Can one obtain an entry visa for Tanzania at Dar Es Salaam airport?

Yes. Eligible travellers can obtain a Tanzania visa on arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam. Eligibility depends mainly on nationality, and travellers in Tanzania’s Referral Visa category generally need approval before travelling. Tanzania Immigration recommends applying online before departure where applicable.

For a smoother arrival, Tanzania Immigration recommends applying for an eVisa online before travelling rather than relying on a visa at the airport.

Can you get a Tanzania visa on arrival at Dar es Salaam airport?

Yes. Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) is an official entry point where eligible travellers may obtain a Tanzania visa on arrival.

Tanzania Immigration currently provides two visa application options for eligible travellers: applying online before travel or obtaining a visa on arrival at an official entry point. The Immigration Department recommends using the online visa application platform.

Who can obtain a Tanzania visa on arrival?

Visa-on-arrival eligibility depends primarily on nationality. Tanzania Immigration separates travellers into three relevant groups:

• Nationals who do not require a visa to enter Tanzania.
• Nationals eligible to apply online or obtain a visa on arrival.
• Referral Visa nationals who generally need approval before travelling.

Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States are among the nationalities currently listed as eligible for both online and visa-on-arrival facilities. Travellers should check the latest Tanzania Immigration guidelines before departure because visa rules can change.

Who is not eligible for a Tanzania visa on arrival?

Travellers in Tanzania’s Referral Visa category cannot normally obtain a visa on arrival unless they have prior approval from the Commissioner General of Immigration. Stateless persons and travellers with refugee status are also not eligible for the standard visa-on-arrival facility.

Referral Visa applicants should apply online and wait for approval before travelling. Tanzania Immigration advises applicants in this category to submit their application at least two months before their intended travel date.

Referral Visa applicants are advised to:

• Apply online before travelling.
• Wait until their application is approved before starting the journey.
• Apply at least two months before their intended travel date.
• Provide supporting information and documentation required for their case.

Therefore, travellers should never assume that every foreign national can simply fly to Dar es Salaam and receive a visa at the airport.

What should you prepare for Tanzania entry?

Even when you qualify for a visa on arrival, you must still satisfy Tanzania's immigration requirements.

Travellers should generally have:

• A passport valid for at least six months.
• At least one unused passport page.
• A return or onward ticket.
• The appropriate visa fee and supporting travel information.
• Any additional documents required for the purpose of the visit.

Tanzania Immigration specifically states that visitors must show a return ticket upon arrival. Holding a visa also does not automatically guarantee admission, as final entry clearance remains subject to immigration checks at the point of entry.

Should you apply for a Tanzania eVisa before travelling?

For eligible travellers, Tanzania Immigration recommends using the online visa application platform. Applying online lets you complete the visa application process before departure instead of relying on a visa-on-arrival application after landing.

An approved Tanzania visa can be used for travel to both Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar, subject to its conditions, so a separate visa is not required simply because your itinerary includes both destinations.

Before you travel

Check your nationality against the latest Tanzania Immigration visa guidelines before departure. If you are eligible for both options, you may apply online before travelling or obtain a visa on arrival at an official entry point such as Julius Nyerere International Airport. Referral Visa travellers should obtain the required approval before starting their journey.

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