Tanzania offers visa on arrival at major international airports including Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam (DAR), and Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Zanzibar (ZNZ). The process takes 20–45 minutes, costs $50–$100 USD depending on nationality, and accepts USD cash or Visa/Mastercard.
Which Tanzania Airports Issue Visas on Arrival?
According to the US Embassy in Tanzania and Tanzania Immigration, visas on arrival are issued at the following international airports:
- Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) — Dar es Salaam, Tanzania's largest airport
- Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) — main gateway to Kilimanjaro, Serengeti, Ngorongoro
- Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) — Zanzibar island
All three airports have dedicated immigration counters for visa-on-arrival applicants. Kilimanjaro and Dar es Salaam handle the highest volume of international arrivals and have multiple visa counters to manage peak arrival periods.
Note: Land border posts (Namanga, Holili, Horohoro) also issue visas on arrival, but with more limited hours and occasional cash-only payment.
Tanzania Visa on Arrival Cost by Nationality (2026)
Tanzania uses a reciprocity fee system — visa fees reflect what Tanzanian citizens pay to visit your country:
| Nationality | Visa on Arrival Fee |
|---|---|
| US Citizens | $100 USD (reciprocity policy) |
| UK, EU, Australian, Canadian, NZ | $50 USD |
| Most other nationalities | $50 USD |
| Multiple Entry (all nationalities) | $100 USD |
US citizens pay $100 USD due to Tanzania's reciprocity with US visa fees charged to Tanzanian nationals. This applies to both single-entry and as the base for multiple-entry visas.
Payment Methods at Tanzania Airport Visa Counters
Cash (USD)
- Only US Dollars accepted — no Euros, GBP, or other currencies
- Bills must be printed after 2006 (older or worn bills are routinely rejected)
- Bring exact amounts if possible — change is often unavailable at the visa desk
- Bring a $100 bill for $100 fee or $50 bill for $50 fee
Credit/Debit Cards
- Visa and Mastercard accepted at most airport counters
- Card machines occasionally malfunction — always carry USD backup
- Notify your bank before travel to avoid declined transactions abroad
Step-by-Step: Getting Visa on Arrival at Tanzania Airport
- Arrive at immigration hall — follow signs to "Immigration" after deplaning
- Proceed to visa counter — separate from "Tanzanian Citizens" and "Residents" queues
- Complete the application form — paper forms available at the counter or in the arrivals hall
- Submit your documents — passport, completed form, and any supporting documents
- Pay the visa fee — USD cash or card
- Wait for processing — typically 10–20 minutes per applicant
- Receive your stamp — the visa is stamped directly in your passport
- Proceed to passport control — join the regular immigration line with your stamped visa
Total time from landing to clearing immigration: 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on flight loads.
Visa on Arrival vs. e-Visa: Which Is Better?
| Factor | Visa on Arrival | Tanzania e-Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Where to get | Airport/border | Online (visa.immigration.go.tz) |
| Wait time | 20–45 min at airport | Apply in advance |
| Cost | $50–$100 | $50–$100 (same) |
| Risk of delay | Possible at peak times | None |
| Documentation needed | Minimal | Full upload required |
| Recommended for | Last-minute travelers | Pre-planned trips |
Recommendation: Apply for a Tanzania e-Visa before travel whenever possible. It eliminates airport queue time, allows advance approval, and requires no airport wait.
Who Is NOT Eligible for Visa on Arrival?
A small number of nationalities must apply through a Tanzanian embassy in advance and are not eligible for visa on arrival. These include nationals of certain countries under special immigration arrangements. Check the Tanzania Immigration guidelines at visa.immigration.go.tz or contact the nearest Tanzania embassy if your nationality is from a high-risk-classification country.
Citizens of East African Community (EAC) member states — Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, DRC — may have different entry arrangements including visa-free access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related guides: Requirements | Fees | Processing Time