silverparrot

Can anyone help me ....I have read conflicting reports about whether I need to obtain a travel Visa before we go to Tanzania. Some sites say that if your country (ours is Canada) has an embassy you must obtain a Visa in your homeland and others say you can get one at the airport in Tanzania...what is best?
Cindy

Bill_H

We always get it at the airport for $50, flying in to Arusha (US citizens). I assume it's the same for Canadians.

nkh

I am Canadian and when we travelled to Tanzania we got our visa at the airport on arrival no problem after a short wait in line with others from our plane - unless things have changed since 2003, no need to get one in advance. We had forms printed out that we had filled in advance, and didnt even need those. Only requirement was exact amt of money for visa in US dollars.

Calo

Cindy, we were in Tanzania this year and got our Visas at the border crossing between Kenya and Tanzania. You will be able to do the same at Kilimanjaro airport (or in Dar or other main entry point). You don't have to get them here in Canada in advance. Having said that, you might want to check the Tanzanian High Commission in Canada website before your travels, because things do change.
Would you mind sharing where in Canada you are? There are a few other Canadian Fodorites (including me).

Patty

While a visa application form wasn't required at Kilimanjaro last year, they did require one at Dar Es Salaam this year. The process at Dar is much more "formal". At Kilimanjaro, they just stamped our passports and gave us a receipt. At Dar, we had an actual visa applied to our passports in addition to a stamp and receipt.

Calo

Patty, interesting that the different points of entry into the country don't have standardized procedures. At the Namanga border crossing we only needed our Passports (which were stamped with Visas) and US$50. Ultimately though, the Visa application forms are available where required to enter Tanzania....but when we traveled earlier this year, acquiring a Visa prior to leaving Canada is not necessary.

Fru

One more question..

We're flying United to London, then South African Airways to Johannesburg and finally up to Dar es Salaam.

In general, when I've flown internationally, the airline is responsible for checking that passengers have appropriate entry papers. As I understand it, the airline is liable for any costs incurred for passengers who are refused entry.

Has anyone ever had a problem with airline personnel checking for a Tanzanian visa in your passport before you get to Tanzania?

cruisinred

It would only be an issue with the airline if you are flying to someplace where you cannot get a visa on arrival and must apply in advance.

Fru

Thanks! For Tanzania that shouldn't be a problem then. Good to know.