Getting to Tanzania: Visas, Flights & Arrival
What to sort out before you land — visas, which airport to fly into, and what arrival actually looks like.
Questions people ask
Do I need a visa for Tanzania?
Most nationalities do. You can apply online in advance through the official immigration portal, or obtain one on arrival at Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar airports and at the main land borders. Apply in advance if you can — the arrival queue after a long flight is not the way you want to start. Some nationalities, including Chinese citizens, must obtain the visa before departure.
Which airport should I fly into?
Kilimanjaro International (JRO) for the northern circuit — Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, and Kilimanjaro climbs. Julius Nyerere in Dar es Salaam (DAR) for the southern circuit and the coast. Zanzibar (ZNZ) if you are starting or ending on the islands. Arusha Airport (ARK) is the small strip used by light aircraft to the parks, not international flights — people confuse the two constantly.
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