Tanzania Visa on Arrival: Complete Guide for 2026

Tanzania visa on arrival is available at the country's three main international airports for eligible travelers who have not obtained an e-Visa in advance. The cost is $50 USD for a tourist single entry — the same as the e-Visa — but it requires cash payment in USD and involves longer queues. This guide covers who can get visa on arrival, what to expect, and when it makes sense vs. applying for an e-Visa.

What Is Tanzania Visa on Arrival?

Tanzania visa on arrival (VoA) is a visa issued directly at the port of entry to travelers who either:

• Did not apply for an e-Visa before traveling, or
• Prefer to pay on arrival rather than online

The visa on arrival is functionally identical to the tourist e-Visa — same categories, same fees, same stay duration. The key difference is convenience and certainty.

Where Is Tanzania Visa on Arrival Available?

Visa on arrival is available at designated international airports and border crossings:

International Airports:

Land border crossings also offer visa on arrival for eligible nationalities, though availability and processing can vary.

Tanzania Visa on Arrival Fees

Payment: Cash USD only. Credit cards are generally not accepted at visa-on-arrival counters. Bring crisp, clean USD notes — Tanzania (like many African countries) sometimes rejects damaged or older pre-2009 USD bills.

Requirements for Tanzania Visa on Arrival

Bring the same documents you would for an e-Visa:

1. Valid passport — 6+ months validity, 2+ blank pages
2. Return/onward ticket — proof of departure
3. Accommodation proof — hotel booking or safari itinerary
4. Completed arrival card — provided on your flight
5. Passport photo (sometimes requested)
6. USD $50 cash (exact amount preferred)
7. Yellow fever certificate (if arriving from endemic country)

Tanzania Visa on Arrival Process

At the airport:

1. On arrival, look for the "Visa on Arrival" counter (separate from the e-Visa lane)
2. Join the queue — this can be 30–90 minutes during peak times
3. Complete the visa application form (available at the counter)
4. Submit passport and documents to the immigration officer
5. Pay the fee in USD cash
6. Receive your passport back with a visa stamp
7. Proceed to the general immigration counter for entry stamp

Tanzania e-Visa vs Visa on Arrival: Which Is Better?

Verdict: Apply for an e-Visa. The cost is identical, but you arrive with guaranteed authorization, faster processing at immigration, and no need to carry cash USD for the fee.

When Does Visa on Arrival Make Sense?

Visa on arrival is reasonable when:

• Your travel was booked with very little advance notice (less than 5 business days before departure)
• Your e-Visa application is still pending and you must travel
• Technical issues prevented you from completing the online application
• You are an eligible nationality but prefer paying on arrival

Tanzania Visa on Arrival: Risks

• Not guaranteed: While rare, immigration officers can refuse a visa on arrival
• Long queues: During peak season, VoA queues can be 1–2 hours
• Cash requirement: You must carry exact USD cash; change may not be available
• Lost or damaged USD: Old or damaged bills may be refused
• Limited categories: Some visa types may only be available online

Frequently Asked Questions