Tanzania Immigration Services 2026
The Tanzania Immigration Services Department (ISD) is the government body responsible for managing immigration, visa issuance, work permits, residence permits, citizenship, and border control. Operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs, the ISD provides both in-person and online services through its e-services portal.
Key Facts: The main office is in Dar es Salaam on Ohio Street. Online services available at eservices.immigration.go.tz and visa.immigration.go.tz. Office hours are Monday-Friday 7:30am-3:30pm.
Online e-Services Portal
Tanzania Immigration operates two main online portals for foreign nationals:
1. e-Visa Portal (visa.immigration.go.tz)
- Apply for tourist, business, transit, and multiple entry visas
- Upload required documents
- Pay visa fees online (Visa/Mastercard)
- Track application status
- Download e-Visa approval letters
2. e-Services Portal (eservices.immigration.go.tz)
- Apply for work permits (Class A, B, C)
- Apply for residence permits (Class A, B, C)
- Apply for visa extensions
- Apply for re-entry passes
- Check application status
- Citizenship applications
- Special pass applications
Tip: The online portals operate 24/7 and are the recommended method for all applications. In-person visits are required only for biometric capture, document verification, and card collection.
How to Check Visa Status Online
You can check the status of your visa, work permit, or residence permit application online:
Visit the Portal
Go to visa.immigration.go.tz (for e-Visa applications) or eservices.immigration.go.tz (for permits).
Log In
Use your email and password from when you created the account to submit your application.
View Application Status
Navigate to "My Applications" or "Application Status". Your application will show one of the following statuses:
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Submitted | Application received, awaiting review |
| Under Review | Being processed by immigration officers |
| Additional Documents Required | You need to upload missing or corrected documents |
| Approved | Application approved - download your approval letter or collect your permit |
| Rejected | Application denied - reason provided, you may appeal or reapply |
Services Offered
| Service | Description | Where to Apply |
|---|---|---|
| e-Visa | Tourist, business, transit visas for entry | visa.immigration.go.tz |
| Visa on Arrival | Available at airports and select borders | Port of entry |
| Visa Extension | Extend your stay beyond the initial visa period | eservices.immigration.go.tz or in person |
| Work Permit | Class A, B, C for employment, investment, specific professions | eservices.immigration.go.tz |
| Residence Permit | Class A, B, C for long-term residents | eservices.immigration.go.tz |
| Re-Entry Pass | For permit holders travelling outside Tanzania | eservices.immigration.go.tz |
| Special Pass | Short-term authorization for specific activities | In person at Immigration office |
| Citizenship | Naturalization, registration, dual citizenship | In person at Immigration HQ |
| Travel Document | Emergency travel documents and laissez-passer | In person at Immigration HQ |
Office Locations
Headquarters - Dar es Salaam
- Address: Immigration Services Department, Ohio Street/Ghana Avenue, P.O. Box 512, Dar es Salaam
- Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM
- Phone: +255 22 211 8636 / +255 22 211 8637
- Email: info@immigration.go.tz
- Services: All immigration services including visa extensions, work permits, residence permits, citizenship
Zanzibar Office
- Address: Immigration Department, Zanzibar, Vuga Area, Zanzibar Town
- Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM
- Services: Visa extensions, residence permits, Zanzibar-specific immigration matters
Regional Offices
Immigration has regional offices in major cities and towns across Tanzania:
- Arusha
- Mwanza
- Dodoma
- Mbeya
- Tanga
- Morogoro
- Iringa
- Kigoma
- Bukoba
- Songea
- Tabora
- Lindi
Regional offices handle basic immigration services. Complex matters (work permits, citizenship) should be directed to the Dar es Salaam headquarters.
Processing Times
| Service | Standard Processing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| e-Visa | 3-10 business days | Apply at least 2 weeks before travel |
| Visa Extension | 1-5 business days | Apply before current visa expires |
| Work Permit (Class A) | 4-8 weeks | TIC investors processed faster |
| Work Permit (Class B) | 4-6 weeks | Employer must submit |
| Work Permit (Class C) | 2-4 weeks | Sponsoring org must submit |
| Residence Permit | 4-8 weeks | Usually processed with work permit |
| Re-Entry Pass | 1-3 business days | Apply before departure |
Tips for Dealing with Immigration
- Apply Early: Submit applications well in advance. Last-minute applications may be delayed or rejected.
- Be Complete: Incomplete applications are the main cause of delays. Double-check all documents before submission.
- Keep Copies: Maintain copies of all submitted documents, receipts, and application reference numbers.
- Dress Appropriately: When visiting Immigration offices, dress conservatively and respectfully.
- Be Patient: Government offices can be busy. Arrive early and expect to wait.
- Use the Online Portal: Whenever possible, use the e-services portal rather than visiting in person.
- Stay Legal: Never overstay your visa or work without a permit. Penalties are severe and can affect future applications.
- Seek Help: Immigration consultants and lawyers in Dar es Salaam can assist with complex applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Log in to visa.immigration.go.tz (for e-Visa) or eservices.immigration.go.tz (for permits) using the credentials you created when submitting your application. Navigate to "My Applications" to see your current status. Status options include Submitted, Under Review, Additional Documents Required, Approved, or Rejected.
The Immigration Services Department headquarters is located on Ohio Street/Ghana Avenue in Dar es Salaam. Open Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM. Phone: +255 22 211 8636. This is where you go for visa extensions, work permits, residence permits, and other in-person immigration services.
Visa extension applications can be initiated online through eservices.immigration.go.tz. However, you typically need to visit the Immigration office in person to complete the process, provide biometrics, and collect the extension stamp. See our visa extension guide for full details.
Immigration offices are open Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM. They are closed on weekends and Tanzanian public holidays. The online portals are available 24/7. Arrive early as offices can be busy, especially on Mondays.
If your application is rejected, the decision will include a reason. Common reasons include incomplete documents, insufficient financial proof, or unclear travel purpose. You can address the issues and reapply. For formal appeals, consult an immigration lawyer in Tanzania. The fee is not refundable for rejected applications.
You can call +255 22 211 8636 or +255 22 211 8637 during office hours. However, the online portal is more reliable for status checks. Phone lines can be busy and may not provide detailed information. Email info@immigration.go.tz is another option though response times vary.
Quick Facts
- HQ: Ohio St, Dar es Salaam
- Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am-3:30pm
- Phone: +255 22 211 8636
- e-Visa: visa.immigration.go.tz
- Permits: eservices.immigration.go.tz
- Email: info@immigration.go.tz