Tanzania Visa for British Citizens 2026: Requirements & How to Apply

Do British Citizens Need a Visa for Tanzania?

Yes. British passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Tanzania for tourism or business travel. You cannot enter visa-free, and it is no longer possible to obtain a visa from the Tanzanian High Commission in London. Your only options are to apply online for an e-visa before departure or obtain a single-entry visa on arrival at Tanzanian ports of entry.

Visa Types for British Citizens

Tanzania offers several visa categories. British travellers typically apply for one of these:

• Ordinary Visa (Single Entry): $50 USD for tourism or business, valid for 90 days. This is the standard visa for UK citizens.
• Multiple Entry Visa: $100 USD, valid for up to one year. Useful if you plan to leave and re-enter Tanzania during your trip (for example, visiting Kenya or Uganda between safari sections).
• Business Visa: $250 USD for work-related visits.
• Transit Visa: $30 USD if you are passing through Tanzania en route to another country, staying less than 48 hours.

Most British leisure travellers use the Ordinary Visa (single entry, $50 USD). If you plan to volunteer or work, you will need a separate work permit from the Tanzanian Prime Minister's Office—your employer or organisation should arrange this before you travel.

Passport & Entry Document Requirements

Before applying for a visa, ensure your passport meets these requirements:

• Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date you arrive in Tanzania. If your passport expires within 6 months, renew it before applying.
• Blank pages: You must have at least one blank visa page.
• Condition: Your passport must not be reported as lost or stolen, or you will be denied entry.
• Return or onward ticket: You must be ready to show proof of a return journey or onward travel at border control.

How to Apply for a Tanzania E-Visa (Online)

The e-visa is the fastest and most reliable method for British citizens. Apply through the official Tanzania Immigration Services portal at visa.immigration.go.tz.

Step 1: Prepare Your Documents

Gather the following three files before starting your application:

• Passport bio page: A clear, colour scan of the page with your personal details (JPG or JPEG format, max 300KB).
• Passport-style photo: A recent colour photograph with a plain background, full face visible from top of hair to bottom of chin, eyes open, natural expression, no distracting shadows. Photo size must not exceed 45mm (length) × 35mm (width), and file size max 500KB (JPG or JPEG). Do not wear head coverings unless for religious reasons—your facial features must be clearly visible.
• Return flight ticket: A PDF of your confirmed return flight (max 1MB). A one-way ticket is not sufficient; you must show proof of onward travel.

Resize all files to meet the size limits before uploading—the portal may time out on oversized documents.

Step 2: Visit the Official Portal

Go to visa.immigration.go.tz and click "New Application" to begin. Do not use third-party visa websites (such as those appearing in Google Ads); they often charge $150–$200 to apply through the official portal on your behalf, adding unnecessary cost.

Step 3: Complete the Online Form

Provide the following information:

• Your email address (use one you check regularly)
• Passport number
• Country of passport issuance (United Kingdom)
• Intended arrival and departure dates
• Purpose of visit (tourism or business)
• Accommodation details or host information in Tanzania

Step 4: Upload Documents

Upload your three prepared files in the correct formats and sizes. The system will reject oversized or incorrectly formatted files.

Step 5: Pay the Visa Fee

The fee for a single-entry ordinary visa is $50 USD (approximately £40 GBP at current exchange rates). Payment is made by debit or credit card via the official portal. Keep your payment receipt.

Step 6: Receive Your E-Visa

Once approved, you will receive an email with a PDF copy of your e-visa grant notice (usually within 3–10 working days, though delays can occur). Check your spam folder if you don't see it within 10 days. Download and print both a digital and paper copy to carry with you.

Visa Fees for British Citizens

Visa Type	Fee (USD)	Validity	Entry Type
Ordinary Visa (Single Entry)	$50	90 days	Single entry
Multiple Entry Visa	$100	Up to 1 year	Multiple entries
Business Visa	$250	Varies	Single or multiple
Transit Visa	$30	48 hours	Single entry

All fees are in USD. Payment via card is standard, but it is recommended to have backup funds in case of technical issues. The official portal accepts major credit and debit cards.

Processing Times & Visa Validity

The official processing time is up to 10 working days. However, applications may be approved in 3–5 days or take up to 3 weeks depending on the completeness of your application and immigration office workload.

