How Much Is a Tanzania Visa on Arrival? A Complete Cost and Requirement Guide for Travelers

How much is a Tanzania visa on arrival is one of the most important questions travelers ask when planning a trip to Tanzania, whether for safari, business, cultural exploration, or a beach holiday in Zanzibar. Visa costs are a critical part of travel budgeting, and misunderstanding them can lead to delays, stress, or unexpected expenses at the airport. Tanzania offers a visa on arrival facility to many nationalities, but the cost varies depending on citizenship, visa type, and length of validity.

This comprehensive guide has been written to clearly and accurately explain how much a Tanzania visa on arrival costs, who is eligible, what the visa covers, how payment works, and what travelers should prepare before arriving. The article also explores how visa costs compare with the Tanzania eVisa system, common mistakes travelers make, and practical tips to ensure a smooth entry experience.

By the end of this guide, travelers will understand not only the exact cost of a Tanzania visa on arrival, but also whether it is the best option for their specific travel plans.

Understanding the Tanzania Visa on Arrival System

To fully answer how much is a Tanzania visa on arrival, it is important to understand how the visa on arrival system operates. Tanzania allows eligible foreign nationals to obtain a visa at designated ports of entry without applying in advance through an embassy or online system.

Visa on arrival services are available at major international airports, including Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro International Airport, and Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Zanzibar. Several land border crossings also issue visas on arrival.

The visa on arrival system is designed for short-term visitors and primarily serves tourists and business travelers entering Tanzania for limited durations. While convenient, it still requires meeting all entry conditions and paying the appropriate visa fee at the point of entry.

How Much Is a Tanzania Visa on Arrival for Tourists?

For most travelers, the key question how much is a Tanzania visa on arrival refers to the standard tourist visa cost. In general, the cost of a Tanzania visa on arrival for tourists is USD 50 for a single-entry visa valid for up to 90 days.

This fee applies to the majority of nationalities, including citizens of the United Kingdom, most European Union countries, Australia, New Zealand, and many Asian nations. The tourist visa allows entry for leisure purposes such as safaris, beach holidays, family visits, and general tourism.

The USD 50 fee is payable at the port of entry and is non-refundable, even if entry is denied for other reasons. Travelers are advised to carry the exact amount in U.S. dollars to avoid payment complications. How Much Is a Tanzania Visa on Arrival?

How Much Is a Tanzania Visa on Arrival for U.S. Citizens?

For U.S. passport holders, the answer to how much is a Tanzania visa on arrival is different. U.S. citizens are required to pay USD 100 for a Tanzania visa on arrival.

This higher fee is based on reciprocity agreements between Tanzania and the United States. In return for the higher cost, U.S. citizens are typically issued a multiple-entry visa valid for up to 12 months, rather than a single-entry 90-day visa.

This makes the visa particularly convenient for travelers who plan to enter Tanzania more than once within a year, such as those combining regional travel in East Africa.

Visa on Arrival Costs for Other Nationalities

While USD 50 and USD 100 are the most common visa on arrival fees, some nationalities may fall into different categories based on bilateral agreements or diplomatic considerations.

Certain travelers may be required to apply for a visa in advance and are not eligible for a visa on arrival. Others may be subject to additional scrutiny or documentation requirements, though the cost remains within the standard fee range.

Because visa policies can change, travelers are strongly encouraged to verify their nationality-specific requirements before departure to avoid surprises at the border.

What Does the Tanzania Visa on Arrival Fee Cover?

When asking how much is a Tanzania visa on arrival, it is also important to understand what the fee includes. The visa fee covers the legal right to enter Tanzania for the specified purpose and duration, subject to immigration approval.

The standard tourist visa permits stays of up to 90 days and allows travel throughout mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. It does not permit employment, long-term business activity, or study.

The fee does not include any additional services such as fast-track processing, airport assistance, or travel insurance. It strictly covers the immigration authorization to enter the country.

