If you are travelling to our out of Tanzania you will most likely fly in or fly out from Dar Es Salaam Airport.
Here are some useful information that will help you to get idea about Dar Es Salaam airport.
Dar es Salaam Airport (IATA code DAR), is the main airport in Tanzania. It has capacity to accept 6 million passengers per annum although don’t expect a glorius shiny airport.
It is reasonably small airport, if you are scared you will get lost, its not possible
Getting Visa on Arrival on Dar Airport
Passengers that arrive to Dar aiport and need visa on arrival should count on queue and process that will take up to two hours. Sometimes airline companies deliver forms just before landing on a plane, but most likely you will have to fill in forms in migration area, so bring your pen with you! Also have exact amount of USD cash ( issued after the yea 2006) for visa costs ready. Emigration officers will pick up the forms and money, although the order of processing has no order. Even if you submit the form first, you might be the last of all passengers to get the visa.
Waiting at Dar Airport for Flight
If you have to wait at the airport for long hours to catch another flight, have a stock of drinks or snacks. There are no shops open in the late evening or night outside the airport. Once you get to waiting area for boarding there is possible to buy drinks in a bar and even a duty free shop is open for souvenir shopping.
Outside waiting area has some metal benches, very uncomfortable to sit for long hours.
If waiting inside the airport bring a warm fleece, airport is heavily air-conditioned.
Parking and Taxis on Dar Airport
Airport is 12 kilometres out of Dar es Salaam. Airport has reasonably big parking as well as taxis are easy to find. Actually taxi drivers will find you! To assure your safety we recommend arranging taxi or transfer from hotel. If getting taxi on your own make sure you confirm the price with taxi driver before you sit in! Taxi from Dar Airport will cost you between 25 to 40 USD. Note that there is heavy traffic jam in morning and afternoon hours towards Dar es Salaam city Center, and ride from or to airport is slow. Have this in mind when you plan onward travel arrangements.
Nearest Hotels to Dar Airport
In case you have a decent amount of time between your flights and would like to take some rest, not too far from the airport, we recommend Transit Motels which is only 5 minute drive away from the airport. They arrange 24/7 transfers and allow 24/7 heck in. Read more on their website.