Apply 3–4 weeks before your departure date to allow a comfortable buffer. Do not apply more than 6 months in advance; the system may archive old applications, causing retrieval issues at the border.

Your single-entry visa is valid for 90 days from the date of issue (not from arrival). If you plan to stay longer or re-enter Tanzania, apply for a multiple-entry visa ($100 USD) instead.

Visa on Arrival for British Citizens

If you have not obtained an e-visa before travel, you can still apply for a single-entry visa on arrival at the main ports of entry, including:

• Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) – Dar es Salaam
• Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) – near Arusha
• Other border crossings (subject to availability)

You will not be able to obtain a multiple-entry visa on arrival—only single-entry visas are available at the airport.

What to Bring for Visa on Arrival

• Your valid passport
• Completed visa application form (available at the airport or downloadable in advance)
• One passport-style photo (colour, with plain background)
• Proof of return or onward travel (flight ticket)
• $50 USD in cash (bills must be "Series 2009" or newer with no tears or ink marks; older bills are rejected)
• Proof of accommodation or a host contact in Tanzania

Expect to wait 20–90 minutes in the visa queue at the airport, depending on passenger volume and staff availability. The e-visa route typically avoids this delay.

What to Expect at Immigration on Arrival

When you arrive in Tanzania with your approved e-visa (or visa on arrival), immigration officers will:

• Request your passport and e-visa grant notice (printed or digital)
• Ask to see your return or onward flight ticket
• Verify your passport validity and blank pages
• Ask the purpose of your visit (tourism, business, visiting family)
• Possibly request proof of accommodation or sufficient funds for your stay

Be prepared to answer straightforward questions about your itinerary and length of stay. Have your documents organised and easily accessible to speed up the process.

Extending Your Stay or Re-entering Tanzania

If you wish to extend your visa while in Tanzania, contact the Tanzanian Immigration Services Department (info@immigration.go.tz or visatanzania@immigration.go.tz). Extensions are subject to approval and may incur additional fees. Plan ahead rather than waiting until your visa is about to expire.

If you plan to leave Tanzania and return during your trip (for example, to visit Kenya), apply for a multiple-entry visa ($100 USD) before departure rather than a single-entry visa.

Overstaying Your Visa: Consequences

Do not overstay your visa. Tanzania enforces strict penalties: overstaying can result in arrest, detention, fines, and deportation before being banned from re-entry. Your airline may also refuse to allow you to board your return flight if your visa has expired.

Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirements

Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required if you are arriving from a country where the disease is endemic (including 12+ hour airport transits and layovers). The UK is not on this list, so if you are travelling directly from the UK, vaccination is not required. However, if you are arriving from another African country or South America, you must present a valid yellow fever certificate. Consult our guide to vaccinations and health rules for Tanzania for full details and recommendations.

Common E-Visa Application Mistakes & Rejections

To avoid delays or rejections, watch for these frequent errors:

• Poor-quality or dark photos: Ensure your passport photo is bright, clear, colour, and shows your full face with a plain background. Photos taken indoors without proper lighting are often rejected.
• Oversized files: Resize your passport scan and photo to under 300KB before uploading; the portal may time out on larger files.
• Incomplete or inconsistent information: Ensure your name, passport number, and dates match exactly across all documents and the form.
• Expired or low-validity passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay. If it expires soon, renew it before applying.
• No return ticket: A one-way ticket is not sufficient. You must upload proof of onward travel.
• Applying too far in advance: Do not apply more than 6 months before your trip; applications may be archived and retrieval issues can occur at the border.
• Using third-party visa websites: Only apply through the official portal (visa.immigration.go.tz) to avoid scams and inflated fees.

Work, Volunteer & Residence Permits

If you plan to work, volunteer, or stay longer than 90 days, you will need a separate permit:

• Work Permit: Arrange through your employer before travel. Contact the Tanzanian Prime Minister's Office for details.
• Volunteer Permit (Class C Residence Permit): Volunteers are not permitted on a tourist visa. You must obtain a Class C Residence Permit before arrival. Your volunteer organisation should guide you through this process.
• Residence Permits (Class A or B): For longer stays or relocation, apply through the Tanzania Immigration Services Department.

