Visa Guidelines

All foreign nationals need a valid visa to enter India. Many nationalities can also apply for an e-Visa.

How to apply

Apply online only at indianvisaonline.gov.in. Read the “Instructions for form” before filling in the application. Print the completed form and submit it at the High Commission of India, Dar es Salaam on the appointment date you get online.

  • If no appointment date is shown after registration, try again the next day: use “Reprint” on the first page of the online form, then “Get Appointment” with your web file number and date of birth. If you get no date for five consecutive days, contact the High Commission for an appointment.
  • Please arrive only 15 minutes before your appointment. The visa hall cannot hold more than 20 people.
  • Applicants without an online appointment may visit the High Commission between 10:30 and 11:00 hrs only to get an appointment date.

Biometrics and processing time

All applicants must come in person for biometric data capture, except:

  • holders of diplomatic or official passports;
  • applicants under 12 or over 70 years of age;
  • applicants who are ill and cannot come in person;
  • applicants whose biometric data was recorded with an earlier visa application.

Visas for Tanzanian nationals are normally issued in three working days, and for residents of other countries in five working days (not counting the day of submission). Applications for emergency visas and for diplomatic/official visas can be submitted on any working day between 09:00 and 10:30 hrs.

Check the status of your application on Visa Enquiry.

Types of visa

Visas are granted according to the purpose of the visit. The same application form is used for all. For purposes other than those below (for example yoga, voluntary work, mountaineering or other expeditions), please contact the High Commission.

Documents with every application

  • Passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended date of departure from India. The visa cannot be valid beyond the passport's expiry date.
  • Valid yellow fever vaccination certificate.
  • For third-country nationals: proof of long-term (at least three years) permanent residence in Tanzania.
  • The form must be filled in completely, correctly and legibly; incomplete or illegible forms may not be accepted.

Student visa: mandatory steps before applying

These steps are mandatory for all students going to universities or colleges in India for a diploma, degree or postgraduate course.

  1. Register on the Study in India portal. A unique Student ID (SID) is generated; note it down.
  2. Select the university and course and submit your request.
  3. The university approves the request and uploads the acceptance letter.
  4. The request goes to Immigration and the SID is approved, usually 2–3 hours after the university uploads the acceptance letter.
  5. Fill in the student visa application at indianvisaonline.gov.in, entering the approved SID when asked. Submit the form and visit the High Commission.

Documents to bring to the High Commission

  1. Original passport
  2. Police clearance certificate
  3. No-objection certificate from the Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU)
  4. Copy of the university's acceptance letter
  5. Original medical examination report
  6. Sponsorship letter, copy of the sponsor's ID and the sponsor's bank statements for the last three months showing sufficient funds
  7. Copies of transcripts of the grade, diploma or degree completed at the last institution attended (bring the originals for verification)
  8. Copy of the birth certificate (bring the original for verification)

General conditions

  • These provisions are general; other provisions may apply in specific cases.
  • The High Commission may call any applicant for an interview and may ask for more information at any stage.
  • Submitting an application with the fee does not guarantee a visa. The High Commission may refuse a visa without giving reasons and decides the duration of the visa.
  • Visa fees are not refundable, even if the application is withdrawn or refused. See Consular Fees.
  • The validity of every visa counts from the date of issue.
  • Requirements, guidelines and fees may change without notice.
  • In cases of fraud or misbehaviour, the passport will be endorsed accordingly.
  • Holders of long-term visas (valid for more than 180 days) must register with the nearest Foreigners Regional Registration Office within 14 days of arrival in India. Long-term business visa holders need to register only if a single stay will exceed 180 days, and before the 180 days end.
  • In India, a visa extension may be sought from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Director (F), Lok Nayak Bhawan, First Floor, Khan Market, New Delhi 110003.

Last updated on: 19 October 2026