Payment Methods for Tanzania Visa on Arrival

Payment methods are an important practical consideration when addressing how much is a Tanzania visa on arrival. While Tanzania has modernized its immigration systems, payment options may still vary by entry point.

U.S. dollars are the preferred currency for visa on arrival payments, and bills should be clean, undamaged, and issued in recent years. Some entry points accept credit or debit cards, but card machines are not always reliable.

To avoid delays or complications, travelers are advised to carry sufficient cash in U.S. dollars and to avoid relying solely on electronic payment methods.

Visa on Arrival Versus Tanzania eVisa Cost Comparison

Travelers often compare the visa on arrival with the Tanzania eVisa system when evaluating how much is a Tanzania visa on arrival. In terms of cost, both options are generally the same.

The Tanzania eVisa typically costs USD 50 for most nationalities and USD 100 for U.S. citizens, matching the visa on arrival fees. However, the eVisa may include additional processing fees depending on the payment platform used.

While the cost difference is minimal or nonexistent, the main distinction lies in convenience. The eVisa allows travelers to complete the process in advance, reducing waiting time upon arrival.

Business Visa on Arrival Costs

For travelers entering Tanzania for business purposes, the answer to how much is a Tanzania visa on arrival may differ. Business visas often carry a higher fee than tourist visas, typically around USD 250, depending on nationality and purpose of travel.

Business visas are required for activities such as attending conferences, conducting professional training, or engaging in short-term commercial activities. Supporting documentation, such as invitation letters, may be requested at the port of entry.

Travelers entering on a tourist visa are not permitted to conduct business activities, even if the stay is short.

Eligibility Requirements for Visa on Arrival

Cost alone does not determine whether a traveler can obtain a visa on arrival. To qualify, travelers must meet all entry requirements regardless of how much is a Tanzania visa on arrival.

Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry and contain at least one blank page. Proof of onward or return travel may be required, as well as evidence of accommodation arrangements.

Immigration officers retain the right to deny entry if requirements are not met, even if the visa fee is paid.

Visa on Arrival Processing Time and Queues

Although the visa on arrival process is straightforward, processing time can vary significantly depending on arrival volume. During peak travel seasons, queues can be long, especially at Kilimanjaro International Airport and Zanzibar.

Travelers who arrive without a visa may spend additional time completing forms, waiting for payment processing, and undergoing document checks. This waiting time should be factored into travel plans, particularly for those with connecting flights or transfers.

Those seeking a faster arrival experience may prefer the eVisa option, even though how much is a Tanzania visa on arrival remains the same.

Zanzibar and Visa on Arrival Costs

Zanzibar follows the same visa regulations as mainland Tanzania. This means that the answer to how much is a Tanzania visa on arrival applies equally to travelers arriving directly in Zanzibar.

No separate Zanzibar visa fee is charged. A single Tanzania visa covers entry to both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.

However, travelers should be prepared for additional immigration screening when moving between the mainland and Zanzibar, as local authorities may conduct routine checks.

Common Mistakes Travelers Make With Visa on Arrival

Many issues arise not from misunderstanding how much is a Tanzania visa on arrival, but from poor preparation. Travelers often arrive without sufficient cash, assume card payments will always work, or carry damaged U.S. dollar bills that are not accepted.

Others mistakenly believe that visa on arrival guarantees entry, overlooking the importance of passport validity and supporting documents.

Avoiding these common mistakes ensures that the visa fee paid leads to a smooth and successful entry.

Is Visa on Arrival the Best Option?

While understanding how much is a Tanzania visa on arrival is essential, travelers should also consider whether it is the best option for their situation. Visa on arrival is ideal for travelers who prefer flexibility or who were unable to apply in advance.

However, for those arriving during busy seasons, traveling with families, or wanting a smoother airport experience, the eVisa may be a better choice despite the identical cost.

The decision should be based on convenience, travel timing, and personal preference rather than price alone.