Updater – Immigration Issues

In this weekly highlight, we are going to provide a high level summary of the above permits which are necessary for foreigners these include the following:

• Business Visas
• Work Permits & Residence PermitsIn this weekly highlight, we are going to provide a high level summaryof the above permits which are necessary for foreigners wishing to visit Tanzania for business or work purposes. Our analysis will provide you with a basic understanding (among others) of the respective application documents, procedureand fees required.

A foreigner can be granted a visa to enter into Tanzania for various purposes including entry for business or tourism purposes.Thevisa will allow the foreigner to enter and remain in Tanzania for a specific period of timeand for a specific purpose.

A business visa is normally issued to the relevant foreigner on arrival,at the port of entry and it will allow the foreigner to enter and remain in Tanzania for undertaking business activities for a period not exceeding 3 months. Notwithstanding that the 90 days of the business visa may not have expired, any departure from Tanzania during the 90 days period leads to an automatic expiry of the business visaif the same was granted for a single entry.

Nationals of most countries can obtain a business visa on arrival at anyport of entry although nationals of some countries are required to obtain their business visas from their countries of origin. It is always best to check with the Tanzania embassy in your country to confirm whether or not you are able to get business visaon arrival. The safest and the recommended option is to getthe relevant visa from your nearest Tanzanian embassy or consulateprior to arrival.

Business visa is normally granted to allow the person to enter and remain in Tanzania for the purpose of attending a conference, undertaking a business meeting (including board of directors meeting), visiting Government offices, meeting and speaking to prospective customers, offering consultant services, engaging in trade, undertaking a short term assignment (not employment)etc. it is prohibited for a foreigner to be engaged in employment activities under a business visa. Entry Requirements:The person seeking a business visa on arrival at the port entry is required to have the following:

(a)Travel passport which is valid for not less than six months
(b)Accommodation address and contactsin Tanzania
(c)Proof of the purpose for the visit e.g contract for provision of consultant services, payment receipt to attend the relevant conference etc.
(d)Passport size picture
(e)Return ticket
(f)Proof ofsufficient funds to support oneselfduring the duration of your stay in Tanzania
(g)Visa security bond in a prescribed form
(h)Business visa fees–can be paid in cash or via card at the port of entry and a receipt shall be issued by the immigration official.