All You Need To Know To Travel To Tanzania

Welcome to our guide on all you need to know to travel to Tanzania! Tanzania is a stunning East African country that offers visitors an unforgettable experience with its incredible wildlife, natural landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. Whether you're planning to go on a safari, climb Mount Kilimanjaro, relax on Zanzibar's beaches, or explore Tanzania's vibrant cities, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to plan a safe and enjoyable trip. From visa requirements to health precautions, transportation options, and local customs, we've got you covered. So, let's dive in and discover all the wonders that Tanzania has to offer!

1.  VISA

To enter Tanzania, almost all visitors must obtain a visa. As the requirements may change periodically, it's recommended to check the Tanzanian Government website for updated information.

The cost for a single-entry tourist visa to Tanzania is currently $50 USD, with the exception of US citizens who pay $100 USD.

The processing time for a Tanzanian tourist visa is typically one business day if applied for online. However, it may take up to seven days to receive approval in certain cases. It's advisable to apply as soon as you confirm your travel dates.

On a single-entry tourist visa, visitors can stay for up to 90 consecutive days. If granted a multiple-entry visa, it's valid for one year, but visitors must depart Tanzania every 90 days and re-enter the country.

Although obtaining a visa on arrival in Tanzania is possible, it may result in lengthy delays at the immigration checkpoint, and the visa fee must be paid in cash, specifically in USD. It's preferable to apply online, and the application form can be accessed by clicking HERE to apply for a visa to enter either the Tanzanian mainland or Zanzibar.

2. GETTING TO TANZANIA

Travelling From The USA

To get to Tanzania from the USA, Delta Airlines operates direct daily flights from Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport (AMS) to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) in partnership with KLM. Schiphol is a significant international hub with services to and from many cities in the USA, Europe, and other parts of the world. KLM is known for its professionalism, efficiency, and taking good care of passengers' luggage, with civilized departure times from Amsterdam (currently 10.00hrs local time) and arrival times in Kilimanjaro (currently 20.30hrs, local time).

Travelling From EUROPE

For traveling to Tanzania from Europe, KLM also operates direct daily flights from Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport (AMS) to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Schiphol is a major international hub with services to and from many European cities, as well as several cities in the USA and elsewhere. KLM is known for its professionalism, efficiency, and taking good care of passengers' luggage, with civilized departure times from Amsterdam (currently 10.00hrs local time) and arrival times in Kilimanjaro (currently 20.30hrs, local time).

Travelling From ASIA

If you're traveling to Tanzania from Asia, Qatar Airways is a good option. They operate flights from several Asian airports to Doha's Hamad International Airport (DIA), and from there to Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Kenya. Once you arrive in Nairobi, you can take a Precision Air flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), which departs daily at around 08:20hrs local time and arrives at JRO around 09:20hrs local time on the same day. However, please note that the layover time in Nairobi can be quite long, currently around 8 hours.

Travelling From AUSTRALIA

If you're coming from Australia, Emirates Airways can get you to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) with a layover in Dubai and a connection in Nairobi. However, be aware that there may be long layovers in Dubai or Nairobi, or very short connection times in Nairobi that could require an overnight stay and rebooking of your flight to JRO the following day. It's important to check flight schedules carefully before making your travel arrangements.

3. TANZANIA'S INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS

Tanzania boasts three international airports, catering to numerous airlines, including those from Europe, which provides convenient access to the country from various parts of the world. The choice of which airport to arrive at will depend on the visitor's origin, destinations within Tanzania, and the type of tourism activities they are planning, such as safari, Kilimanjaro climbing, or a beach holiday in Zanzibar. The following are brief descriptions of the three international airports in Tanzania.

Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR)

The largest airport in Tanzania, Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), is located in the country's biggest city and was named after Tanzania's first president. It is one of the largest airports in East Africa, with over 2.5 million passengers passing through annually. This airport is ideal for tourists who want to explore Tanzania's Southern Safari Circuit, which includes parks like Nyerere National Park (formerly known as Selous Game Reserve), Udzungwa Mountains National Park, Ruaha, and Mikumi National Park.

Kilimanjaro International Airpot (JRO)

Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is named after Africa’s highest mountain and is a popular destination for visitors exploring Tanzania’s Northern Circuit of National Parks, including famous parks like Serengeti, Arusha, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, as well as Lake Natron, Lake Eyasi, and the renowned Ngorongoro Conservation Area. JRO is also the most convenient airport for climbers heading to the mountain itself. Several international airlines, such as KLM, Ethiopian Airlines, and Qatar Airways, serve the airport.

Zanzibar Abeid Amani Karume Airport (ZNZ)

The Zanzibar Abeid Amani Karume Airport (ZNZ) serves as the gateway airport for international visitors seeking a beach holiday in the Zanzibar archipelago. It is located just south of the principal town of Stone Town and is conveniently close to the stunning beaches that attract a growing number of tourists. For those combining a safari adventure with some beach relaxation, there are flights available from the Tanzanian mainland to this airport.