Tanzania, home to world-famous attractions like Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti National Park, and Zanzibar’s white-sand beaches, welcomes millions of tourists and business travelers every year. One of the most convenient ways to enter the country is through a Visa on Arrival (VoA), which allows eligible travelers to obtain a visa upon landing at Tanzanian entry points.
What Is a Tanzania Visa on Arrival?
A Tanzania Visa on Arrival is a type of entry permit that allows eligible travelers to obtain a visa at the airport or border crossing upon arrival in Tanzania. Instead of applying in advance, travelers can complete the visa process at the immigration checkpoint before entering the country.
Key Features of the Visa on Arrival:
Issued at entry points (airports, land borders, seaports).
Single-entry visa valid for up to 90 days.
Processing time: Typically 15–60 minutes at immigration.
Available for tourism, business, and transit purposes.
Who Is Eligible for a Tanzania Visa on Arrival?
Travelers from the following countries can obtain a Visa on Arrival upon reaching Tanzania at designated entry points such as airports and border crossings:
|
Region |
Countries |
|
In Africa |
Algeria, Chad, Comoros, Egypt, Ethiopia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Niger, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Togo, Tunisia |
|
In Asia and the Middle East |
Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Maldives, Nepal, North Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, the Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, Yemen |
|
From Europe |
Russia, Ukraine |
|
In the Americas and the Caribbean |
Bolivia, Cuba |
Where Can You Get a Visa on Arrival in Tanzania?
A Visa on Arrival is available at major Tanzanian entry points, including:
Airports
- Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) – Dar es Salaam
- Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) – Near Arusha & Moshi
- Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) – Zanzibar
- Mwanza International Airport (MWZ) – Mwanza
Land Border Crossings
- Namanga Border – Kenya-Tanzania border
- Tunduma Border – Zambia-Tanzania border
- Rusumo Border – Rwanda-Tanzania border
- Horohoro/Lunga Lunga Border – Kenya-Tanzania border
- Kasumulu Border – Malawi-Tanzania border
Seaports
- Dar es Salaam Port
- Zanzibar Port
- Tanga Port
Requirements for a Tanzania Visa on Arrival
To obtain a Visa on Arrival, you will need to provide the following documents:
- Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least six months beyond the entry date and at least one blank page for the visa stamp.
- Visa Fee Payment: Payment is cash only in USD (newer banknotes preferred). Some airports may accept credit/debit cards, but this is not guaranteed.
- Return or Onward Travel Ticket: Proof of departure from Tanzania (return flight or onward ticket).
- Accommodation Details: A hotel booking confirmation or invitation letter from a host.
- Completed Entry Form: Available at the immigration checkpoint. Some airlines may provide it on the plane.
- Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate (if applicable): Required if you are traveling from or transiting through a Yellow Fever-endemic country (e.g., Kenya, Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo).
Tanzania Visa on Arrival Process
Travelers from eligible countries can obtain a Tanzania Visa on Arrival at designated entry points, including airports and border crossings. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process smoothly.
Arrival at the Entry Point: Land at a Tanzanian airport, border crossing, or seaport.
Proceed to the Visa on Arrival Desk: Join the queue for VoA processing.
Complete the Application Form: Fill out the provided visa form with personal details and travel information.
Submit Documents & Pay Visa Fee: Present your passport, return ticket, hotel booking, and pay the visa fee in USD.
Biometric Capture (If Required): Some entry points may take a digital photo or fingerprints.
Visa Approval & Stamp: Immigration officials review your documents and issue a visa sticker in your passport.
Proceed Through Immigration: Once your visa is granted, proceed to the passport control desk and officially enter Tanzania.
Pros & Cons of a Tanzania Visa on Arrival
Here are some advantages and disadvantages of Tanzania Visa on arrival:
AdvantagesConvenient – No need to apply before travel. |
DisadvantagesLong wait times – During peak hours, waiting times can exceed 1 hour. |
Alternative: Applying for a Tanzanian eVisa in Advance
For a faster and smoother entry into Tanzania, travelers can opt to apply for a Tanzania eVisa before their arrival. This online visa application process eliminates the need for long queues at immigration checkpoints and minimizes the risk of delays or entry denials due to missing documents.
Benefits of Applying for an eVisa in Advance:
Convenience: The entire process can be completed online from anywhere in the world, eliminating the need to visit an embassy or consulate.
Faster Processing: The eVisa is typically processed within 10 business days, making it a time-efficient option compared to a Visa on Arrival.
Avoid Delays at the Airport: With an eVisa in hand, travelers can proceed directly to immigration clearance upon arrival, bypassing the sometimes lengthy visa-on-arrival queues.
Secure Payment: The eVisa system allows for online payment using credit or debit cards, ensuring a hassle-free application process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I get a Visa on Arrival in Tanzania?
Yes, if you are from an eligible country. However, to avoid delays at the airport, it is recommended to check the latest entry requirements before traveling.
Do I need cash to pay for a Visa on Arrival?
Yes, bring USD cash. Some airports may accept credit cards, but it is not guaranteed, and ATMs may not always be available or functional.
Can I extend my Visa on Arrival in Tanzania?
Yes, you can apply for a 90-day extension at the Tanzania Immigration Office. It is advisable to start the extension process before your visa expires to avoid any legal complications.
What happens if I overstay my visa?
Overstaying can result in fines, legal issues, and potential deportation. Repeat offenders may also face restrictions or bans on future entry into Tanzania.
Content Disclaimer: While this information was last updated in March 2025, we strongly suggest confirming all travel details with the appropriate governmental agencies, embassies, and airlines.
