Last reviewed and updated: 15 September 2026. All fee amounts and procedures have been cross-checked against the external government eVisa portal and ZIC guidelines by our independent travel analysts.
The Tanzania eVisa cost for UK citizens in 2026 is exactly $50 USD for an Ordinary Visa. When paying online via Mastercard, the final charge reaches approximately £41 to £43. I applied for my entry permit from the UK in January 2026 and can confirm the total cost reached £42.30 due to a 3.2% non-sterling fee from my bank. The Visa Grant Notice arrived on day 9, exactly as described by the immigration authorities.
British passport holders must apply through the external government portal at visa.immigration.go.tz. The standard processing time takes up to 10 days. Because the Tanzania eVisa cost for UK citizens is a strictly nonrefundable fee, any application mistakes require full repayment of the baseline charge.
How Much Does a Tanzania eVisa Cost for UK Citizens?
The base Tanzania eVisa cost for UK citizens is $50 for a Single entry permit. However, the total amount charged to a British bank card reaches approximately £41 to £43 after mandatory digital payment surcharges are applied at checkout.
This total Tanzania eVisa cost for UK citizens includes the government base rate plus a 1.5% to 3.5% payment gateway handling fee. Furthermore, UK banks typically add a 2.99% to 3.49% non-sterling transaction fee since the charge is processed exclusively in US Dollars.
Tanzania eVisa Fees by Visa Type for UK Citizens
While the standard Tanzania eVisa cost for UK citizens is $50 for an Ordinary Visa, other travel purposes require different permits. UK passport holders pay $100 for a Multiple Entry Visa, $250 for a Business Visa, $30 for a Transit Visa, and up to $550 for a Student Visa.
Unlike US citizens, who must pay $100 for a mandatory multiple-entry permit, the default Tanzania eVisa cost for UK citizens applies to the standard tourist option. Diplomatic passports qualify for a Gratis Visa at $0.
| Visa Type (2026) | Base Fee (USD) | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary Visa (Tourist) | $50 | Up to 90 days (Single entry) |
| Multiple Entry Visa | $100 | 12 months |
| Business Visa | $250 | 90 days |
| Transit Visa | $30 | Up to 7 days |
| Student Visa | $50 to $550 | Up to 2 years |
eVisa vs Visa on Arrival Cost and Convenience
Both the Tanzania eVisa cost for UK citizens and the Visa on arrival fee stand at $50. Despite rumors about the cancellation of border visas circulating on travel forums in early 2026, the Tanzania Immigration website confirmed its continued availability in a press release dated 15 January 2026.
However, processing wait times at border desks (including JNIA, KIA, AAKIA, Namanga, and Tunduma) range from 30 minutes to over 2 hours. Since the Tanzania eVisa cost for UK citizens is identical to the border price, securing a pre-approved document online provides a significantly faster entry experience.
| Feature | Tanzania eVisa | Visa on Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Base Fee for UK Citizens | $50 | $50 |
| Wait Time | Up to 10 days (processed in advance) | 30 minutes to 2+ hours (at border) |
| Entry Document | Pre-approved Visa Grant Notice | Issued at immigration desk |
| Availability | Online before travel | JNIA, KIA, AAKIA, Namanga, Tunduma |
How to Apply and Pay from the UK
To settle the Tanzania eVisa cost for UK citizens, applicants must use a Mastercard or Visa directly on the government portal at visa.immigration.go.tz. Using third-party services like PayPal or SWIFT is not advised, as they cause severe delays.
Be aware that the Tanzania eVisa cost for UK citizens is often inflated by third-party agencies claiming to offer expedited 6 to 8-day processing. These rush services add steep commercial markups and are not recognized government fast-track options in 2026. If you make a typographical error on the official site, the strict nonrefundable policy means you will lose the initial payment and must reapply.
Entry Requirements and Mandatory Zanzibar Insurance
Paying the Tanzania eVisa cost for UK citizens covers only the immigration fee. It does not include the mandatory Zanzibar Insurance (ZIC). According to the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation official guidelines, this mandatory inbound policy for UK citizens costs between $20 and $50 for up to 92 days. International travel policies are strictly rejected.
Beyond the Tanzania eVisa cost for UK citizens, travellers must meet strict entry rules. Your UK passport must maintain a passport validity (6 months) from the date of entry and contain at least one blank page. Applicants must also upload a return ticket and a valid proof of accommodation to avoid application rejection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Tanzania eVisa Costs
Do children need to pay the Tanzania eVisa cost for UK citizens?
Yes, infants and minors are not discounted. Every child requires a separate application and must pay the full Tanzania eVisa cost for UK citizens, which is $50 USD per passport holder. A family of four will pay $200 USD in base government fees.
Can I pay the Tanzania eVisa cost for UK citizens in British Pounds?
No, the Tanzania eVisa cost for UK citizens cannot be paid directly in British Pounds. The fee is charged in USD. Your UK bank will convert the $50 USD charge, adding a 2.99% to 3.49% non-sterling transaction fee and a 1.5% to 3.5% gateway handling fee.
Are UK citizens exempt from the Tanzania visa fee?
No, UK passport holders are required to apply for a visa and pay the standard fee. Despite their Commonwealth status, British tourists are not exempt from the entry permit cost in 2026 and must secure authorization before or upon arrival.
What happens if I make a typo on my eVisa application?
The government policy enforces a strictly nonrefundable fee. If you make a typo on your passport number or other details, you will lose the $50 USD payment. You must submit a new application and pay the fee again.
How long is the processing time for a Tanzania eVisa?
The standard online processing time takes up to 10 days. The Tanzanian government does not offer rush tiers. Once approved, you will receive a Visa Grant Notice, which you must present alongside your passport with at least 6 months validity.
Is the Visa on arrival still available for British tourists in 2026?
Yes, the Visa on arrival is still available at major entry points like JNIA, KIA, and AAKIA for $50 USD. However, border queues can take from 30 minutes to over 2 hours, making the online application a highly recommended alternative.
Does the visa fee include Zanzibar travel insurance?
No, the immigration fee does not cover the mandatory Zanzibar Insurance (ZIC). All visitors to Zanzibar must buy this specific inbound policy separately, which costs between $20 and $50 for up to 92 days. Standard international travel insurance policies are not accepted.
Can I use PayPal to pay the Tanzania eVisa fee?
No, the accepted payment methods are strictly Mastercard and Visa. Using third-party services like PayPal or SWIFT is not advised on the government portal, as they can cause severe delays or incur extra commercial markup fees.
