Visa Requirements for Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
When preparing to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, sorting out your visa is an essential step in your adventure. To save time upon arrival in Tanzania, I opted to get my visa online beforehand.When I applied for my Tanzanian visa, it was a straightforward process, but uploading images in the correct size proved a bit tricky. Here are the steps you need to take, plus a number of other Kilimanjaro travel tips.
Since we were travelling via Kenya, I also needed a Kenyan eTA (electronic travel authorisation), which cost around $30 USD. If your journey involves a stopover in Kenya, make sure to include this in your planning!
What Type of Tanzanian Visa Do You Need?
For a Kilimanjaro climb, a single-entry tourist visa is required. This visa allows you to enter Tanzania once and stay for up to 90 days, which is more than enough for your trek and some post-climb relaxation.
Step 1: Check Your Visa Eligibility
Tanzania offers two main options for obtaining a tourist visa:
Visa on Arrival: Available for most nationalities upon entry to Tanzania.
e-Visa: A convenient online option you can arrange in advance. I chose this option to speed up the process upon arrival.
Before you apply, check your eligibility based on your nationality via the official Tanzanian e-Visa website or consult the Tanzanian Embassy in your country.
Step 2: Documents You’ll Need for the Visa Application
Ensure you have the following documents ready for a smooth application process:
Passport: Must be valid for at least six months from your arrival date with at least two blank pages.
Visa Application Form: Complete this online here or upon arrival.
Return Flight Ticket: Proof of your travel itinerary, including return flights.
Accommodation Details: Include hotel bookings or the name of your tour operator for the climb.
If you’re transiting through Kenya, you’ll also need to apply for a Kenyan eTA, which costs around $30 USD. The process for this is similar to Tanzania's e-Visa system and was much easier online. You’ll just need to have your proof of accommodation and travel ready for when you apply.
Step 3: Applying for Tanzanian Your Visa
You have two main options to get your Tanzanian visa:
Option A: Visa on Arrival
Cost: $50 USD for most travellers, $100 USD for US citizens (cash preferred).
Process: Fill out the visa form at the airport, queue at immigration, and pay the fee.
Considerations: This can be time-consuming, especially during busy travel periods.
Option B: e-Visa (my recomednation)
Apply online at the official Tanzania e-Visa Portal.
Cost: $50 USD (or $100 USD for US citizens).
Processing Time: Usually takes 2–10 business days.
Advantages: Avoid long queues at the airport and have everything sorted before your trip.
Step 4: Additional Tips for a Hassle-Free Visa Application
Image Uploads: If applying online, ensure your passport photo and scanned documents meet the specified size and format requirements. Tools like online image compressors can help.
Vaccination Requirements: Tanzania may request proof of a Yellow Fever vaccination if you’re entering from or transiting through a Yellow Fever risk country. I got mine at my local pharmacy in the UK before traveling.
Keep Copies: Always carry physical and digital copies of your visa, passport, and key travel documents.
Carry Cash: Have some USD on hand for visa payments or emergencies.
Step 5: Final Checks Before Travel
Double-check your visa details, including the expiry date.
Confirm your documents match the information you provided in your application.
Print a copy of your e-Visa approval if applicable.
Summary
Sorting out your Tanzanian visa and any additional transit requirements, such as a Kenyan eTA, will save you time and hassle during your journey. By organising everything in advance, you can focus on enjoying your Kilimanjaro climb and making memories on Africa’s highest peak!
It took me no more than 30min to get both my visas sorted. Enjoy