The Tanzania Business visa Cost is strictly $250 USD (approximately £195 GBP) for a 90-day single-entry electronic visa. UK citizens applying in 2026 should expect a total estimated cost of £208 to £213 when factoring in mandatory bank surcharges and passport photo expenses.
To obtain a Tanzania business eVisa, applicants must submit their request through the government portal at visa.immigration.go.tz. The process requires a passport valid for at least six months, a formal invitation letter from the Tanzanian host, and a supporting company letter from the UK employer.
Standard processing for a Tanzania business visa takes between 10 to 12 working days. Travellers must plan ahead, as the Tanzania Visa on Arrival programme was discontinued in January 2025, making the online eVisa application mandatory before departure for any business activities.
What Is the Tanzania Business eVisa and Its Validity?
The Tanzania business eVisa is a single-entry electronic visa valid for 90 days, designed for UK passport holders attending business meetings, conferences, or trade negotiations.
While some intermediary agencies advertise a 12-month multiple-entry option, the government-issued Tanzania business visa is strictly a single-entry permit. The separate multiple-entry visa applies only to ordinary travel, not business purposes. UK citizens must apply directly via the government portal at visa.immigration.go.tz.
Tanzania Business Visa Cost: Full Breakdown for UK Applicants in 2026
The Tanzania Business visa Cost is based on a $250 USD (£195 GBP) government fee, meaning UK applicants should expect a total DIY cost of £208 to £213 when including bank surcharges and passport photos. Based on the Sept 2026 exchange rate of 1 USD = 0.78 GBP, the final GBP amount will vary depending on your bank’s exchange rate and any foreign transaction fees. The Tanzania business visa remains strictly NON-REFUNDABLE, meaning the fee is lost even if an application contains minor errors or is rejected.
During our application in March 2026, the 10-day processing time held true, but we recommend applying 3 weeks before departure to account for the UK bank’s international transaction fee, which appeared as a separate £4.50 charge.
| Item | USD | GBP (Sept 2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government Fee | $250 | £195 | Base visa cost |
| Bank Surcharges | N/A | £5 to £10 | Card processing fees |
| Passport Photo | N/A | £8 | Estimated cost |
| Total DIY Cost | N/A | £208 to £213 | Direct application |
Verified against the official Tanzania Immigration portal (visa.immigration.go.tz) and FCDO travel advice on 15 September 2026.
Business Visa vs. Ordinary Tourist Visa: Which Do You Need?
While the Tanzania Ordinary Visa costs $50 USD, any UK traveller engaging in corporate events in 2026 must pay the $250 USD Tanzania Business visa Cost. The Tanzania Business eVisa strictly prohibits paid employment but is legally required for corporate activities, as using a tourist visa for business purposes violates immigration rules. If you are unsure which permit you need, check our comparison of the Tanzania eVisa vs Embassy Visa vs Transit Visa vs Residence Permit.
| Visa Category | Government Fee | Duration of Stay | Permitted Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ordinary Visa | $50 USD | Up to 90 Days | Tourism, leisure, holidays, and visiting family. |
| Transit Visa | $30 USD | Up to 7 Days | Transiting through Tanzania to another destination. |
| Tanzania Business eVisa | $250 USD | Up to 90 Days | Attending meetings, conferences, trade negotiations, exhibitions, and contract signing. |
Verified against the official Tanzania Immigration portal (visa.immigration.go.tz) on 15 September 2026.
Required Documents for a Tanzania Business Visa
The Tanzania Business eVisa requires UK applicants to provide a passport valid for at least six months, a 35mm x 45mm passport photo, a Tanzanian invitation letter, and a formal UK company letter.
| Document | Specification | Common Mistake to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Passport | Minimum six months validity from the entry date and 1-2 unused visa pages. | Applying with an expiring passport. |
| Digital Photograph | Coloured, plain background, full-face, 35mm x 45mm, maximum 500KB JPG. | Uploading a file larger than 500KB. |
| Host Invitation Letter | Formal invitation letter from the Tanzanian host or company. | Missing the Tanzanian host’s contact details. |
| UK Company Letter | Letter from the UK employer printed on official company letterhead. | Submitting a letter on plain paper. |
| Additional Proofs | Return or onward flight ticket and proof of accommodation. | Failing to secure a return ticket before applying. |
Before paying the $250 USD Tanzania Business visa Cost, verify that all files meet these exact specifications. The Tanzania Business eVisa strictly rejects applications with non-compliant documents, and government fees remain non-refundable.
How to Apply for a Tanzania Business Visa Online from the UK
UK applicants must submit their Tanzania business visa application directly through the government portal, upload the required documents, and pay the fee using a Visa Card or Master card.
Start the application
Start the application at the government eVisa portal.
Complete the online form
The Tanzania Business eVisa covers both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar; select your first destination on the form.
Upload digital copies
Upload digital copies of your passport, invitation letter, UK company letter, and photograph.
Pay the fee
Pay the non-refundable $250 USD fee using a Visa Card or Master card. You can read more about accepted Tanzania eVisa payment methods in our dedicated guide.
The Tanzania Business eVisa processes within a standard timeframe of 10 to 12 working days. Applicants must apply well in advance of their 2026 travel dates and monitor their approval progress via the status tracking URL. Note that the government notice confirms the discontinuation of Visa on Arrival from 30 January 2025.
Important Rules: Zanzibar Travel and Prohibited Activities
A single Tanzania Business eVisa covers both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. It permits meetings, conferences, trade negotiations, exhibitions, and contract signings, but strictly prohibits paid work or residency. Investors requiring employment must apply for a Residence Permit Class A ($1500 USD).
FAQ: Tanzania Business Visa for UK Travellers
How much is the Tanzania Business visa Cost for UK citizens in 2026?
The Tanzania Business visa Cost is strictly $250 USD (£195 GBP). UK applicants should budget £208 to £213 total to include bank surcharges and passport photos.
How long does it take to process a Tanzania business eVisa?
Standard processing takes 10 to 12 working days via the online government portal.
Can I get a multiple-entry business visa for Tanzania?
No, the standard Tanzania business eVisa is strictly a single-entry visa valid for up to 90 days.
Is the Tanzania Visa on Arrival still available for UK business travellers?
No, the Visa on Arrival facility was discontinued on 30 January 2025.
Do I need a separate business visa for Zanzibar?
No, a single approved Tanzania business eVisa covers both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.
What happens if my Tanzania business visa application is rejected?
The $250 USD visa fee is non-refundable under any circumstances, even for minor errors.
Can I work in Tanzania with a business eVisa?
No, it strictly prohibits paid work. Investors needing employment must apply for a Residence Permit Class A ($1500 USD).
What are the passport requirements for a Tanzanian business visa?
UK applicants need a passport valid for at least six months from the entry date, with one to two unused pages.
