If you are traveling to Tanzania soon, then you might have heard about the visa on arrival. With this option, you will do the paperwork when you arrive at the airport. While this is an advantage for spontaneous travelers who don’t wish to occupy themselves with formalities before their trip, it can cause some last minute stress and unexpected problems.
The government of the country recommends that you do obtain the online visa instead but the decision is up to you. That is why we have prepared this article with everything you need to know about Tanzania on arrival visa: the requirements, pros and cons and all the details so that you make the right choice for your next trip to this wonderful country.
Can I get a Tanzania visa on arrival?
You are able to get a visa on arrival as long as you are not from one of the countries that need Referral Visa because these can only apply online. Even though this option is available for a lot of countries, the government of Tanzania recommends that you request your visa online. Why? This advice has to do with security, efficiency and convenience:
- Time savings: With an online visa, you will do the whole process before arriving in Tanzania. This way, you will reduce the waiting times at the airport. When you do it on arrival, you have to make long queues that can cause delays on your journey, especially during peak seasons.
- Increased Security: When you do your application online, you provide all of the necessary documentation and information in advance, and everything is verified by immigration authorities. This way you reduce the chance of getting your visa denied or having to provide extra documentation upon arrival, offering more security and certainty than appling last minute at the airport.
- Smooth Process: With the option of an online visa, you will avoid any complications upon entry. If you do it in advance, you will be sure that you have permission to enter the country so your trip will start as early as it can.
The requirements
For a visa on arrival that allows you to stay 90 days in Tanzania (as long as you aren’t from one of the countries that require a referral visa) you will need to present:
- A copy of your passport (biographic data page): it must have a validity of at least six months and at least one unused visa page
- Return ticket
- Duly filled in declaration form
- 50 USD visa fee
If you hold an American passport and are coming for holidays or tourism, you will have to apply for a Multiple Entry Visa valid for one year. This visa allows you to stay for 90 days each entry and has the same requirements, the difference is that the fee is 100 USD.
Pros and cons of the on arrival visa
If you are considering getting your Tanzania visa on arrival, here you will find all the pros and cons of this option so you can make the best decision:
Pros
- Spontaneity: If you don’t like to plan well in advance and you want your trip to be more spontaneous, then this option gives you the chance to make last minute decisions.
- Available at major entry points: Most people arrive at the main airports like Dar es Salaam or Kilimanjaro, and you can acquire your visa on arrival there.
- No pre-tip bureaucracy: Some travelers don’t want to think about paperwork before the trip itself or don’t have the time. However, remember to bring the money for the fee, a pen and any documentation you may need like the name of the hotel you are staying at or the return flight ticket.
- Reduced waiting time to receive the visa: when you apply for a visa on arrival, you will receive it the same day if there aren’t any complications.
Cons
- Risk of denial: Approval is not guaranteed. The immigration officers can deny you entry to Tanzania if they find any problems with your documentation. This means there is a risk of being turned down at the border.
- Long wait times: Especially during peak seasons, it is normal to encounter long queues at the airport. After a long flight, this may be a bad option. You will have to fill out the application form at one counter, then pay your visa fee at another one, and finally get the visa stamped. As you can see, you will have to make three queues and this can make you wait a long time before you can start your trip.
- Limited payment options: There are reports of many travelers saying that the payment is only accepted in cash and often in US dollars. This may be inconvenient for some people that don’t have the correct currency or cash on hand.
- Additional Documentation: immigration officers may ask you for supporting documents like proof of accommodation, a return ticket or your travel itinerary. This can cause delays if you don’t have everything prepared and even a possible denial of entry.
- Potential delays: Since this visa is processed on the spot, there is a possibility of the process being delayed for technical difficulties. During busy periods, the airport’s systems can become overwhelmed.
Should you choose a visa on arrival?
The Tanzania visa on arrival is a good option for spontaneous travelers that don’t mind waiting some time at the airport before they start their trip. But if you want to travel with the certainty of having a valid visa and avoid stress, then the online visa is the option for you. That is also what the government recommends.
If you do it online, you will travel with the relaxation of knowing that you will be able to start your trip as soon as you get your visa stamped. The application process is simple and you can do it from the comfort of your own home. You can also pay online with a credit or debit card, which provides more flexibility and security.
