Zimbabwe is not a member of the commonwealth and is not on good terms with the United Kingdom. As such Zimbabweans need a visa when they want to travel to Tanzania. In this article, we will describe to you if a Zimbabwean needs a visa for Tanzania, how can you get that?
Why do Zimbabweans need a visa for Tanzania?
Everyone knows that the most direct route to Tanzania is via Kenya. But why is this the case? Is it because Tanzanians don't want to share the beautiful tourist sites of their country with us?
Well, no.
The reason why Tanzanians don't want Zimbabweans to come to their country is that we all come and overstay our tourist permits and then go and work and live illegally in Tanzania and this has been the cause of all the xenophobia that we have been experiencing in that country. And so, the Tanzanian government came up with a decision that they will not grant visas to Zimbabweans.
But all is not lost. If you want to go to Tanzania, you can. Here's how.
Zimbabweans can visit Tanzania without a visa if they are - in transit Tourism for ;
- business
- Education
- Security
- Ease of travel
Thus the countries with a visa on arrival program have a list of nationals who can enter their country without a visa after a check with the immigration department. However, Zimbabwe is not on this list. This is the reason you need a visa for Tanzania.
READ ALSO: Easy steps to get Tanzania visa
The Applicable terms for a Zimbabwean to enter Tanzania
The terms for a Zimbabwean to enter Tanzania are set out in the Immigration Regulations under the Immigration Act. Visas are given for travelers who are -
- in transit
- goes for on tour or business
- employed Or are taking a short break
- to taking a long holiday
- a member of an international organization
An ordinary tourist visa is valid for 4 months but the maximum stay is 2 months. The term must be applied for three months before the specified departure date for the Zimbabwean to enter Tanzania.
What countries do Zimbabweans need a visa to?
Zimbabweans need a visa if they want to travel to any of the following countries:
- Cameroon
- Congo
- the Democratic Republic of Congo
- the Democratic Republic of Congo
- Equatorial Guinea
- Gabon
- Ivory Coast
- Guinea
- Haiti
- Kenya
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Mauritius
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Rwanda
- Sao Tome and Principe
- Senegal
- Somalia
- South Sudan
- Tanzania
- Uganda
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
There is only one stop in Tanzania that Zimbabweans can do, which is Zanzibar.
Also, Zanzibar is a small island in the Indian Ocean and is popular with tourists from all over the world because of its beautiful beaches and wildlife.
READ ALSO: 30 days Tanzania tourist visa
How can Zimbabweans get a visa to Tanzania?
Let's assume that you want to travel to Tanzania.
Then, what would be your next step? To go to the country?
Do you need a visa?
Like any other country.
Tanzania requires that all its citizens come with a visa to enter the country. You can get the visa by online visa application if you are not in Tanzania, you can also get the visa in your home country.
How much does a Zimbabwean visa to Tanzania cost?
A Zimbabwean would need a passport that is valid for six months, a return ticket, or money to cover their accommodation.
The visa cost is going to vary depending on the city you will be traveling to.
For the individual visitors, you will get a 30 days tourist visa for 90 days, and you will only have to pay 75 USD for the visa application.
In this type of visa, you will get an individual entry with 90 days visa validity and you will get your visa after 7-9 days of processing time.
In case if you want a multi-entry visa then you will get 1 year of visa validation with 90 days stay validity. It takes 7-9 days of processing time and you have to pay 125 USD for the visa application.
If you do not have enough money to buy the above, then the only option is to get yourself a visa from Tanzania and board a plane to Harare.
READ ALSO: Guide on Tanzania visa types online
What are the requirements for a Zimbabwean to get a Tanzanian visa?
Zimbabweans can now obtain a visa on arrival at all ports of entry to Tanzania. There are no prior visa applications required for business and tourist visits. However, Zimbabwean nationals should travel with a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the intended period of stay in Tanzania. Visa applications should be made at least seven days before the intended date of entry.
If you are a resident of Zimbabwe, you are not required to have a visa when traveling to Tanzania. However, if you are a tourist and you intend to stay in Tanzania for more than seven days, you will need to register your details to apply online for a visa.
A Tanzanian visa will only be issued to someone who can prove that they will be in the country for a minimum period of 14 days. The person should have a confirmed return ticket to get back to Zimbabwe.
The applicant must also possess a valid passport and its passport pages are as follows with all page numbers that must be filled in full.
- passport must be valid for a minimum of six months
- Photo
- Documentation of residency
- A doctor's note that is up to date and valid
- Vaccination record with confirmation of vaccination from an international health authority
- Proof of the applicant Declaration form
- Submit the copy of the filled Visa application form
- Proof of application payment
- a record of the accommodations
Also, the visitor must include their contact details, proof of identity, and proof of nationality in the application.
How to get a Tanzanian visa for Zimbabweans
The citizens of both Tanzania and Zimbabwe enjoy visa-free entry to each other's countries. However, as with most visa policies, there are some conditions that you must meet before you travel to Tanzania.
The Tanzanian government has implemented a new visa policy for Zimbabweans, which was launched on 1 October 2017. This new visa policy will allow Zimbabweans to obtain a visa on arrival in Tanzania for up to 30 days.
However, there are some conditions that you must meet before you travel. You can also apply online for visa applications. This most preferred option is to do so on arrival, but that can be tricky as it might land you in trouble.
READ ALSO: Easy steps to get Tanzania visa
Conclusion
It is no secret that Zimbabweans do not get along well with the United Kingdom. For instance, the US Embassy website states that the United Kingdom does not allow travel to the US or Canada for Zimbabweans without a visa.
The visa application process can be time-consuming and requires applicants to visit the nearest Tanzania Embassy for an appointment. Things get even more complicated when you’re trying to apply for your visa while you’re still at home in Zimbabwe.
However, it is the responsibility of the Zimbabweans to prove that their visit to Tanzania is for tourism purposes and that they intend to remain in Tanzania for no longer than 180 days in a year.
