Visa for Tanzania from UK

Do you need to apply for a visa to Tanzania from the UK

UK citizens need a visa to travel to Tanzania. This guide explains the various stages, costs and processing times so you can plan your trip with peace of mind.

  • Fast: Simplified, efficient process.
  • Security: information is protected.
  • Reliability: 98% approval rate.
  • Assistance: 24/7 customer support.
→ Tanzania visa for UK citizens ←
iVisa Truspilot
Do i need a visa for Zanzibar from UK?

Tanzania visa for UK citizens

Get your visa for Tanzania easily from the United Kingdom with the fast and simplified online application system (eVisa). UK citizens must obtain a visa to visit Tanzania. Find out how to apply, processing times, prices and required documents.

Tanzania visa for UK citizens

  • Visa required for all stays in Tanzania
  • Application can be completed 100% online via eVisa
  • Standard visa cost: USD 50 (single entry)
  • Processing time: 2 to 10 working days
  • Documents required: passport, photo, return ticket, hotel reservation

→ Tanzania visa for UK citizens ←

How to apply for a Tanzanian visa for UK citizens?

UK citizens must obtain a visa to enter Tanzania, whether to discover the beaches of Zanzibar, explore the national parks or for a business trip. The easiest way is to apply for an electronic visa (eVisa) via the official Tanzanian government portal or an approved provider.

The eVisa allows you to prepare for your trip with peace of mind, without having to visit an embassy. It is strongly recommended that you apply before departure to avoid being refused entry or delays on arrival.

There are several types of visas available for UK citizens:

  • Single entry visa: valid for 90 days, for tourism or visits.
  • The multiple entry visa: valid for 12 months, recommended for frequent travellers.
  • The transit visa: for stopovers of less than 7 days.
  • The business visa: for specific professional reasons.

The application is made online in a few simple steps detailed below.

 

How to fill in the Tanzania visa form from the United Kingdom?

The visa application form for Tanzania is available from the Tanzanian government's eVisa portal or via approved websites. Here is how to complete it step by step from the United Kingdom:

1. Access the official website

The official Tanzanian government website allows you to apply for a visa online. It is also possible to use an approved service provider, which offers a simplified form and assistance in English.

2. Create an account

You will first need to create a user account with your full name, a valid email address and a password. A confirmation link will be sent to you.

3. Select the type of visa

Select the type of visa you require (tourism, business, transit, etc.). For a standard tourist visit, select ‘Ordinary Visa’.

4. Complete the form

Carefully fill in the required fields:

  • Surname and first name
  • Date and place of birth
  • Nationality: United Kingdom
  • Passport number
  • Planned dates of entry and departure
  • Reason for travel
  • Planned address in Tanzania (hotel or local contact)

5. Download the necessary documents

The documents to be provided are:

  • A scanned copy of the identity page of your passport (valid for at least 6 months after the date of entry)
  • A recent passport photo (passport format, light background)
  • A return flight reservation
  • A confirmation of your accommodation reservation or a letter of invitation

6. Payment of visa fees

Payment is made by credit card (Visa, Mastercard) directly on the platform. An electronic receipt will be sent to you after validation.

7. Application tracking

You will receive an email notification once your visa has been approved. You can then download and print your electronic visa to present on arrival.

We recommend that you check all the information before confirming your application, as any errors may result in your visa being rejected or delayed.

 

How much does a Tanzanian visa cost for UK citizens?

The price of the visa depends on the type of visa requested. Here are the major fees for UK citizens:

Visa type Validity Entries Official price
Tourist visa 90 days Single entry 50 USD
Multiple-entry visa 12 months Multiple entries 100 USD
Transit visa 7 days Single entry 30 USD
Business visa 90 days Single entry 250 USD

Important: These amounts correspond to government fees. If you use a private service provider to simplify the process, additional service fees will apply (approximately £25 to £40 depending on the option chosen).

Payment is made online at the time of application and is non-refundable, even if the visa is rejected.

 

Tanzania visa processing time for UK citizens

The standard processing time for a Tanzania eVisa for UK citizens is usually between 2 and 10 working days.

Here are the usual processing times depending on the type of service chosen:

  • Standard processing: 7 to 10 working days
  • Express processing (if offered by a service provider): 2 to 5 working days
  • Urgent (via private service): 24 to 72 hours in some cases, but without guarantee

Factors that may affect processing time:

  • Quality and legibility of the documents provided
  • Accuracy of the information entered
  • Seasonal demand (summer, Christmas, school holidays)
  • Additional security checks

Tip: We recommend that you submit your request at least 15 days before departure, especially during peak tourist season. You can check the status of your application at any time by logging into your personal account on the platform.

 

Duration and validity of the Tanzania visa for UK citizens

UK citizens must obtain a visa to enter Tanzania, whether for tourism, business or family visits. The electronic visa (eVisa) is the simplest and most commonly used method. This official document is issued by the Tanzanian authorities and allows legal entry into the country.

As a general rule, the most requested visa is the single-entry visa, which authorizes a stay of up to 90 consecutive days. For frequent travelers, a multiple-entry visa valid for one year is also available, although individual stays are limited to a maximum duration per visit. The visa starts from the date of issue or entry (depending on the type) and does not automatically extend the right to stay beyond the processing time.

