Visa on arrival at 2AM

[u/housemd23]

US citizens traveling to Tanzania at the end of this month. We’re landing around 2AM on a Sunday.

I’ve read differing things but most say getting Visa on arrival is much quicker. But is that still the case on a weekend and in the early morning?

Thanks for any advice!

Edit: flying into JRO

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[u/Ok_Look7739]

CASH IS KING. That’s all you need. USD make sure of it

[u/SecureManagement2672]

Make sure you have cash for everything. I saw a couple struggling last time to pay for visa because the airport system was down and not taking any card payments. So carry the needed cash with you to avoid any issues or delays.

[u/seva93]

My plane landed around 11pm I had to wait 20 minutes to pay for visa and appl for one. I would defenetly advise you to get the visa when upon your arrival. Have a good and safe trip!

[u/nocodedxb]

VOA is a pain - travelled as 2 adults and 3 kids, landed at Dar; paid a lady USD 50 to skip the long queue, still took us about 45 mins to get all visas stamped.

Travelled second time with evisa - it was a breeze: we cleared immigration in 10 mins.

[u/bsterling]

Why not just buy in advance and have ready on arrival? We got through quickly because we had it ready while we saw everyone waiting in line. Was at the airport for maybe 30m after landing.

[u/Suspicious_Place1270]

if you travel by air you'll get it any time, 24/7, they open the booths depending on the flights that come in, don't worry

just account for a couple of hours waiting time

[u/Socalsll]

Don’t know about major airports. I came through the land border in Tarime. Visa on Arrival for me (US citizen) was a pain. Those that had an eVisa just showed the confirmation page and got the visa stamp. If I had to do it again, I would get the eVisa and be done with it. No need to carry cash.

[u/No_Photograph3969]

24/7 year round. You buy it for $50.

[u/Cautious_Wing8452 → u/No_Photograph3969]

US citizens must pay $100 for a visa. (Was there 9.8.26-10.1.26)

[u/Suspicious_Place1270 → u/No_Photograph3969]

don't forget the health insurance now, too

sadly the mainland has this since 1 month ago

[u/wump_world]

Would help to know if you're asking about Kili or Dar. But 2am sounds like Turkish, so I'll guess Dar. Visa on arrival is so much better/faster than dealing with applying in advance, being asked for various uploads and evidence, etc. The system at the new terminal is very efficient. Usually a very quick conversation, pay your fee, get stamped, and go. In the old days it was much more chaotic and slow.

[u/Atomsandbananas]

I’ve arrived around that time before, and there are always immigration officers available to issue visas on arrival for a $50 fee. However, if you apply online in advance, you can avoid the long queues at immigration. Things tend to move quite slowly in Tanzania, especially when it comes to administrative procedures, so I’d definitely recommend getting your visa online. It could easily save you 1–2 hours of waiting.
Also, don’t forget to check the new mandatory health insurance fee, which was introduced just a couple of weeks ago. You can get it at the airport as well.

[u/The_Safari_Guy → u/Atomsandbananas]

I concur with OP about applying in advance. However, I think OP may have overlooked your nationality. The Visa fee for US citizens is US$100, rather than US$50.

[u/Cautious_Wing8452 → u/The_Safari_Guy]

This is true $100 visa

[u/Suspicious_Place1270 → u/The_Safari_Guy]

yes, that is true

[u/Ill_Passion_9290]

Yes visa on arrival is pretty quick. Longest I've waited is probably 30-45 minutes but thats because it was during summer and it was peak tourist time.

[u/Suspicious_Place1270 → u/Ill_Passion_9290]

sometimes it is 2 hours don't get fooled

[u/Phresh33]

I had no problems arriving in the late evening. I would assume if they have late night flights they will have someone there to assist you. But I can’t verify that. Good luck. N

[u/Suspicious_Place1270 → u/Phresh33]

verified, it is well staffed 24/7

[u/Seaweed-Weak]

We arrive tomorrow at 1130 hopefully it’s nice and easy.

[u/housemd23 → u/Seaweed-Weak]

How’d it turn out?

[u/Seaweed-Weak → u/housemd23]

It went well. We were able to purchase our insurance and visa within an hour.

[u/DragonspeedTheB → u/Seaweed-Weak]

TIA - “This is Africa”. Learn the mantra. Enjoy the process… it’s going to happen whether you’re happy or not.

[u/CtrlAltDeli]

We arrived around that time (Kilimanjaro Airport) and it took us about 10-15 mins. Super easy.