Chinese Visa Policy and Requirements for Citizens of Tanzania

1. Visa Types and Exemption Policies

 

  1. Diplomatic and Service Passport Holders:
    • Holders of valid diplomatic/service passports from Tanzania enjoy a 30-day visa-free stay in China.
    • For stays exceeding 30 days or activities like work/study, apply for the corresponding visa in advance.
  2. Ordinary Passport Holders:
    • Tanzanian citizens with ordinary passports must obtain a Chinese visa before entry.
    • On-Arrival Visa (落地签): Available at designated ports (e.g., Dar es Salaam Airport, Zanzibar Airport) for tourism purposes only. Valid for a single entry with a 30-day stay (cost: USD 50).

2. Visa Application Requirements

Tourist Visa (L Visa)

 

  • Validity: Typically 90 days (single/multiple entries).
  • Duration of Stay: Up to 30 days (non-extendable).
  • Required Documents:
    • Passport valid for at least 6 months.
    • Completed visa application form.
    • 2 recent passport-sized photos (3.5cm×4.5cm, white background).
    • Round-trip flight tickets and hotel reservations.
    • Proof of financial capacity (e.g., bank statements).
    • Invitation letter (if visiting family/friends, with relationship proof).

Business Visa (M Visa)

 

  • Validity: Typically 90 days (single/multiple entries).
  • Duration of Stay: Up to 30 days (extendable in some cases).
  • Required Documents:
    • Basic documents as above.
    • Invitation letter from a Chinese company (specifying purpose, itinerary, and cost responsibility).
    • Copy of the Chinese partner’s business license.

Work Visa (Z Visa)

 

  • Validity: Matches the work contract (usually 1 year).
  • Duration of Stay: Aligns with validity; requires a work permit.
  • Required Documents:
    • Basic documents as above.
    • Employer’s invitation letter and work permit (Z-visa notification).
    • Health certificate (issued by a designated Chinese authority).

Student Visa (X Visa)

 

  • Purpose: Study in China.
  • Types:
    • X1 Visa: Long-term study (>180 days).
    • X2 Visa: Short-term study (≤180 days).
  • Required Documents:
    • Basic documents as above.
    • Admission letter from a Chinese institution and JW202/JW201 form.

Transit Visa (G Visa)

 

  • Duration of Stay:
    • 24-hour visa-free transit if not leave the airport.
    • Apply for G Visa if staying >24 hours or leaving the airport.
  • Required Documents:
    • Basic documents as above.
    • Flight itinerary to the third country.

3. Application Process

 

  1. Online Application (Recommended):
  2. On-Arrival Visa:
    • Apply at designated ports with valid passport, flight itinerary, and visa fee (USD 50).
  3. Chinese Embassy/Consulate:
    • Submit applications in person or via designated agencies.

4. Visa Fees

 

  • Tourist Visa (L Visa):
    • Single entry: ~USD 120 (online/e-visa).
    • On-arrival: USD 50.
  • Business Visa (M Visa): ~USD 145 (online).
  • Other visas: Fees vary; check with the embassy.

5. Important Notes

 

  1. Health Requirements:
    • As of 2023, no COVID-19 testing or vaccination certificates are required, but random antigen tests may be conducted.
  2. Customs Regulations:
    • Declare cash exceeding USD 5,000 or equivalent.
    • Prohibited items: Drugs, ivory, pornography, etc.
    • Musical instruments, cameras, or equipment require customs declaration.
  3. Visa Extensions:
    • Extensions must be applied for at the Tanzanian Immigration Bureau before expiry.
  4. Communication:
    • Be prepared to answer basic questions in English (e.g., purpose of visit, accommodation details).

 

Official Resources: