Can I extend my visa online?

Applications can be initiated online at eservices.immigration.go.tz, but you typically need to visit the Immigration office in person.

How many times can I extend my Tanzania visa?

Tourist visas can typically be extended once for 90 days (max 180 days total). Further extensions are at the Commissioner's discretion.

What happens if I overstay my visa?

Fines of $50-$100+ per day, detention, deportation, re-entry bans, and potential criminal prosecution.

Can I extend my visa from Zanzibar?

Yes. The Immigration office in Vuga area, Zanzibar Town handles extensions with the same process and fees.

How long does the extension process take?

1-5 business days at Dar es Salaam HQ. Same-day possible for straightforward cases. Regional offices may take longer.

Tanzania Visa Extension 2026

Q: How much does a Tanzania visa extension cost?

Tourist visa extension costs approximately $100. Business visa extensions cost $150-$250.

If you need to stay in Tanzania beyond the validity of your current visa, you can apply for a visa extension at the Immigration Services Department. Extensions are available for tourist and business visas, and must be applied for before your current visa expires. This guide covers the extension process, fees, required documents, and where to apply.

Key Facts: Tourist visa extension costs approximately $100. Apply at the Immigration office in Dar es Salaam or regional offices before your visa expires. Maximum extension is typically 90 additional days. Processing takes 1-5 business days.

Which Visas Can Be Extended?

Visa Type	Extendable?	Extension Fee	Maximum Extension
Single Entry Tourist	Yes	$100	90 days (one extension)
Single Entry Business	Yes	$150 - $250	90 days (one extension)
Multiple Entry Tourist	Per Visit Only	$100	90 days per visit
Multiple Entry Business	Per Visit Only	$150 - $250	90 days per visit
Transit Visa	No	N/A	Not extendable

Multiple entry visas cannot have their overall validity (12 months) extended, but individual visits within that period can be extended up to 90 days per visit.

Required Documents

Document	Details
Valid Passport	Original passport with current visa stamp/sticker
Extension Application Form	Available at the Immigration office or downloadable from eservices.immigration.go.tz
Passport Photos	Two recent passport-size photographs
Reason for Extension	Written letter explaining why you need to extend your stay
Proof of Funds	Bank statement or cash evidence showing sufficient funds for the extended stay
Return/Onward Ticket	Updated travel booking showing your departure within the extended period
Accommodation Proof	Hotel booking, lease agreement, or letter from host for the extension period
Business Documents (Business Visa)	Updated invitation letter, business justification for extended stay
Extension Fee	Payment receipt (pay at the bank or online as directed)

Extension Process

Apply Before Expiry

Submit your extension application at least 7-14 days before your current visa expires. Do NOT wait until the last day. Late applications may be refused, and overstaying is an offence.

Visit the Immigration Office

Go to the Immigration Services Department headquarters in Dar es Salaam (Ohio Street) or the relevant regional office. You can also initiate the application through eservices.immigration.go.tz.

Submit Documents & Pay Fee

Present all required documents. Pay the extension fee as directed (bank deposit or online payment). Obtain a receipt as proof of payment.

Wait for Processing

Processing typically takes 1-5 business days. In some cases, you may receive same-day approval. Keep your receipt and a copy of the application as proof that you have applied (in case your original visa expires during processing).

Collect Extended Visa

Return to the Immigration office to collect your passport with the extension stamp. Verify all dates are correct before leaving.

Where to Apply

Primary Location - Dar es Salaam

Address: Immigration Services Department, Ohio Street/Ghana Avenue, Dar es Salaam
Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Phone: +255 22 211 8636
Best Time to Visit: Arrive by 8:00 AM. Mornings are less crowded.

Alternative Locations

Zanzibar: Immigration Department, Vuga Area, Zanzibar Town
Arusha: Regional Immigration Office
Mwanza: Regional Immigration Office

Extensions are most efficiently processed at the Dar es Salaam headquarters. Regional offices can handle extensions but may take longer. For full office details, see our Immigration Guide.

Overstaying Your Visa

Overstaying your visa in Tanzania is a serious immigration offence with significant consequences:

Fines: Overstay fines start from $50-$100 per day and can accumulate quickly
Detention: Immigration may detain you until the situation is resolved
Deportation: You may be deported at your own expense
Re-entry Ban: Overstaying can result in a ban on future entry to Tanzania
Criminal Record: In severe cases, overstaying may be treated as a criminal matter
Future Visa Problems: An overstay record can make future visa applications to Tanzania and other countries more difficult

Always apply for extension BEFORE your visa expires. Even if your extension application is pending, having proof of a timely application protects you legally. Do not assume you can pay a fine at the airport on departure - this is unreliable and can result in detention.

Tips for a Successful Extension

Apply Early: At least 7-14 days before your visa expires. This gives time for processing and any issues.
Be Honest: State your genuine reason for extending. Immigration officers are more helpful when you are straightforward.
Have Funds: Show you can financially support yourself during the extended period. Bank statements or cash are accepted.
Updated Booking: Show a confirmed return ticket within the extension period.
Dress Appropriately: Conservative, respectful attire when visiting government offices.
Bring Copies: Have photocopies of your passport bio page, current visa stamp, and all documents.
Consider Alternatives: If you know you need a long stay, a multiple entry visa or residence permit may be more appropriate than repeated extensions.

Frequently Asked Questions

A tourist visa extension costs approximately $100. Business visa extensions cost $150-$250 depending on the type. These fees are set by the Immigration Department and are subject to change. Payment is typically made via bank deposit or at the Immigration office.

Visa extension applications can be initiated through eservices.immigration.go.tz, but you will typically need to visit the Immigration office in person to submit documents, have your passport stamped, and complete the process. The online portal is useful for starting the application and downloading forms.

Tourist visas can typically be extended once for an additional 90 days, giving a maximum stay of 180 days (6 months). Further extensions are at the discretion of the Commissioner of Immigration and are not guaranteed. For stays beyond 6 months, you should apply for a residence permit.

Overstaying is a serious offence. Consequences include fines ($50-$100+ per day), detention, deportation at your own expense, re-entry bans, and potential criminal prosecution. Always extend before your visa expires. If you have already overstayed, visit Immigration immediately to regularize your status.

Yes. Zanzibar has its own Immigration office in the Vuga area of Zanzibar Town. You can apply for a visa extension there. The process and fees are the same as on the mainland. Office hours are Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM.

Processing typically takes 1-5 business days at the Dar es Salaam headquarters. Some straightforward cases can be processed same-day. Regional offices may take longer. Apply early to allow sufficient processing time before your visa expires.

Quick Facts

Tourist Fee: ~$100
Business Fee: $150-$250
Extension: Up to 90 days
Processing: 1-5 business days
Where: Immigration office (Ohio St, DSM)
Apply: Before visa expires