Tanzania Visa for United Kingdom Citizens 2026 - Requirements, Fees & Processing
Complete Tanzania e-visa guide for British travelers. Apply online for $50, receive approval within 10 days, and explore safaris, Kilimanjaro, and Zanzibar.
At a glance
Max stay: 90 days
Overview
Planning a safari or Zanzibar getaway as a British citizen? You can visit Tanzania with an Ordinary Visa costing just $50. Apply online through the official e-visa portal or obtain one on arrival at major airports. Processing takes up to 10 days, and the visa allows stays of up to 90 days. With straightforward requirements and a 95% approval rate, the process is simple for UK passport holders.
Visa Application process
Visit the Official Portal
Complete the Application Form
Upload Required Documents
Pay the Fee
Wait for Approval
Visa Application Steps
- 1. Visit the Official Portal
- 2. Complete the Application Form
- 3. Upload Required Documents
- 4. Pay the Fee
- 5. Wait for Approval
- 1. Review the Rejection Reason
- 2. Correct and Reapply
- 3. Consider Visa on Arrival
- 4. Contact Support
Visa Fees breakdown
| Fee Type: Cost | Ordinary Visa (Online): $50 | Ordinary Visa (On Arrival): $50 | Multiple Entry Visa: $100 | Business Visa: $250 | Transit Visa: $30 | The visa fee is non-refundable regardless of the application outcome.1 Payment for online applications must be made via Visa or Mastercard.2 |
|---|
What you can do
**Tourism and Safari** | Wildlife safaris in Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and other parks | Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro | Beach holidays in Zanzibar | Visiting national parks and conservation areas | **Visiting People** | Staying with friends or family in Tanzania | Attending weddings or family events | **Other Permitted Activities** | Attending meetings or conferences | Participating in workshops or exhibitions | Transit to another destination (up to 7 days with Transit Visa)
What you cannot do
Working or conducting paid business activities | Taking up employment | Volunteering (requires appropriate permit) | Studying long-term (requires Student Visa) | Residing permanently in Tanzania
Required documents
- Valid UK Passport
- Passport Photo
- Passport Bio Data Page
- Return Ticket
- Payment Method
Valid UK Passport
Passport Photo
Passport Bio Data Page
Return Ticket
Payment Method
Optional documents
Yellow Fever Certificate | Accommodation Details | Zanzibar Insurance
Yellow Fever Certificate
Accommodation Details
Zanzibar Insurance
Border entry information
All visitors to Zanzibar must have mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC).4 This is in addition to your Tanzania visa.
Key points about Zanzibar insurance:5
• Required for all non-residents
• Coverage for the duration of your stay (up to 92 days)
• Must be purchased from ZIC only
• Other international travel insurance policies are not accepted
• Purchase online at visitzanzibar.go.tz before arrival
You may be refused entry to Zanzibar without this insurance.4
Comparison
| Fee Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary Visa (Online) | $50 | Standard processing within 10 days |
| Ordinary Visa (On Arrival) | $50 | Payable in USD cash |
| Multiple Entry Visa | $100 | For multiple visits over 12 months |
| Business Visa | $250 | For short-term business activities |
| Transit Visa | $30 | For stays up to 7 days while transiting |
Common rejection reasons
| % | Reason |
|---|---|
| 30% | Incorrect or Incomplete Information |
| 25% | Poor Quality Documents |
| 18% | Passport Validity Issues |
| 15% | Payment Processing Failure |
| 8% | Wrong Visa Type Selected |
| 4% | Previous Immigration Violations |
30% - Incorrect or Incomplete Information
How to avoid: Double-check all information against your passport before submitting. Copy passport details exactly as they appear, including any middle names.
25% - Poor Quality Documents
How to avoid: Use good lighting when scanning documents. Ensure all text is clearly legible. Follow photo specifications exactly: 35x45mm, plain background, under 500KB.
18% - Passport Validity Issues
How to avoid: Check your passport expiry date before applying. Renew if it expires within 6 months of your planned entry. Ensure at least one blank page is available.
15% - Payment Processing Failure
How to avoid: Use a Visa or Mastercard enabled for international transactions. Contact your bank beforehand if needed. Confirm payment success before closing the application.
8% - Wrong Visa Type Selected
How to avoid: UK citizens should select Ordinary Visa for tourism purposes. Read the visa guidelines carefully before starting your application.
4% - Previous Immigration Violations
How to avoid: If you have past immigration issues, be prepared to explain circumstances. Consider applying well in advance to allow time for any additional processing.
Frequently asked questions
Do UK citizens need a visa to visit Tanzania?
Yes. UK citizens must obtain a visa to visit Tanzania. You can apply for an Ordinary Visa online through the e-visa portal for $50, or obtain a visa on arrival at major airports and border crossings. The visa allows stays of up to 90 days.
How long does Tanzania e-visa processing take for UK citizens?
Online applications are processed within 10 working days. Most applications are approved faster. Apply well in advance of your travel date to avoid delays. If you need to travel urgently, visa on arrival is available at major entry points.
Can I get a Tanzania visa on arrival as a UK citizen?
Yes. UK citizens can obtain a visa on arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam), Kilimanjaro International Airport, Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (Zanzibar), and other major entry points. Bring your passport, return ticket, and $50 in USD cash.
How long is the Tanzania visa valid for UK citizens?
The Ordinary Visa for UK citizens allows a single entry with a stay of up to 90 days. The visa is typically valid for 90 days from the date of issue, during which you must enter Tanzania.
What is the Tanzania visa fee for UK citizens in 2026?
UK citizens pay $50 for an Ordinary Visa. This is lower than the $100 Multiple Entry Visa required for American citizens. The fee can be paid online via Visa or Mastercard, or in USD cash on arrival.
Do I need a separate visa for Zanzibar?
No. Your Tanzania visa covers both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. However, Zanzibar requires mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation for all visitors. Purchase this before arrival at visitzanzibar.go.tz.
What if my Tanzania e-visa application is rejected?
Rejections are rare for UK citizens and usually due to technical issues like incorrect information or poor quality documents. You can reapply after correcting the issues. Alternatively, you can obtain a visa on arrival if your travel date is approaching.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccination for Tanzania?
Yellow fever vaccination is required only if you are traveling from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country. If flying directly from the UK, it is not required. However, the vaccine may be recommended for travel to certain areas of Tanzania.
Can I extend my stay beyond 90 days in Tanzania?
Yes. You can apply for an extension at the Immigration Department in Tanzania before your 90-day period expires. Extensions are granted at the discretion of immigration authorities and require payment of additional fees.
What documents should I bring to Tanzania?
Bring your passport with at least 6 months validity, printed visa grant notice or e-visa approval (if applied online), return ticket, proof of accommodation, yellow fever certificate if applicable, and Zanzibar insurance if visiting the island.
Sources
https://visa.immigration.go.tz/
https://visa.immigration.go.tz/guidelines
https://www.immigration.go.tz/index.php/fees/visa-fees
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/tanzania/entry-requirements
https://visitzanzibar.go.tz/