Beat the long queue at the Kilimanjaro International Airport by applying and paying for your entry visa to Tanzania online.

How to Apply for Your Tanzania Visa Online (e-Visa)

As the Tanzanian government moves towards the digital world, the process of applying for your entry visa also becomes more efficient for travellers to this beautiful country. Aimed at making your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (and other points of entry) more seamless, Immigration is inviting travellers to apply for their visas through the new online visa platform (electronic visa).

While the online visa process requires travellers to enter more information into the system than the traditional paper-based visa forms, the online visa platform will save you more than two hours of hopelessly waiting at the airport, plus you will be doing it in the comfort of your home (perhaps with a glass or cup of your favourite drink at hand :-).

The new online visa application system will take between 10-14 business days (sometimes up to 21 days) to process the application and issue your entry visa to Tanzania. You are strongly advised to consider the time required for visa processing in your plans before you travel to Tanzania so that you can avoid any inconvenience and trip disruption that may occur. Most importantly, you will be able to pay for your visa application online using major credit cards and check the status of your application online as well.

Firstly, you can start your electronic visa application to Tanzania here. Please remember that each traveler needs a visa. Unless you are planning to return to Tanzania multiple times throughout the year, you will choose the option for a single entry visitor visa.

Please also note that currently, only the following ports of entry are equipped to accept the online visa and they are fully functional:

• Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR)
• Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
• Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ)
• Namanga (road border between Arusha & Nairobi)
• Tunduma (road border between Tanzania & Zambia)

If you are entering via an alternative port other than the above mentioned, for example Tarime/Isebania, it is recommended to obtain the visa on arrival. An electronic visa can still be used and will be accepted, but the process of validating the e-visa can be time consuming when the port does not have the necessary equipment on hand.

New Procedures of Applying for Your Tourist Visa On Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport

If you choose to continue to use the old system of obtaining your visa on arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be required to complete the following process:

• Queue for a Government Control Number
• Queue to pay for this at the bank
• Queue for Immigration to check and issue the visa

The above new system is said to slow-down the normal visa process upon arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport by up to two hours and is imposed with immediate effect.

In conclusion, while the immigration is working hard to streamline this visa process upon arrival at JRO, we recommend you use the new online visa platform. By doing so, you will save yourself from the hassle of sorting out your visa at the airport while standing in a long queue with potentially frustrated and tired travellers. This new online system allows you to skip that step and have a shorter transition from airport to your first safari accommodation.

Planning a safari vacation to Tanzania?

Tanzania is an unparalleled safari destination, setting aside a generous quarter of its surface area for conservation and wildlife protection. The endless plains of the iconic Serengeti National Park, a world renowned, Ngorongoro Crater “wildlife fishbowl” and the vast Selous Game Reserve are vital sanctuaries that collectively harbor an estimated 20 percent of Africa’s large mammal population including some members of the Big Five safari animals such as elephants, buffaloes and black rhinoceros. Our expertly designed customizable safari tours in Tanzania and East Africa will allow you the opportunity to work with a dedicated safari expert to co-create a world class safari experience that fits well with your own travel plans, budget, interests and expectations. 

Whether you want to experience the thrilling adventures of the great wildebeest migration, encounter the last remaining wild chimpanzees, explore authentic local cultures and cuisine, conquer the highest peak of Africa (Mount Kilimanjaro) or simply rejuvenate on the white sand beaches of Zanzibar, we can take care of everything for you from start to finish. Interested to hear more about our unique African wildlife safari and beach vacation ideas? Call us at 1-315-805-4040 to start planning your unforgettable journey to Africa!