ARRIVING INTO KILIMANJARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

International visitors on safari and arriving by air generally do so at Kilimanjaro International Airport [JRO]. As you walk across the tarmac (sorry, no jetways), you will see signs on the terminal building indicating the entrance for international arrivals.

In some instances, you may be required to show evidence of yellow fever vaccination. Generally, this is only required if arriving from an endemic area.

Next is Immigrations. It is always recommended that you apply for your visa prior to travel. This can reduce time and risk complications on arrival. If you have your visa, you may proceed to the lines indicating your status (returning resident or visitor). If you do not have your visa, you should enquire at the immigration office located in the arrival hall. A visa form is no longer required, just your completed arrivals car and the fee. You will need a fee in US Dollars* and may be asked to provide 2 passport style photographs. The fee is different for every nationality. All persons arriving will be required to complete an arrival card. This may be given to you on the plane. Otherwise, they found in the Immigrations Hall.

Tip - If you are going to leave Tanzania within 48 hours from another location such as by road through Namanga, you qualify for a transit visa which is cheaper than a full visitors visa.

* Though payment may be made in other international currencies, change is often a problem and poor rates of exchange may result in your paying more than the expected amount for your visa. It is always best to keep around $100.00 in tens and twenties on hand.

After Immigrations, you will proceed to the baggage claim area. Here you will find your luggage and proceed to Customs. There are free baggage carts available to assist in transporting your things.

Customs should not be a problem for visiting tourists. Naturally, your bags will be subject to inspection, as would any person's when arriving into any country. Persons traveling with computer equipment or extensive video or photographic equipment may be asked to pay a bond or deposit to ensure you leave with the items. As an alternative, you might ask the officer to note the details of the equipment in your passport to ensure you take them with you when you leave. Posting deposits can be a bit time consuming, especially when leaving and trying to recover the deposit.

Upon leaving the Customs Hall, you enter the Main Arrivals Terminal and should be greeted by a representative of your tour company. Tip - Taxis and shuttle buses may be available but are expensive and sometimes unreliable. You should have prior arrangements to be met.

If using taxis you should always negotiate the price before starting your trip. $50.00 per vehicle is not uncommon.

The ride from the airport to Arusha town is about 50 minutes.

For persons continuing their trip out of Arusha by air from the smaller Municipal Airport, the drive is about and hour. If heading by car to Kenya, the drive to the Namanga Border is about two and a half hours.