South Korea entry requirements for Tanzania passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 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 South Korea. You must apply at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Dar es Salaam before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival or eVisa option for Tanzanian citizens. Plan ahead and gather the required documents well in advance of your trip.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| South Korea visaYou must get this visa approved before your flight — you cannot get it on arrival. Visa required | Tanzanian passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to South Korea. Apply at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Dar es Salaam or the nearest consulate. No eVisa is available for Tanzanian citizens. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — if it's too close, renew it before applying for the visa. 6 months minimum | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from South Korea. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer needs a clean page to stamp when you arrive. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank visa page (not the endorsement page) for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see this to confirm you won't overstay. Proof of departure | Have a confirmed return or onward flight ticket showing you will leave South Korea before your visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always asked, but having proof avoids problems at the border. Sufficient funds for stay | Be ready to show bank statements or cash equivalent to cover your accommodation and living expenses for the duration of your stay. | Recommended |
| Accommodation detailsImmigration may ask where you're staying — have the details handy. Where you'll stay | Carry your hotel booking confirmation or the address and contact of your host in South Korea. | Recommended |
| Travel insuranceNot mandatory, but protects you from high medical costs. Medical coverage | Consider travel insurance that covers medical expenses and emergencies during your stay in South Korea. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra arrival form beyond the standard immigration card. Not required | No separate arrival declaration form is required for Tanzania passport holders entering South Korea. | Not required |
No eVisa or visa-on-arrival for Tanzanians
Even though South Korea has an eVisa system for some nationalities, Tanzanian passport holders are not eligible. You must apply through the embassy in Dar es Salaam. Don't fall for online services claiming to offer an eVisa — they're scams.
Apply at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Dar es Salaam
The embassy is located at 20 Haile Selassie Road, Oyster Bay, Dar es Salaam. Check their official website for current office hours, required documents, and fee payment methods. You may need to book an appointment in advance.
Visa is not extendable
Your South Korean visa cannot be extended under any circumstances. Plan your stay within the validity dates. Overstaying even a day can lead to fines and a ban from future visits.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: passport, photos, application form, itinerary, financial proof, and employment/study letters. Make copies of everything — the embassy will keep the originals of some documents.
2
Submit your application at the embassy or consulate
You must apply in person at the South Korean embassy or consulate that has jurisdiction over your residence. For Tanzania, that's the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Dar es Salaam. Walk in during working hours (usually 9:00–12:00) and submit your complete application. You may be asked for a brief interview.
3
Pay the fee and wait for processing
Pay the visa fee at the embassy. Processing typically takes 5–10 working days, but can be longer if additional review is needed. You'll be given a receipt with a reference number to track your application.
4
Collect your passport with the visa
When your visa is approved, you'll be notified to pick up your passport. Check the visa sticker carefully — make sure your name, passport number, and validity dates are correct. If anything is wrong, tell the embassy immediately.
5
Arrive in South Korea and go through immigration
At Incheon International Airport (or other entry points), follow the 'Foreign Passport' signs. Have your passport, visa, and possibly your return ticket ready. The immigration officer may ask about your itinerary and accommodation. You'll get an entry stamp, and your stay is typically limited to the dates on your visa (often 30–90 days).
Download South Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Tanzania Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa (C-3-4)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$40 (single-entry)
Requires invitation letter from Korean company.
Work visa (E-7)
Max stay1 year (renewable)
Validity1 year
Cost$60
Requires employment contract and sponsorship.
Student visa (D-2)
Max stayDuration of study
Validity1 year (renewable)
Cost$60
Requires admission letter from Korean educational institution.
work visa
E-7 Work Visa (Special Occupation)
1 year, renewable
KRW 100,000 (~$75 USD) application fee
For professionals in specialized fields (e.g., IT, engineering). Requires a job offer from a Korean company and relevant qualifications.
student visa
D-2 Student Visa
Up to 2 years, renewable
KRW 80,000 (~$60 USD) application fee
For full-time study at a Korean university. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
D-8 Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
KRW 150,000 (~$113 USD) application fee
For those investing at least KRW 100 million (~$75,000 USD) in a Korean business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
long term resident
F-2 Residence Visa
3 years, renewable
KRW 200,000 (~$150 USD) application fee
For long-term residents with strong ties to Korea (e.g., family, work). Requires points-based system evaluation.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Single-entry visa (short-term, e.g., C-3-9 tourist)Fees vary by consulate; check current schedule. | $40 (single-entry) or $60 (double-entry) |
| Multiple-entry visa (valid 1 year)For eligible applicants; subject to approval. | $90 |
| Visa extension (short-term stay)Possible for certain visa types; apply before expiry. | Approx. $60 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%
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 South Korea
Transit visa required
Tanzanian passport holders generally require a visa to transit through South Korea, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid visas for the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or Schengen countries may be eligible for visa-free transit for up to 30 days, subject to conditions.
Transit hubsIncheon International Airport (ICN) · Gimpo International Airport (GMP) · Jeju International Airport (CJU)
Health & vaccines for South Korea
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with Yellow Fever risk (e.g., Tanzania). Must present certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, flu)EssentialJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Air pollutionModerate risk
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) can be high in winter and spring; consider masks.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Standard hygiene is good, but travellers should avoid raw or undercooked food.
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare but present in rural areas; vaccination recommended for long stays.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Seoul
Seoul Immigration Office
319, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Main office for visa extensions and re-entry permits. Bring passport, application form, and fee.
Busan
Busan Immigration Office
100, Daeyeon-dong, Nam-gu, Busan
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the southern region.
Practical information for TZ travellers
Country basics
CapitalSeoul
LanguageKorean
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencySouth Korean Won (KRW)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1,543.91 KRW
Time zone
Local timeUTC+9
vs New York+14h (EST) / +13h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+17h (PST) / +16h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage220V / 60Hz
Plug types
C,FType C, F — US plugs do not fit. Bring a European adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink. Most Koreans prefer filtered water.
Emergency numbers
Getting to South Korea
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to South Korea — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Processing usually takes 5–10 working days, but it can take longer if the embassy needs to verify your documents or if there's a high volume of applications. Apply at least 3–4 weeks before your planned departure to be safe.
No. Tanzanian citizens are not eligible for visa-on-arrival or the Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA). You must get a visa from the South Korean embassy in Dar es Salaam before you travel.
The visa fee is typically between USD 40 and USD 60, depending on the visa type (single-entry, double-entry, etc.). Check with the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Dar es Salaam for the exact amount and acceptable payment methods.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of entry into South Korea. If it's shorter, you'll need to renew your passport before applying for the visa. The embassy will reject your application otherwise.
Yes, you should provide hotel bookings for the full duration of your stay. If you're staying with friends or family, you need a letter of invitation from them, along with a copy of their ID or alien registration card. If you're on a tour, the tour company can provide a confirmation.
No. The visa issued to Tanzanian citizens is not extendable. You must leave South Korea before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines, detention, and a ban from re-entering the country.
If your visa is denied, you'll receive a notice explaining the reason. You can reapply after addressing the issue (e.g., providing more financial proof or a clearer itinerary). There's no formal appeal process, but you can submit a new application with additional documents.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.