Zanzibar Visa & Travel Insurance Requirements

If you are visiting Zanzibar (part of Tanzania), note that as of October 1, 2024, all visitors are required to purchase mandatory travel insurance from local Tanzanian authorities, in addition to your visa. This is a separate payment from your visa fee and is non-negotiable. Ensure your travel insurance is in place before arrival, or you will be required to purchase it at the airport.

Explore Tanzania safari and Zanzibar packages from the UK to plan a combined mainland and island itinerary.

Planning Your Tanzania Trip: Next Steps

Once your visa is approved, you can confidently book your safari and accommodation. Many British travellers combine a multi-day safari in Tanzania with a beach stay in Zanzibar. Compare packages on SafariFind to find guides, lodges, and itineraries that suit your budget and interests.

For budget planning, check how much a Tanzania safari typically costs in 2026 to understand the full expense beyond your visa.

Frequently Asked Questions

This section is auto-generated from the FAQs array below.

Verification & Official Resources

Last checked July 2026 — always confirm with official sources before travelling. Visa requirements, fees, and processing times can change without notice.

Official contacts:

• Tanzania Immigration Services: info@immigration.go.tz or visatanzania@immigration.go.tz
• Official e-visa portal: visa.immigration.go.tz
• UK Foreign Office Tanzania travel advice: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/tanzania
• Tanzania High Commission in London (for complex cases): contact via gov.uk

Frequently Asked Questions

Do British citizens need a visa for Tanzania?

Yes, British passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Tanzania for tourism, business, or any other purpose. It is no longer possible to obtain a visa from the Tanzanian High Commission in London; you must apply online or on arrival.

How much does a Tanzania visa cost for UK citizens in 2026?

A single-entry tourist visa costs $50 USD (approximately £40 GBP). A multiple-entry visa costs $100 USD if you plan to leave and re-enter Tanzania.

How long does it take to get a Tanzania e-visa?

The official processing time is up to 10 working days, but many applications are approved within 3–5 days. Apply 3–4 weeks before your trip to allow a comfortable buffer.

What documents do I need to apply for a Tanzania e-visa?

You need three documents: (1) a colour scan of your passport bio page (JPG/JPEG, max 300KB), (2) a recent colour passport-style photo with plain background, full face visible, no shadows (45mm × 35mm, max 500KB), and (3) a PDF of your return flight ticket (max 1MB).

Can I get a Tanzania visa on arrival at the airport?

Yes, you can obtain a single-entry visa on arrival at major Tanzanian airports (Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro) for $50 USD in cash. However, you cannot obtain a multiple-entry visa on arrival. Expect to wait 20–90 minutes in the visa queue.

How long is a Tanzania visa valid for?

A single-entry ordinary visa is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. A multiple-entry visa is valid for up to one year.

What happens if I overstay my Tanzania visa?

Overstaying can result in arrest, detention, fines, and deportation. You may also be banned from re-entry and refused boarding on your return flight.

Do I need a yellow fever vaccination to enter Tanzania from the UK?

No, the UK is not on Tanzania's list of countries where yellow fever is endemic, so vaccination is not required if you are arriving directly from the UK. However, if you are coming from another African country or South America, you must present proof of vaccination.

Can I extend my Tanzania visa while I'm in the country?

Yes, you can apply for an extension through the Tanzanian Immigration Services Department (info@immigration.go.tz). Extensions are subject to approval and may incur additional fees. Plan ahead rather than waiting until your visa is about to expire.

What is the official Tanzania e-visa portal, and should I use third-party websites?

The official portal is visa.immigration.go.tz. Do not use third-party visa websites (especially those in Google Ads); they often charge $150–$200 to apply through the official portal on your behalf, adding unnecessary cost.

Do I need a work permit to volunteer in Tanzania?

Yes. Volunteers are not permitted on a tourist visa; you must obtain a Class C Residence Permit before arrival. Your volunteer organisation should help you arrange this.

Is travel insurance required for Tanzania, especially Zanzibar?

As of October 1, 2024, mandatory travel insurance is required for all visitors to Zanzibar (in addition to your visa). This is a separate payment from the visa fee and is non-negotiable.