Approved Ports of Entry for Tanzania eVisa Holders

Overview of Tanzania eVisa Entry Points

When planning your trip to Tanzania, it's crucial to know which ports of entry accept the Tanzania eVisa. Your electronic visa is valid only at specific airports, seaports, and land border crossings that have been officially designated by the Tanzanian Immigration Services Department.

The Tanzania eVisa system has streamlined entry procedures at major international airports and selected border crossings. However, not all entry points into Tanzania accept eVisas. Travelers must ensure they enter through an approved port to avoid complications at immigration control.

This comprehensive guide provides detailed information about all approved ports of entry where you can use your Tanzania eVisa to enter the country. Whether you're flying into Kilimanjaro, arriving in Dar es Salaam, heading to Zanzibar, or crossing by land from Kenya, we've got you covered.

Major International Airports for eVisa Entry

Tanzania's three primary international airports all accept eVisa holders

Kilimanjaro International Airport arrival hall with passengers

Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

Location: Between Arusha and Moshi, Northern Tanzania

Airport Code: JRO

Kilimanjaro International Airport is Tanzania's second-busiest airport and the primary gateway for tourists visiting Mount Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti National Park, and the Ngorongoro Crater. The airport is located approximately 46 kilometers from Arusha and serves as the main entry point for safari tourists.

eVisa Processing: The immigration counters at JRO are well-equipped to process Tanzania eVisas. Upon arrival, proceed to the immigration desks with your printed eVisa approval letter and passport.

Distance from Arusha: 46 km (approximately 1 hour drive)
Airlines: Serves major international carriers including Ethiopian Airlines, KLM, and Qatar Airways
Facilities: Currency exchange, ATMs, car rentals, and tourist information desks
Best For: Safari tourists and Mount Kilimanjaro climbers

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Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR)

Location: Dar es Salaam, Eastern Tanzania

Airport Code: DAR

Julius Nyerere International Airport, formerly known as Dar es Salaam International Airport, is Tanzania's largest and busiest airport. Located about 12 kilometers from the city center of Dar es Salaam, it serves as the main international hub for the country.

eVisa Processing: DAR has dedicated immigration lanes for eVisa holders, making the entry process efficient and streamlined. The airport handles the highest volume of international arrivals in Tanzania.

Distance from City Center: 12 km (approximately 20-30 minutes drive)
Airlines: Major hub with connections to Europe, Middle East, Asia, and Africa
Facilities: Two terminals with full service amenities including duty-free shopping
Best For: Business travelers and those connecting to Zanzibar or southern Tanzania

Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ)

Location: Zanzibar Island

Airport Code: ZNZ

Abeid Amani Karume International Airport is the main airport serving the Zanzibar Archipelago. It's the primary entry point for tourists heading to the beautiful beaches and historic Stone Town of Zanzibar.

eVisa Processing: ZNZ fully accepts Tanzania eVisas. Your Tanzania eVisa covers entry to both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, as Zanzibar is part of the United Republic of Tanzania.

Distance from Stone Town: 5 km (approximately 10-15 minutes drive)
Airlines: International and domestic flights including direct routes from Europe
Facilities: Modern terminal with tourist services and currency exchange
Best For: Beach holiday tourists and visitors to Zanzibar's historic sites

Land Border Crossings Accepting eVisa

Several land borders between Tanzania and neighboring countries accept eVisas

Namanga Border Crossing (Kenya-Tanzania)

Location: On the Kenya-Tanzania border, between Nairobi and Arusha

Namanga is the most popular land border crossing between Kenya and Tanzania. It's commonly used by overland travelers, safari tourists, and those driving from Nairobi to Arusha.

eVisa Acceptance: Yes, Namanga border post accepts Tanzania eVisas. Ensure you have a printed copy of your eVisa approval letter.

Distance from Arusha: 110 km (approximately 2 hours drive)
Distance from Nairobi: 165 km (approximately 3 hours drive)
Operating Hours: 24 hours (immigration services may have limited hours at night)
Best For: Overland travelers and those on combined Kenya-Tanzania safaris

Tunduma Border (Zambia-Tanzania)

Location: Southern Tanzania, on the TAZARA highway

The Tunduma border crossing connects Tanzania with Zambia and is a key entry point for travelers coming from Southern Africa.

eVisa Acceptance: Yes, accepted at this crossing
Best For: Travelers from Zambia and Southern African countries

Border crossing checkpoint with travelers presenting documents

Other Land Border Crossings

Additional land borders where Tanzania eVisa is accepted include:

Sirari Border: Tanzania-Kenya border (alternative to Namanga)
Mutukula Border: Tanzania-Uganda border crossing
Kabanga Border: Tanzania-Burundi crossing
Manyovu Border: Tanzania-Mozambique border point

Note: Always verify current border operations before travel, as some remote crossings may have limited hours or facilities.

Seaports Accepting Tanzania eVisa

Tanzania has several seaports where eVisa holders can enter the country. These ports serve cruise ships, cargo vessels, and private yachts.

Major Seaports for eVisa Entry:

Dar es Salaam Port

Location: Dar es Salaam

Tanzania's largest and busiest seaport. Accepts eVisa for cruise ship passengers and maritime arrivals.

Zanzibar Port

Location: Stone Town, Zanzibar

Popular arrival point for ferries from Dar es Salaam and cruise ships. eVisa accepted for maritime entries.

Tanga Port

Location: Tanga, Northern Tanzania

Seaport in northern Tanzania accepting eVisa holders arriving by sea.

