If you’re planning a trip to Tanzania, understanding the visa on arrival in Tanzania process can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress. While Tanzania does offer an online e-visa system, many travelers still find that getting a visa on arrival is the easiest and most reliable option.
Here’s what you need to know before you land.
Make sure to check out my 9-day Tanzania Itinerary and Safari Packing Tips.
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Why Choose a Visa on Arrival in Tanzania
While Tanzania offers an online visa application, the e-visa website can be unreliable. Some travelers have reported issues with the system not processing correctly, which can result in paying twice, once online and again upon arrival.
Many travelers prefer the visa on arrival in Tanzania, which is straightforward and handled directly at the airport when you land.
Documents Needed for Visa on Arrival in Tanzania
When applying for a visa on arrival in Tanzania, immigration officers may ask to see proof of your travel plans. To make the process smoother, you should bring:
A printed copy of your hotel reservations
A printed copy of your safari tour company
- A yellow fever vaccination certificate if coming from a country with a risk of yellow fever
Your passport (valid for at least 6 months)
While you can show these documents on your phone, it’s a good idea to have them printed. When you first arrive, you may not have cell service or Wi-Fi, making it harder to pull up your reservations.
Yellow Fever Vaccine Requirements
Tanzania may also check your yellow fever vaccination certificate depending on where you are traveling from.
If you are arriving from or transiting through a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, you may be required to show proof of vaccination. The certificate is sometimes called the “yellow card.”
Health regulations are guided by the World Health Organization and the rules typically apply when travelers have recently been in countries where yellow fever is present.
You can check Tanzania’s yellow fever requirements through their embassy’s website. If this applies to your itinerary, be sure to keep your vaccine documentation with your passport so you can present it easily during arrival.
Fees for Visa on Arrival in Tanzania
The cost of a visa on arrival in Tanzania depends on your nationality:
$100 USD for U.S. citizens
$50 USD for most other nationalities
When I arrived at Kilimanjaro airport, they accepted either cash or credit card. Personally, I would make sure to have cash on me as a back up. Make sure you have the correct amount in USD.
Final Tips for a Smooth Arrival
To make getting your visa on arrival in Tanzania as easy as possible:
Print all travel confirmations before leaving home
Bring the correct visa fee in USD
Keep a pen handy to fill out forms quickly
Carry your yellow fever vaccine certificate if required
Once you’re through immigration, you’ll be ready to start your adventure exploring Tanzania.
For many travelers, the visa on arrival in Tanzania is the simplest way to begin their trip without dealing with the potential headaches of the online system.
Safari Travel Essentials
- Binoculars (you will use these more than you expect)
- Safari Hat
- Supergoop Face Sunscreen
- Canon R50
- Pump Duster for Camera
- Canon RF 100-500mm lens
- Ben’s Deet Wipes are effective and don’t count as a liquid in your luggage
- Neck Gaiter for dust
- Wet Wipes for hands and face
- Travelan to prevent GI issues
- Ekta Travel Insurance
- Airalo eSim