If you are a foreigner planning a trip to Tanzania, you must have an ordinary visa to enter this beautiful country. Embarking on a journey to Tanzania, you will experience breathtaking landscapes and a vibrant cultural experience for the people in Tanzania. Before you set foot in this beautiful and captivating country, It is recommended you familiarize yourself first with the local customs and have the proper traveling documents for entering Tanzania.
Luckily, our online application process enables you to obtain a Tanzania passport and visa through the iVisa website, which has a user-friendly platform. The good thing with the Evisa is you don't need to go through all the hassle of visiting an embassy or leaving your home. This article will provide you with a guide that will take you through the local custom of Tanzania and the simplified process of applying for a passport and visa.
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1. Embracing Tanzania Customs
Do you love to experience the new customs of other people? Well, Tanzania is a country located in East Africa with a rich cultural heritage that most travelers are attracted to. Here are some customs to keep in mind before getting into Tanzania.
- Greetings: Just like most African countries, Tanzania also value a lot when it comes to greetings, and they are Swahili speakers. According to their custom, it is considered respectful when you meet people and greet them with a warm “Jambo” or “Habari,” depending on any time of the day. If let's say, they have greeted you with “Habari,” respond by saying “Mzuri.” if you are greeted with “Jambo.” reply with a “Jambo.” Here are a few Swahili phrases you can learn and practice them when you are in Tanzania.
Thank you – “Asante.”
What is your name? – “ Unaitwa nani?”
What place is this? “Hapa ni wapi? ”
I love you. – “ Nakupenda”
- Ask before you snap: Tanzania is a beautiful country; as a tourist, you may want to take pictures with your camera. However, you need to seek permission to take someone's picture, as they consider that rude. Some ethnic groups from Tanzania strongly believe if someone takes their photo, it means their part of their soul is stolen. Therefore always be respectful and ask for permission to take someone a picture. If you find someone is not okay when taking their photographs, avoid doing that and enjoy the beautiful nature. More so, some tribes like the Maasai people always agree for tourist to take their photos, but in return for their photos, they expect a small tip exchange for photos.
- Dress code: In Tanzania culture, dressing in areas like rural and religious areas is to dress decently. It is advisable to dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees. Even in Zanzibar, one of the most incredible places you can be in Tanzania, women are not allowed to wear revealing clothes. Still, you can wear long dresses or trousers or jeans. You may wonder what about in the beaches in Zanzibar, what you can do is you can swim with swim wears or skimpy clothing but when you are out on the beach, you should put on decent clothing, both males and women.
- Respect for elders: Elders in Tanzania are treated with respect, and it is customary to use proper greetings and show some older differences. They are believed to stay for many years and have deep knowledge. If you meet an elderly person you can greet them by saying “ Shikamoo” meaning “ I hold your feet: and they will respond by saying “ Marhaba” meaning “ i accept your respect” If you have a partner, avoid most public affection like kissing, hugging, and holding hands, as they see it as bad manners, which should be done in private.
- Dining Etiquette: If you visit Tanzania homes, you will note that most homes have a custom where bringing a small gift for the host is polite. Traditionally, washing your hands before taking any meals is custom, and don't sniff food in public with the intention of smelling the aroma of the food. Doing that is a sign of showing you are suspicious or distaste of the food.
2. Applying For a Passport
To get a visa for Tanzania, you must possess a valid passport from your country of citizenship. Follow the steps below to obtain a passport in your country.
Step 1: Ensure you have gathered all the required documents for passport application. These requirements include proof of citizenship—national ID, and application forms.
Step 2: Go online and visit the official website of your country's passport agency, or you can visit the nearest embassy if you are away from your government for detailed instructions.
Step 3: Fill out the application form, submit all the required documents for the passport application, and finish by paying the required fee.
Step 4: Wait for your application confirmation to be processed and pick it up after it is ready for collection in their offices.
3. Streamlining Visa Applications with iVisa
After obtaining your passport, you can apply for a Tanzania visa through the iVisa website. This type of visa is done everything online, and you can follow the guideline below on how it works:
Step 1: Visit the iVisa site and go to the country options and select Tanzania.
Step 2: On the website, there is a Visa checker tool that can check your eligibility for the visa.
Step 3: If you are eligible for application, you can decide to complete the online application form. These forms are required to provide personal information, your visit's purpose, and travel details.
Step 4: Pay for the visa through your credit/debit card or PayPal when you are done.
Step 5: When your visa is approved, you will receive the message via email, along with the application notification letter and grant notice.
Step 6: Print the approved documents and carry them when entering Tanzania.
Conclusion
If you get to know the Tanzanian customs and captivating places for tourists to enjoy themselves, then this is the time to plan to come to Tanzania. Organize yourself first and obtain the necessary documents to facilitate your entry into the country.
The existence of iVisa.com has ensured travelers navigate in a user-friendly platform that has been simplified. If you are still planning to come, prepare for an extraordinary adventure. Just know you will experience inspiring landscapes, Wildlife, sunny beaches, vibrant traditions, and warm Tanzania hospitality.