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Can you get a Tanzanian visa at the border?

Yes, you can get a Tanzania visa at the border under some conditions and considerations. The details as given below can guide travelers in knowing the process and other options when applying for a visa-on- arrival.

Visa on Arrival at the Border: What You Need to Know

Many nationalities are eligible for a visa on arrival in Tanzania (VOA) options which are available at the international airports and a variety of land border points. In this system qualified persons can receive a tourist or a regular visa upon arrival in the country. However, only travelers from countries not listed under Tanzania’s restricted or referral visa list are eligible to apply for a visa upon arrival.

Note: This means not all nationalities are eligible for VOA. Those from countries in Tanzania’s “Referral Visa” list must apply in advance through a Tanzanian embassy or consulate and cannot obtain a visa on arrival.

Who Can Get a Visa on Arrival?

Most non-restricted nationalities are eligible for VOA. These are travellers such as those of the United States, United Kingdom, most European Union countries, Canada, Australia, among other nations. Nonetheless, there are a limited number of countries, which are referred to by Tanzania, and the citizens of these countries need to apply earlier in the Tanzanian embassy or consulate.

Remember: Please visit the official Tanzania Immigration site or visit your local embassy to confirm your eligibility.

Where Can You Get a Tanzania Visa on Arrival?

Travelers can obtain a VOA at:

Airports (most reliable):

  • Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) – Dar es Salaam
  • Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) – near Arusha/Moshi
  • Abeid Amani Karume International Airport – Zanzibar

Land Border Posts (check operational status before travel):

  • Namanga (Kenya-Tanzania)
  • Tunduma (Zambia-Tanzania)
  • Rusumo (Rwanda-Tanzania)
  • Holili (Kenya-Tanzania) – may be unreliable
  • Manyovu (Burundi-Tanzania)

Seaports (less common):

  • Zanzibar Port
  • Dar es Salaam Port

Some land borders, including Holili, may have inconsistent VOA processing due to technical or staffing issues. Travelers are strongly advised to confirm with immigration authorities before using such crossings

Note: Some minor land border crossings in remote areas do not offer VOA services at all. It's best to enter via major, recognized ports of entry

Recommendation: To ensure a smooth entry process, travelers are advised to arrive via major international airports (e.g., Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam or Kilimanjaro International Airport), where visa processing is more reliable and better facilitated

Requirements at the Border

To obtain a visa on arrival, be prepared with:

  • A valid passport (at least 6 months validity)
  • Visa fee in USD (preferably cash)
  • A return or onward ticket
  • Accommodation details or itinerary
  • Proof of sufficient funds for your stay

Downsides of Getting a VOA

Although it is convenient, obtaining a visa at the border can involve:

  • Lines during peak seasons of travel
  • Processing delays caused by shortage of staff or equipment
  • Occasional confusion or stricter checks at smaller land border

E-Visa: A Better Alternative

The best advice given by the Tanzanian immigration services to travelers who do not want to waste time waiting at the border is to use the services of Tanzania immigration services and request a Tanzania e-Visa online through the Tanzanian immigration services portal. The procedure is simple, safe and enables you to cut queues when you arrive.

Conclusion

It is possible to obtain a Tanzania visa at the border, though it is only recommended if you meet the eligibility criteria and plan to enter through a major and well-equipped entry point. The E-Visa system is a more convenient and predictable option, which is necessary to have a smoother trip, particularly in the high season. Notice the latest entry requirements to make sure that you do not get any surprises.

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