To get to Tanzania, fly into one of its three main international airports: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for the northern safari circuit and Mount Kilimanjaro, Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam for the southern parks and the coast, or Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) for Zanzibar. Because there are no direct flights from North America, most long-haul travellers connect through a European or Middle Eastern hub with airlines such as KLM, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines or Emirates.
Planning a trip to Tanzania but aren’t sure how to get there? Booking a flight to Tanzania, especially for the first time can seem overwhelming. There are so many routes and airlines to choose from.
Your flight time and airline choices vary significantly depending on where you’re coming from. Most countries do not have direct flights to Tanzania, so you need to be prepared for a layover in the Middle East or Europe.
This guide will help you pick the best flight options and give you important tips for airline travel.
How to Get to Tanzania From Europe
Most people coming from Europe fly with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. You will first need to connect through Amsterdam and then you can fly into Dar Es Salaam (Julius Nyerere International) or Kilimanjaro International airport.
Turkish Airlines also has daily flights from Istanbul to Dar Es Salaam and Kilimanjaro. Istanbul is a common place to have a layover before heading to Africa.
You can also fly from various European cities to Nairobi. From there, you can fly Kenyan Airways to Tanzania. Airlines that have flights to Nairobi include British Airways, Air France, Swiss Air, Brussels Airlines, and Lufthansa.
How to Get to Tanzania From North America
There are no direct flights from North America to Tanzania. Travellers will need to take one to three stops depending on where they are coming from. The best flights for connections include Turkish Airlines and KLM. For a full breakdown of routes, airlines and journey times from the United States, see our dedicated guide to flights from the USA to Tanzania.
KLM connects through Amsterdam from major North American cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Atlanta. Turkish Airlines connects through Istanbul. Layover times can vary but most are anywhere from 2 hours to 21 hours.
Delta Airlines also has direct flights from Atlanta to Johannesburg, South Africa. From there, you can get to Dar Es Salaam on South African Airways.
How to Get to Tanzania From South America
Getting to Tanzania from South America has fewer options than some of the other continents. The most convenient option is to go from your location to Sao Paulo and then fly directly to Johannesburg.
You can then connect to Dar Es Salaam on South African Airways. You can also fly from South America to Europe and then to Tanzania using KLM or Turkish Airlines.
How to Get to Tanzania From Asia
Most travellers from Asia will connect through the Middle East on large airlines like Emirates and Qatar Airways. If you're coming from Bangkok, Hanoi, or Mumbai, you can fly directly to Nairobi on Kenya Airways and then on to Dar Es Salaam.
How to Get to Tanzania From Australia
From Australia, you will need to first fly into Asia, then the Middle East, then Dar Es Salaam. The most popular airlines for this route include Emirates, Qatar, and Etihad.
You can also use South African Airways which flies from Perth to Johannesburg and then to Dar Es Salaam. You can check the various routes and prices to see what works best for you.
Which Airport Should I Fly Into When Coming to Tanzania?
There are many different airports throughout Tanzania, but international visitors arrive at one of three main gateways: Kilimanjaro International (JRO), Julius Nyerere International (DAR) in Dar es Salaam, and Abeid Amani Karume International (ZNZ) on Zanzibar. These airports serve daily flights from international hubs in Europe and the Middle East.
| Airport | Code | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Kilimanjaro International | JRO | Northern circuit safaris (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire) and Kilimanjaro climbs |
| Julius Nyerere International | DAR | Dar es Salaam, southern and western parks, and the coast |
| Abeid Amani Karume International | ZNZ | Zanzibar beaches and Stone Town |
You should fly into Kilimanjaro International for northern circuit safaris and for climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro. Those who want to visit Dar Es Salaam should fly into Julius Nyerere Airport.
Many airlines like KLM fly from Amsterdam with a short stop in Kilimanjaro and then onwards to Dar Es Salaam.
If you want to get to other towns like Arusha, you can fly one of the regional airlines like Precision Air. These airline tickets are very affordable. Tanzania also has a bus system that can take you from one place to another.
You can also fly Precision Airlines or Air Tanzania to Zanzibar Island. Dar Es Salaam also has a ferry that can take you to the island.
Passport and Visa Information
- All visitors are required to have a passport that is valid for at least six months from their arrival date.
- Passports need to have at least one free page for the visa sticker.
- If coming from a Yellow Fever transmission country in Africa or South America, you must show a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate.
- Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival, but some may need to apply online before leaving.
- Applying online for a Tanzania visa is recommended so that you don’t have to wait in long lines at the airport.
Mandatory Travel Insurance for Zanzibar
If your trip includes Zanzibar, there is one extra requirement to know about. Since 1 October 2024, every foreign visitor arriving on the islands must hold a mandatory travel insurance policy issued by the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC). You buy it online in advance at visitzanzibar.go.tz, it costs around US$44 and is valid for up to 90 days. The cover is compulsory even if you already have your own travel insurance, and you will be asked to show the QR-coded confirmation when boarding your flight to Zanzibar and again on arrival, so arrange it before you travel. This rule applies only to Zanzibar — it is not required for mainland Tanzania.
Get Ready to Fly To Tanzania!
Although flying to Tanzania is a long journey, it’s definitely worth it as you get to see the beauty of East Africa. Before leaving your country, make sure you have your passport and visa. Having the app for the airline is also helpful so you can track your luggage and flight information.
Sit back and enjoy the plane ride and get ready for all the adventure that Tanzania has waiting for you! Once your flights are sorted, plan the rest of your trip with our guides to the best time to visit, how many days you need and what a Tanzania safari costs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Flying to Tanzania
How do I get to Tanzania?
You get to Tanzania by flying into one of its three main international airports: Kilimanjaro International (JRO) for the northern safari circuit, Julius Nyerere International (DAR) in Dar es Salaam for the southern parks and coast, or Abeid Amani Karume International (ZNZ) for Zanzibar. Most travellers connect through a European or Middle Eastern hub, as there are no direct flights from North America.
Which airport should I fly into for a Tanzania safari?
For a classic northern-circuit safari — the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire — fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). For the southern and western parks or a beach stay, Julius Nyerere International (DAR) or Zanzibar (ZNZ) are more convenient. See which parks are best to decide.
Are there direct flights from the USA to Tanzania?
No. There are no direct flights from the United States to Tanzania, so you will connect through a hub in Europe (Amsterdam, Istanbul) or the Middle East (Doha, Dubai). Our guide to flights from the USA to Tanzania covers the fastest routes and airlines in detail.
Which airlines fly to Tanzania?
The main international carriers serving Tanzania are KLM (via Amsterdam), Qatar Airways (via Doha), Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul), Emirates (via Dubai), Ethiopian Airlines (via Addis Ababa) and Kenya Airways (via Nairobi). Regional airlines such as Precision Air and Air Tanzania connect the main airports with Zanzibar and Arusha.
How long is the flight to Tanzania?
Including one layover, expect around 14 to 18 hours from Western Europe, 18 to 24 hours from the east coast of the United States, and 24 hours or more from Australia. Exact times depend on your hub and layover length.
Do I need a visa to fly to Tanzania?
Most nationalities need a visa to enter Tanzania. Many can obtain a visa on arrival, but applying online in advance is recommended to avoid queues. See our guide to how to get a Tanzania visa. You will also need a passport valid for at least six months.
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