Coronavirus: Tanzania extends visas for stranded tourists

Tanzania has unilaterally extended the visas of tourists unable to return to their own countries due to the coronavirus.

Foreign visitors who applied online were granted a three-month extension earlier this week

As long as the date of their arrival was within the three-month period originally covered in their visa application, tourists will be granted a three-month extension from the say they first entered the country.

A statement from the immigration department said that if “the situation persists after the expiry of such an extension, holders are advised to report to the main immigration office in Dar es Salaam. 

Tanzania has so far recorded 20 positive cases of the virus, a figure which includes the death of patient, and the recovery of an additional two.

The Ministry of Health said it was tracing over 500 people they believe may have come into contact with someone who has already tested positive.

Flights have not been suspended in and out of the country, and the borders remain open, though airlines have stopped flying there.

Neighbouring countries, such as Rwanda and Kenya, have heavily restricted cross-border travel in order to slow the spread of the virus.

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