South African citizen planning a trip to Tanzania, a number of questions may come to mind. You might be wondering, “Do Tanzanian need visa to South Africa?” Do I need a visa for Tanzania from South Africa? Do South African citizens need a visa for Tanzania? Do South African passport holders need a visa for Tanzania? Do you need a visa for Tanzania from South Africa? . The answer to these questions are a little complex and depend on various factors. It is advisable that you do further research on Tanzania visa for South African passport holders, Tanzania visa requirements for South African citizens, visa to Tanzania from South Africa,visa for Tanzania from South Africa and also the intricacies of Tanzania visa South Africa citizens. However, this article will give the appropriate answers to many of the questions listed here and point you in the right direction towards further research.  So, let’s delve into the details so you can plan your travel with ease.

Visa-Free Entry for Short Stays

According to the immigration laws of South Africa, Tanzanian citizens are granted visa-free entry for stays of up to 90 days. This visa exemption applies to numerous purposes such as tourism, business, and transit. So, if you’re planning a short vacation or a business trip, you can enjoy the convenience of visa-free travel.

However, keep in mind that this rule applies only to stays of up to 90 days. If you intend to stay for longer, or if your visit involves activities like studying or working, you would need to apply for an appropriate South African visa.

When is a Visa Required?

If you’re a Tanzanian citizen planning to stay in South Africa for more than 90 days, or if your visit involves activities like studying or working, you would need to apply for a South African visa. The type of visa required would depend on the nature of your visit.

Before you apply for a visa, ensure that you have a valid Tanzanian passport with at least two blank pages for entry/exit stamps, and a payment method to cover the South Africa visa fee.

Applying for a South African Visa

The process of applying for a South Africa visa for Tanzania citizens involves filling out an application form with details such as your name, date of birth, citizenship, and passport details. It’s important to answer all questions on the form honestly and accurately, as any errors can cause delays in the processing of your visa application.

Once you’ve filled out the form, you need to submit it to the South African High Commission in Tanzania, along with the required supporting documents. You’ll also need to pay the visa fee at this time. After you’ve submitted your application, it can take weeks or even months for your visa to be processed and approved.

South African eVisa System

The South African government has introduced an electronic travel visa system to simplify the visa application process. However, as of now, Tanzanian citizens are not eligible to apply for a South African visa online. It’s not known whether they will be added to the list of eligible countries in the future.

Overstaying Your Visa

South Africa has strict rules for people who overstay their visa. If you’re found to have overstayed your visa, you will be placed on an Immigration Control List and barred from entering South Africa for a period of five years.

South African High Commission in Tanzania

The South African High Commission in Tanzania is located in Dar-es-Salaam. Tanzanian citizens who need to apply for a South African visa must do so at this consular office. Here are the contact details:

South African High Commission in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania
Plot 218/50 Corner Garden Avenue and Shabani Robert Road
P. O. Box 10723 Ilala District
Dar-es-Salaam
Tanzania
TELEPHONE: (+255) 22 221 8500

Visa Types for Tanzania Passport Holders Visiting South Africa

Depending on the purpose of your visit, there are different types of South African visas that Tanzanian citizens can apply for:

Single Entry Visa (Ordinary Visa / Tourist Visa): This visa allows a single entry for a stay of up to three months for purposes such as holidays, business, health treatment, studies, or leisure.

Multiple Visa: This visa allows multiple entries into South Africa within its validity period. The validity of this visa ranges from three months to one year, but a single stay should not exceed ninety days.

Transit Visa: This visa allows passage through South Africa to another destination abroad. It’s issued for a maximum period of fourteen days and is non-extendable.

Business Visa: This visa is issued for temporary business, trade, professional, or assignment purposes for a period not exceeding three months.

Gratis Visa: This visa is issued to Diplomatic, Service, and Official Passport holders, as well as holders of UN, SADC, AU Laissez-Passer, and other International Organizations recognized by the United Republic of Tanzania.

Other Important Information

Keep in mind that possessing a South African visa does not guarantee automatic entry into the country. The immigration officer at the port of entry may refuse entry to any person if they are not satisfied with their ability to comply with the immigration requirements.

Moreover, always ensure that the passport you use to apply for the South African visa is the same one you’ll be using to travel. This is because the approved visa is linked to a specific passport.

Conclusion

So, to answer the question “Do Tanzanians need visa to South Africa?”, the answer is no, not for short stays of up to 90 days. However, for longer stays or for specific activities such as studying or working, a visa is indeed required. Always ensure that you apply well in advance of your intended trip and always respect the terms of your visa to avoid any immigration issues.

For more articles related to Tanzania Immigration, click here!