The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announces the opening of a new embassy of the Slovak Republic. Slovakia officially strengthens its presence in Africa and opens a new chapter in its relations with the countries of the sub-Saharan region. Since the beginning of this year, a new Embassy of the Slovak Republic in Tanzania, based in Dar es Salaamthus fulfilling the strategic plans of the Ministry of Diplomacy announced at the beginning of 2023.
This is key news for our clients, business travellers and tourists heading to this exotic region. Although the office is officially open, its full functionality and the start-up of all administrative processes have specifics that you should be aware of.
Who is in charge of the new office?
Embassy in Tanzania headed by an experienced career diplomat Ivan Lančarič. His name is a guarantee of professionalism in diplomatic and political circles. During his rich career, he has gained valuable experience on several continents:
He served as Ambassador of the Slovak Republic in India a Kuwait.
He represented Slovak interests in United Kingdom, Croatia a Georgia.
His previous experience in dynamic regions of the world is a prerequisite for the successful establishment of the Slovak office in such an important African hub as Tanzania.
Strategic importance and broad diplomatic scope
The Dar es Salaam office is not just a local representation for the needs of Tanzania. It is a strategic point with an extremely wide diplomatic reach. Through this office, the Slovak Republic provides accreditation for the entire group of countries in Central and East Africa. In addition to the United Republic of Tanzania the Office will also diplomatically cover:
the Republic of Burundi and the Republic of Malawi
the Republic of Gabon and the Republic of Cameroon
the Republic of the Congo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo
the Republic of Equatorial Guinea and the Republic of Zambia
This wide perimeter means that the embassy will play a key role not only in political dialogue but also in providing assistance to Slovak citizens in need in these countries.
When will contacts and office hours be available?
Although the Office has formally been in operation since 1 January 2026, currently undergoing intensive technical and administrative arrangement. In practice, this means that secure communication lines, IT infrastructure and public spaces are being set up.
At the moment, you will not find exact phone numbers or email addresses on the official website of the Ministry or the Consulate. According to our information, these contact details should be published in the next few days. Travellers are advised to check the current status on the website before planning a trip to the region. visa.sk or directly on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic.
The most important question: Will visas be issued here?
This is the topic that most interests our clients - whether they are companies inviting business partners from Africa or family members living in the region.
Current status as of 15.1.2026: It is not yet confirmed whether this new office will also carry out visa agenda (i.e. receiving applications and issuing national and Schengen visas).
Comprehensive consular processes are currently being set up. The decision on whether a full-fledged visa office will be established in Dar es Salaam depends on logistical capacity and security protocols. For clients, this means:
For the time being, the visa application process for citizens of these countries remains unchanged.
Applicants must continue to follow the existing rules (using the relevant embassies that were previously responsible for the area, e.g. Nairobi or Cairo, depending on the country).
Official guidance from the Ministry is awaited to determine when, if ever, the visa agenda will be moved under Dar es Salaam.
Why is the opening of an embassy important?
Sub-Saharan Africa is one of the world's fastest growing markets. The presence of a Slovak diplomat directly in the region facilitates:
Business cooperation: Slovak companies gain direct contact and support when entering the markets of Tanzania or Zambia.
Consular protection: Tourists heading to Zanzibar or on safari in the Serengeti have more readily available assistance in the event of lost documents or other problems.
Development cooperation: More effective project management in areas where Slovakia has been helping for a long time.
The situation on www.vizum.sk we're watching closely. We understand that accurate information is essential for planning your travel and business. As soon as official contacts and information about the visa authority of the Tanzania office is published, we will inform you immediately.
Source of information: the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic (MFAEES SR)