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[danblank]

I'm flying to Tanzania (from the US) at the end of the year. Everything I'm reading says I have to get my visa from the embassy in advance for $100. But it also seems that a visa acquired in Tanzania is $50. Does anyone know if I can get my visa upon entry at the airport, or since I'm flying do I have to get it in advance?

[starlagurl]

What country are you a citizen of? US?

This is what the embassy in the US says about it:

Ordinary/ Tourist Visa: This visa is issued at any Tanzanian embassy. It grants tourists/ visitors the authorization to enter the country through designated entry points on the border, through airports and harbour stations. However, a person coming from a country with no access to a Tanzanian embassy or where it is reasonably distant shall be issued a visa at the entry points in Tanzania.

[benefactours]

What country are you a citizen of? US?

This is what the embassy in the US says about it:

Ordinary/ Tourist Visa: This visa is issued at any Tanzanian embassy. It grants tourists/ visitors the authorization to enter the country through designated entry points on the border, through airports and harbour stations. However, a person coming from a country with no access to a Tanzanian embassy or where it is reasonably distant shall be issued a visa at the entry points in Tanzania.

You will always pay more when getting your visa in advance, even when ordering directly from the embassy in question. However, I also know that Americans do pay a higher rate than most for a visa in Tanzania. You are able to get your visa when you enter the country, as you do in other East African countries.
Cheers,
Cynthia
www.benefactours.com

[danblank]

Thanks for the info. Do you have any idea if it's cheaper to get it right in country? Also, any idea if it's time-consuming to do it in the airport? I'd be willing to spend a few extra bucks to not sit in the airport for hours clearing customs.

What country are you a citizen of? US?

This is what the embassy in the US says about it:

Ordinary/ Tourist Visa: This visa is issued at any Tanzanian embassy. It grants tourists/ visitors the authorization to enter the country through designated entry points on the border, through airports and harbour stations. However, a person coming from a country with no access to a Tanzanian embassy or where it is reasonably distant shall be issued a visa at the entry points in Tanzania.

You will always pay more when getting your visa in advance, even when ordering directly from the embassy in question. However, I also know that Americans do pay a higher rate than most for a visa in Tanzania. You are able to get your visa when you enter the country, as you do in other East African countries.
Cheers,
Cynthia
www.benefactours.com

[kili-kelly]

I would recommend getting it at the airport. It doesn't take too much time. The reason that I say this is because first of all, if for some reason you have to cancel at the last moment, you are not out the money. Secondly, the TZ government may at any time decide to make changes. I had this happen my first trip to TZ. I was going to volunteer and was told that I had to apply in advance for a work permit. I got it in advance, then one week before my trip, I was told that the policy had changed and I needed a newly created volunteer permit. I was told that my unused permit was non refundable and was not able to be converted into the new permit. If the TZ government changes the price of a permit, you will most certainly not get a rebate if the rate gets lowered and may not have a valid permit if the rate increases. (In the past few months for example, a volunteer permit was raised without advance notice from $120 to $500, then a short time later, returned back to $120) I would apply in advance only if you need something special. At the airport, often you will not get a choice of getting a single entry or multiple entry visa. Last time I came in, they would not grant a mulitple entry visa, only a single entry visa. I had a friend who when he came in, could only get a multiple entry visa. Safari njema. I am sure that you will enjoy your visit immensely.