US Visa for Tanzanians 2026
Tanzanian citizens require a visa to visit the United States. The B1/B2 visitor visa is the most common type, covering tourism, family visits, business meetings, and medical treatment. All applications require an in-person interview at the US Embassy in Dar es Salaam.
US Visa Types for Tanzanians
| Visa Type | Fee (USD) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| B1 (Business) | $185 | Business meetings, conferences, contract negotiation |
| B2 (Tourist) | $185 | Tourism, visiting family/friends, medical treatment |
| B1/B2 (Combined) | $185 | Both business and tourism (most common) |
| F-1 (Student) | $185 | Full-time academic study |
| J-1 (Exchange) | $185 | Exchange programmes, research, training |
| H-1B (Work) | $215 | Specialty occupation employment (employer-sponsored) |
| K-1 (Fiance) | $265 | Fiance(e) of US citizen |
| Immigrant Visa (IR/CR) | $325 | Permanent residence (family-based) |
The MRV fee (Machine Readable Visa) of $185 is non-refundable and valid for one year from payment date.
Required Documents (B1/B2 Visa)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Valid Passport | Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in the US. At least one blank page required. |
| DS-160 Confirmation | Online application form completed on the CEAC website. Print the confirmation page with barcode. |
| Passport Photo | One recent digital photo (5cm x 5cm / 2" x 2"), white background. Also uploaded during DS-160 submission. |
| Interview Appointment Letter | Printed confirmation of your scheduled embassy interview. |
| MRV Fee Receipt | Proof of $185 visa fee payment via designated bank. |
| Bank Statements | Last 6 months showing consistent income and savings. Should demonstrate you can afford the trip and have financial ties to Tanzania. |
| Employment Letter | On company letterhead stating position, salary, length of employment, and approved leave. Self-employed: business registration, TRA tax certificates, and recent contracts. |
| Property Documents | Title deeds, vehicle registration, or other proof of assets in Tanzania showing strong ties. |
| Travel Itinerary | Planned destinations, activities, hotel bookings (refundable), and return flight reservation. |
| Invitation Letter | If visiting someone in the US: their letter of invitation, copy of their ID/green card, and proof of their US status. |
| Previous US Visas | Old passports with previous US visa stamps, if any. |
Application Process Step-by-Step
Complete the DS-160 Form Online
Visit the CEAC (Consular Electronic Application Center) website and fill out the DS-160 form. This is a lengthy form covering personal details, travel plans, employment history, education, and security questions. Save frequently as sessions time out after 20 minutes of inactivity. You will need to upload a digital passport photo. Note your DS-160 confirmation number.
Create a US Visa Account
Register on the US visa scheduling website. Enter your passport details and DS-160 confirmation number.
Pay the MRV Fee ($185)
Pay the visa application fee at a designated bank (CRDB Bank in Tanzania). You can pay in USD or equivalent TZS. Keep the payment receipt with the CGI reference number. The payment is valid for one year.
Schedule Your Interview
Once payment is confirmed (usually within 24-48 hours), schedule your interview at the US Embassy in Dar es Salaam. Choose the earliest available date. Wait times can be several months during peak periods.
Attend the Interview
Arrive at the US Embassy 15 minutes early. You will go through security screening (no electronics, bags, or food allowed inside). The interview itself is typically 3-5 minutes. The consular officer will ask about your travel purpose, ties to Tanzania, and financial situation. Answer honestly and concisely.
Receive Your Decision
Most decisions are given at the interview window. If approved, your passport will be sent for visa printing and returned via DHL within 3-7 business days. If refused under Section 214(b), you will receive a refusal letter.
US Embassy Dar es Salaam
Address
686 Old Bagamoyo RoadMsasani
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Phone
+255 22 229 4000
Consular Section Hours
Monday - Thursday: 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday: 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Interview Hours
Monday - Thursday: 7:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Interview Tips for Tanzanian Applicants
- Be concise: The officer has limited time. Answer questions directly without rambling. If asked why you want to visit, give a clear one-sentence answer.
- Show strong ties: Emphasize your employment, property, family dependants, and business interests in Tanzania that ensure your return.
- Know your itinerary: Be able to explain where you will go, for how long, and what you will do. Vague answers raise red flags.
- Do not lie: If you have relatives in the US, declare them. If you were previously refused, acknowledge it. Dishonesty is the fastest path to permanent refusal.
- Dress professionally: While not formally required, dressing well shows you are a serious, credible applicant.
- Bring organized documents: Have your documents in a clear folder, arranged logically. The officer may not look at everything, but being prepared demonstrates credibility.
Section 214(b) Refusal
The most common refusal reason for Tanzanians is Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. This means the consular officer was not satisfied that you have strong enough ties to Tanzania to ensure you will return after your visit.
If refused, you can reapply at any time by paying a new $185 fee and scheduling a new interview. There is no formal appeal process. When reapplying, address the specific weaknesses in your previous application - stronger financial documentation, property ownership, family ties, or employment evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Facts
- Fee: $185 (B1/B2)
- Interview Wait: 30-120 days
- Stay: Up to 6 months
- Form: DS-160 online
- Embassy: Msasani, DSM
- Payment: CRDB Bank