Canada entry requirements for Tanzania passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Tanzanian passport holders need a visa to enter Canada in 2026. You must apply for a visitor visa (TRV) before you travel — there is no visa on arrival or eTA option for Tanzanian citizens. Plan ahead: processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | You need a visitor visa before boarding any flight to Canada. Apply online through the IRCC portal — processing takes 2–4 weeks for most Tanzanian applicants. Submit your biometrics at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Dar es Salaam or Nairobi.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Original passport required | Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Canada. Canada does not enforce a 6-month validity rule beyond your departure date, but airlines may still check for at least 6 months — carry your visa approval letter as backup. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Canadian airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking showing you leave Canada before your visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host in Canada with their address and contact number. Officers at Pearson and Vancouver check this more often than smaller airports. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements or cash | Show you have at least CAD $2,500 per month of your stay, plus a return ticket. A recent bank statement or a prepaid travel card works — officers want to see you can cover expenses without working. | Recommended |
Apply early — processing can take weeks
Canadian visa processing for Tanzania often takes 4–6 weeks or more. Don't book non-refundable flights or hotels until you have the visa in hand.
Biometrics are mandatory for most applicants
You'll need to visit the VAC in Dar es Salaam in person. The fee is CAD 85. Biometrics are valid for 10 years for subsequent applications.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport, bank statements, travel itinerary, accommodation bookings, and any supporting documents. Scan everything as PDFs or JPEGs.
2
Apply online
Go to the IRCC website and create an account. Fill out the visitor visa application form, upload your documents, and pay the CAD 100 application fee (plus biometrics fee if applicable).
3
Give biometrics
After submitting, you'll get a Biometric Instruction Letter. Book an appointment at the nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC) — in Tanzania, that's in Dar es Salaam. Bring the letter, your passport, and the fee receipt.
4
Wait for processing
Standard processing time for Tanzania is around 4–6 weeks, but can be longer. Check the IRCC website for current estimates. You'll receive a decision by email.
5
Travel to Canada
If approved, your passport will have a visa sticker. At the Canadian border, present your passport and be ready to answer questions about your trip. The officer may ask to see your return ticket and accommodation.
Download Canada Entry Checklist
PDF · Tanzania Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay6 months
ValidityUp to 6 months from issue
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
Standard visitor visa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay6 months per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
Convenient for frequent travellers.
Super visa (for parents/grandparents)
Max stay2 years per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
Requires Canadian child/grandchild invitation and medical insurance.
work visa
Work Permit (Temporary Foreign Worker Program)
Up to 2 years, renewable
CAD 155 (~USD 116)
Requires a job offer and Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Allows you to work in Canada.
Apply student visa
Study Permit
Duration of program + 90 days
CAD 150 (~USD 112)
For full-time study at a designated learning institution. May allow part-time work.
Apply investor visa
Start-Up Visa Program
Permanent residence
CAD 2,140 (~USD 1,600)
For entrepreneurs with a qualifying business and support from a designated organization.
Apply retirement visa
No specific retirement visa; use Super Visa or Permanent Residence
Varies
Varies
Canada does not have a dedicated retirement visa. Options include Super Visa for parents/grandparents or applying for permanent residence through family sponsorship.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Temporary Resident Visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry visa. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
| Temporary Resident Visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
| Biometrics feeRequired for most applicants aged 14-79. | CAD 85 (~USD 64) |
| Visa application centre service feeAdditional fee charged by VAC for processing. | Varies (~USD 30-50) |
| Overstay fineStrictly enforced; avoid overstaying. | CAD 200 per day (no cap) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
Incomplete documentation25%
Weak home ties20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Canada
Transit visa required
Tanzania passport holders generally need a transit visa to pass through Canada en route to another country, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without a visa under certain conditions (China Transit Policy not applicable).
- Holders of a valid Canadian visa do not need a separate transit visa.
Transit hubsToronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) · Vancouver International Airport (YVR) · Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
Health & vaccines for Canada
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, flu)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Tick-borne disease in wooded areas; use repellent and check for ticks.
West Nile virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is low but present in summer.
HypothermiaModerate risk
Risk in cold climates; dress warmly and limit exposure.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Ottawa
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) - Ottawa
365 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa, ON K1A 1L1
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
National headquarters; for inquiries only, not walk-in applications.
Toronto
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) - Toronto Pearson
6301 Silver Dart Drive, Mississauga, ON L5P 1B2
24/7
For immigration matters at the airport.
Practical information for TZ travellers
Country basics
CapitalOttawa
LanguageEnglish, French
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid in Canada.
Money
CurrencyCanadian Dollar (CAD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1.42 CAD
Time zone
Local timeUTC-5
vs New YorkSame to -3h depending on province
vs Los AngelesSame to +3h depending on province
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A, B — same as the US. No adapter needed.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink in all major cities.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Canada
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Canada — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. Canada does not offer visa on arrival for any nationality. Tanzanian passport holders must get a visitor visa (TRV) before traveling.
Processing times vary, but expect 4–6 weeks on average. Check the IRCC website for current estimates. Apply well in advance of your planned travel.
The application fee is CAD 100. Biometrics cost an additional CAD 85. Total: CAD 185 (about TZS 340,000 at current rates). Fees are non-refundable even if the visa is refused.
At the Canada Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Dar es Salaam. Address: 3rd Floor, Amani Place, Ohio Street. You must book an appointment online after submitting your application.
Yes, you can apply for an extension before your current status expires. You must show you still meet the requirements and have a valid reason. The fee is CAD 100. Overstaying can affect future applications.
You can reapply, but you should address the reasons for refusal first. Common reasons: insufficient funds, weak ties to Tanzania, or incomplete documents. Consider consulting an immigration consultant or lawyer.
Yes, if you are transiting through a Canadian airport to a third country, you generally need a transit visa. This applies even if you don't leave the airport. Apply for a transit visa instead of a full visitor visa if you're just passing through.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.