How to Get Your Tanzania Visa After Booking a Safari with Golden Trips Tanzania
Booking a safari with Golden Trips Tanzania is an exciting step toward experiencing the wild beauty of Tanzania. From the iconic plains of the Serengeti to the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, your safari promises unforgettable wildlife encounters. However, before you embark on your adventure, securing a Tanzania visa is essential. This guide explains the process, requirements, and tips to ensure a smooth entry into the country, especially for travelers who already have a confirmed safari booking.
Why Your Safari Booking Matters for Visa
Your confirmed safari with Golden Trips Tanzania is more than just a travel plan; it is an official document that immigration authorities can use as proof of your purpose of visit. When applying for a visa — whether online, at an embassy, or on arrival — you will need to present:
- Your safari booking confirmation
- Accommodation details provided by Golden Trips Tanzania
- Travel dates and itinerary
- Contact information for your safari operator
Having this confirmation ensures that your visa application is processed efficiently and signals to authorities that you have a legitimate reason for entering Tanzania.
Types of Tanzanian Visas
Tanzania offers several types of visas depending on your travel purpose:
- Tourist Visa: Ideal for travelers on leisure safaris, beach holidays, or cultural tours. Valid for 90 days.
- Business Visa: For business meetings, conferences, or commercial activities.
- Transit Visa: For travelers passing through Tanzania for fewer than 72 hours.
- Multiple Entry Visa: Suitable for frequent travelers or those planning extended stays.
For most Golden Trips Tanzania clients, a single-entry tourist visa is sufficient.
Visa Application Methods
1. eVisa (Recommended)
The Tanzanian eVisa is the most convenient and reliable option for travelers who already have a safari booked.
Steps:
- Visit the official portal: immigration.go.tz
- Create an account and complete the online application form.
- Upload:
- Passport scan (valid for at least six months)
- Passport photo
- Safari confirmation from Golden Trips Tanzania
- Travel itinerary and accommodation proof
- Pay the visa fee online (usually $50 USD for most nationalities).
- Submit the application. Approval usually takes 2–5 business days.
- Download and print your eVisa. Carry both digital and printed copies.
Benefits:
- Avoid long airport lines and waiting times
- Secure your visa before departure
- Easy for families or groups traveling together
2. Visa on Arrival
Visa on Arrival is available at all major entry points, including:
- Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, Zanzibar
- Julius Nyerere International Airport, Dar es Salaam
- Border points with Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Zambia
Requirements:
- Passport valid for at least six months
- Passport-sized photo
- Completed visa application form (provided at the airport)
- Cash payment in USD (exact amount recommended, typically $50–$100)
- Safari booking confirmation from Golden Trips Tanzania
- Proof of onward travel
Important Tips:
- Visa on Arrival can involve long queues, especially during peak travel periods.
- Having your Golden Trips Tanzania itinerary ready ensures the immigration officer can verify your purpose of visit quickly.
- Guests are advised to arrive early to avoid delays.
3. Tanzanian Embassy or Consulate
Travelers can also obtain their visa before departure from a Tanzanian embassy or consulate in their home country.
Process:
- Complete the visa application form.
- Submit passport, photo, safari booking confirmation, and payment.
- Processing time is usually 5–10 business days.
Benefits:
- Ensures your visa is secured before departure
- Reduces potential stress upon arrival
- Ideal for travelers needing multiple-entry visas or special permits
Key Requirements
No matter which visa method you choose, you should have:
- Passport valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay
- Passport-sized photograph
- Safari confirmation from Golden Trips Tanzania
- Flight itinerary or travel confirmation
- Visa fee (online payment for eVisa, cash for Visa on Arrival)
Optional but recommended: travel insurance documentation.
Timing & Planning
- eVisa: Apply at least 1–2 weeks before your flight to ensure approval before departure.
- Visa on Arrival: Arrive with all documents early, especially during peak safari season.
- Embassy Visa: Apply 2–3 weeks in advance to allow processing time.
Golden Trips Tanzania can assist in guiding you on which visa method is best based on your travel dates, nationality, and itinerary.
Tips for a Smooth Entry
- Keep both digital and printed copies of your visa and safari confirmation.
- Share your eVisa with Golden Trips Tanzania in advance so your driver-guide can verify your arrival details.
- Make sure your passport has at least one or two blank pages for stamping.
- Have USD cash handy if using Visa on Arrival.
- Carry proof of accommodation and flight details for immigration officers.
Summary
For travelers who have already booked a safari with Golden Trips Tanzania:
- Verify passport validity and blank pages
- Use your safari booking confirmation as proof of travel
- Apply for an eVisa for convenience or Visa on Arrival if necessary
- Prepare all required documents in advance
- Coordinate with Golden Trips Tanzania to ensure seamless transfers upon arrival
By following these steps, your Tanzanian visa process will be straightforward, allowing you to focus on the excitement of your safari — from watching elephants in Tarangire to photographing lions in the Serengeti, and relaxing on Zanzibar’s pristine beaches.
With Golden Trips Tanzania handling your safari logistics and guidance on visa requirements, your journey from arrival to adventure is fully organized, safe, and unforgettable.
