Tanzania Visa on Arrival: Everything You Should Know

Planning a trip to Tanzania? You may be in a hurry to view the magnificent animals of the Serengeti, climb the legendary Mount Kilimanjaro, and enjoy the sandy Zanzibar beaches, you cannot come to this East African heaven without the appropriate visa. If you’re wondering how to get a Tanzania travel visa, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about obtaining a Tanzania visa on arrival, making your travel experience smooth and stress-free.

What is a Tanzania Visa on Arrival?

Most countries are given a visa on arrival in Tanzania so there is no need to do the visa application weeks before to an embassy. This kind of visa is convenient to the tourists and short time visitors who will wish to explore the country without having to go through the tedious processing time. It gives tourists a chance to visit Tanzania on short basis of up to 90 days, depending on your nationality and the reason of visiting.

The visa on arrival is especially useful if your trip plans are flexible or if you prefer making spontaneous travel decisions. However, it’s essential to be well-prepared to avoid delays or complications at the border.

Who is Eligible for a Tanzania Visa on Arrival?

Most international travelers, including those from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and EU countries, are eligible for a Tanzania visa on arrival. Infants and children should also get a visa. One is normally obtained at the airport or on land border checkpoints.

Important: Travelers from a few countries may need to apply for a visa in advance at a Tanzanian embassy. It is always prudent to visit the official Tanzanian immigration site prior to travelling with the view of establishing that you do not contravene any of the entry requirements.

Documents You Need

Before arriving in Tanzania, make sure you have the following documents ready for your visa on arrival:

• A valid passport – Ensure that your passport will for not less than six months have a valid date on which you will enter in to the country.

• Return or onward ticket – Certainty that you are going to leave Tanzania at the end of your visit.

• Visa fee – Typically paid in cash (USD is widely accepted) or sometimes by card, depending on the entry point.

• Completed visa form – Some airports provide this form on arrival, but you can also download it online to save time.

• Proof of accommodation – A hotel booking or invitation letter if staying with friends or family.

Having these documents ready ensures a smooth and quick visa approval process at the port of entry.

Step-by-Step Process to Get a Tanzania Visa on Arrival

• Arrival at the airport or land border – Head to the visa on arrival counter before the immigration checkpoint.

• Fill out the visa form – I am sorry, that I cannot get away with that.

• Pay the visa fee – As of 2025, the fee is usually around $50 for a single-entry visa, but check for updated rates before traveling.

• Submit documents – Give your passport, the duly filled form and your accommodation evidence to the immigration officer.

• Receive your visa – When the processing of your passport is over, it will be stamped with a Tanzania visa that will allow you to proceed to immigration.

This process is usually quick, but during peak travel seasons, it’s best to be patient and prepared.

Tips for a Smooth Tanzania Visa Experience

• Carry cash – Not every port of entry takes cards to pay the visa fee.

• Check passport validity – Ensure that your passport has at least six more months to stay before the expiry of your intended stay.

• Travel insurance – It is not a requirement but highly encouraged in order to have peace of mind.

• Plan ahead during peak season – There are a possibility of congestion on the safari and beach destinations between June and October. Be punctual to eliminate queues.

• Keep copies of documents – Carry your copy of the passport and visa, as well as the itinerary (in paper and digital version). Being ready with such copies will assist you to deliver the required documents in a timely manner in case of emergencies.
  

Tanzania Visa Application Guide

Most of the travelers prefer online Tanzania visa application to ensure that they have secured their visa prior to traveling. It is an easy way to save time that would be spent in queues in the airports and ensures that your visa would be ready when you arrived. Online applications usually need in scanned copies of your passport, your travel itinerary and payment done in an official portal.

It can be done both in visa on arrival and online application; one must select the option that fits in the lifestyle of traveling and the schedule.

Conclusion

A trip to Tanzania is a quality experience that provides excellent wildlife, breathtaking landscape as well as culture. With the information on how to acquire a visa, it will be easy going to the country and will not be full of stress. Either you obtain a visa on arrival or online, it is best to be prepared since this will mean that you will have a smooth entry.

Don’t wait any longer — apply for your Tanzania tourist visa today and start planning your dream African adventure!