Important Note for Cruise Passengers: If you're arriving in Tanzania on a cruise ship, you still need a valid Tanzania tourist eVisa to disembark and explore the country. Some cruise lines may offer group visa arrangements, but individual eVisas are generally recommended.

Important Entry Requirements at All Ports

What you need to present when entering Tanzania

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Printed eVisa

You must present a printed copy of your approved Tanzania eVisa at immigration. Digital copies on phones may not be accepted.

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Valid Passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry and have at least one blank page for stamps. Check passport requirements.

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Return Ticket

Immigration officers may ask for proof of onward travel, such as a return flight ticket or itinerary showing your departure from Tanzania.

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Accommodation Details

Be prepared to provide information about where you'll be staying in Tanzania, such as hotel reservations or host details.

Processing Time: Upon arrival at any approved port of entry, immigration processing with an eVisa typically takes 10-30 minutes, depending on arrival volumes. Learn more about Tanzania eVisa processing times.

Tips for Smooth Entry into Tanzania

Before You Travel

Apply Early: Submit your Tanzania eVisa application at least 10 days before travel to allow sufficient processing time
Print Your eVisa: Print at least 2 copies of your approved eVisa approval letter
Check Passport Validity: Ensure your passport meets all Tanzania eVisa requirements
Verify Your Port of Entry: Confirm that your intended entry point accepts eVisas
Save Digital Copies: Keep electronic copies of your visa and passport on your phone or cloud storage as backup

At Immigration Control

Have Documents Ready: Prepare your passport, printed eVisa, and return ticket before reaching the immigration counter
Be Polite and Patient: Immigration officers have the final authority on entry decisions
Answer Questions Honestly: Be prepared to answer questions about your trip purpose and duration
Check Your Visa Stamp: Verify that the immigration officer stamps your passport correctly with the authorized stay period

Common Questions at Immigration

Immigration officers at Tanzania's ports of entry may ask you the following questions:

What is the purpose of your visit to Tanzania?
How long do you plan to stay?
Where will you be staying?
Do you have sufficient funds for your stay?
What is your occupation?
Do you have a return ticket?

What If There's a Problem?

If you encounter any issues with your eVisa at the port of entry:

Stay Calm: Remain polite and cooperative with immigration officials
Show Supporting Documents: Present your hotel reservations, return tickets, and other supporting documentation
Contact Support: If there's a technical issue with your eVisa, contact the Tanzania Immigration Services or your visa service provider
Alternative Entry: In rare cases where eVisa cannot be verified, you may need to obtain a visa on arrival (if eligible) or contact your embassy

Remember: The immigration officer at the port of entry has the final authority to grant or deny entry, even with a valid eVisa. Ensure all your documents are in order and you meet all entry requirements.

Quick Reference: Tanzania eVisa Ports of Entry

Port Name	Type	Location	eVisa Accepted	Best For
Kilimanjaro International (JRO)	Airport	Northern Tanzania	✓ Yes	Safari tourists, Kilimanjaro climbers
Julius Nyerere International (DAR)	Airport	Dar es Salaam	✓ Yes	Business travelers, general tourism
Abeid Amani Karume (ZNZ)	Airport	Zanzibar Island	✓ Yes	Beach holidays, Zanzibar tourism
Namanga Border	Land Border	Kenya-Tanzania border	✓ Yes	Overland travelers from Kenya
Tunduma Border	Land Border	Zambia-Tanzania border	✓ Yes	Travelers from Zambia
Dar es Salaam Port	Seaport	Dar es Salaam	✓ Yes	Cruise passengers, maritime arrivals
Zanzibar Port	Seaport	Zanzibar Island	✓ Yes	Ferry passengers, cruise tourists

Note: This list includes the main ports of entry. Additional smaller border crossings may also accept eVisas. Always verify current entry point status before traveling.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ports of Entry

No, you can only use your Tanzania eVisa at officially designated ports of entry that accept electronic visas. The major international airports (JRO, DAR, ZNZ) and several land borders like Namanga accept eVisas. Always verify that your intended entry point accepts eVisas before traveling. Check our complete list of approved ports above.

If you arrive at a border crossing that doesn't accept eVisas, you may be denied entry or required to travel to an approved port of entry. Some smaller border posts may offer visa on arrival services, but this is not guaranteed and may incur additional fees. To avoid complications, always plan to enter through an approved eVisa port of entry.

Yes! Your Tanzania eVisa is valid for direct entry into Zanzibar through Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) or Zanzibar seaport. Zanzibar is part of the United Republic of Tanzania, so your Tanzania eVisa covers both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. You don't need a separate visa for Zanzibar. Learn more about using your eVisa in Zanzibar.

You must have a printed copy of your approved Tanzania eVisa when entering the country. Immigration officers at ports of entry require a physical printed copy and may not accept digital versions on smartphones or tablets. We recommend printing at least 2 copies and keeping them in different bags for backup.

Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is the best choice for northern Tanzania safari circuits, including Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara. It's located between Arusha (the safari capital) and Moshi. If you're visiting southern parks like Selous or Ruaha, Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam is more convenient.

With a valid eVisa, immigration processing at Tanzania airports typically takes 10-30 minutes, depending on the number of arriving flights and passengers. Major airports like DAR and JRO have dedicated eVisa lanes that expedite the process. During peak tourist seasons (July-August and December-January), processing times may be longer. Arrive prepared with all documents to speed up the process.

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Approved Ports of Entry for Tanzania eVisa