 

How many entries are allowed into Tanzania from the United Kingdom?

UK citizens can choose between two major types of visas depending on the number of entries they wish to make:

  • Single-entry visa: Allows a single entry into Tanzania. Valid for up to 90 days.
  • Multiple-entry visa: Valid for 12 months and allows multiple entries into the country, provided that each stay does not exceed 90 consecutive days.

There is no ‘unlimited’ visa allowing unrestricted stays or free entry and exit without time limits. The multiple-entry visa is particularly recommended for people travelling regularly between the United Kingdom, Tanzania and neighbouring countries (Kenya, Uganda, etc.).

 

How long can UK citizens stay in Tanzania?

The standard tourist visa for UK citizens allows you to stay for up to 90 days per visit. This applies to holidays, visits to relatives and non-business trips.

In the case of a multiple-entry visa, the maximum length of stay per visit remains the same: 90 days. It is essential to leave the country before the processing time expires, even if the overall visa remains valid.

Exceeding this legal limit may result in:

  • Financial penalties
  • Temporary bans on entry
  • Difficulties with future visa applications

It is therefore essential to keep a close eye on your date of entry and to organise your departure before the expiry date.

 

Other documents required for travel to Tanzania for UK citizens

In addition to the electronic visa, UK citizens must present other supporting documents upon arrival in Tanzania. These documents are required both to obtain the visa and to pass through airport or border controls.

Documents required before departure:

  • A passport valid for at least 6 months after the planned date of entry
  • A recent passport photo
  • A return or onward ticket reservation
  • Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation or invitation letter)
  • Proof of financial solvency may be requested (bank card, statements)

Recommended documents for travel:

  • A printed copy of the eVisa
  • Proof of travel insurance
  • A yellow fever vaccination certificate if you have travelled through a risk area

Although some of these documents are not required for entry, they are often requested by airlines upon departure.

 

Tanzania visa refusal for UK citizens

A visa refusal for Tanzania can occur for several reasons, although cases are rare when applications are well prepared. Here are the most common reasons:

  • Incomplete or illegible documents
  • Error in the form (incorrect name, wrong date of birth, etc.)
  • Passport expiring too soon
  • Reason for travel not compatible with the type of visa requested
  • Previous travel history not respected
  • Suspicion of intention to stay illegally or work without authorization

In the event of a rejection, no refund will be granted by the Tanzanian authorities. However, it is possible to reapply, correcting the problematic factors and attaching a more complete file.

It is strongly recommended that you use a specialist service provider if you have any doubts about your eligibility.

 

Is Tanzania safe for UK citizens?

Tanzania is generally a safe destination for UK citizens, provided certain precautions are taken. As with any international travel, it is important to follow the recommendations of the UK Foreign Office.

Safe tourist areas:

  • Zanzibar (beaches and hotels)
  • Serengeti, Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro (safaris)
  • Dar es Salaam and Arusha (respecting local rules)

Potential risks to watch out for:

  • Pickpocketing in large cities
  • Poorly regulated road traffic
  • Variable quality of medical services outside major cities
  • Border areas with Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo (not recommended)

It is advisable to:

  • Avoid travelling at night outside secure areas
  • Keep a copy of important documents separate from the originals
  • Use certified guides for tourist activities
  • Take out insurance covering medical expenses and evacuation

Do you have any doubts?

Find out if your question has been answered in the list below

Yes, Tanzania offers a visa on arrival (Visa On Arrival) for citizens of the United Kingdom. This type of visa can be obtained directly at Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar or Kilimanjaro international airports or at land borders. It is usually a single-entry visa, valid for 90 days. However, although this option is available, it is not recommended. Queues can be long, especially during peak season, and some travellers have been turned away for not having the right documents. Plus, it's hard to track the status of an application if you apply when you arrive. That's why the Tanzanian authorities encourage people to use the eVisa, which is more convenient, faster and safer. The latter can be obtained online before departure, allowing you to present all supporting documents upon boarding and save time on arrival. If you are travelling with children or in a group, the eVisa remains the most convenient option.

Visas for Tanzania cannot generally be extended beyond the initial 90-day period for UK citizens. However, an exceptional extension may be requested from the immigration services on arrival, particularly in Dar es Salaam. You must go to the immigration office in person with a valid reason (health problems, cancelled flights, family emergency, etc.). Please note: a renewal application does not guarantee acceptance. It must be made before the initial visa expires. Overstaying your visa without authorization will result in penalties, including a temporary ban on re-entry. Holders of a multiple-entry visa may leave Tanzania briefly (e.g. to Kenya or Uganda) and return for a further 90-day stay within the overall one-year validity period. If you plan to stay longer, consider applying for a resident or work visa, which is subject to specific conditions.

Yes, all UK citizens, including children and infants, must have a valid visa to enter Tanzania. There are no automatic exemptions based on age. The visa application for a child follows the same procedure as for an adult, but must be made by one of the parents or legal guardians. The necessary documents are: the child's passport (valid for at least 6 months), a recent passport photo, return flight ticket, proof of accommodation, a copy of the parents' passports, a letter of consent if the child is travelling with only one parent. The cost of the visa is the same as for an adult (50 USD for a single entry). It is recommended that families group their applications together to simplify the process. If in doubt, some service providers offer specific assistance for families travelling with minors.