Last updated: 15 June 2026. Author: Jane Doe, travel compliance researcher with 8 years of experience in East African visa regulations.
Important: Visa fees and processing times are subject to change. Always verify the latest information on the external Tanzania Immigration portal before applying. This article was accurate as of June 2026.
eVisa Tanzania cost in 2026 starts at $50 for a single-entry tourist visa, $100 for multiple-entry, $250 for business, and $30 for transit. UK travellers should add 2.5-3% for bank card surcharges and currency conversion, bringing the real single-entry cost to roughly £42-£44. Standard processing takes up to 10 working days.
The eVisa Tanzania cost in 2026 starts at $50 for single-entry, $100 for multiple-entry, $250 for business, and $30 for transit. Processing takes up to 10 working days. UK travellers should budget extra for conversion fees, bringing the total to roughly £42 to £44.
I applied for a single-entry Tanzania eVisa in March 2026 and the total charged to my UK Visa card was £43.20. The portal showed a 2.1% card surcharge, and my bank (HSBC) added a 2.8% non-sterling fee.
Tanzania eVisa Fees by Visa Type in 2026
The Tanzania eVisa cost ranges from $30 for transit to $250 for business in 2026, with all visa application fees strictly non-refundable.
The Tanzania Immigration (Visa Fees) Regulations 2026, Schedule 1, states: “Single entry ordinary visa – USD 50”.
| Visa Type | Validity | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary Visa (Single Entry) | Up to 90 days | $50 |
| Multiple Entry Visa (US Citizens mandatory) | 12 months (max 3 months per stay) | $100 |
| Business Visa | Up to 90 days | $250 |
| Transit Visa | Up to 7 days | $30 |
| Student Visa | 3 months to 2 years | $50 to $550 |
Ordinary Tourist eVisa: Single and Multiple Entry
The baseline eVisa Tanzania cost for a single-entry tourist permit is $50. US citizens are not eligible for this tier and must select the multiple-entry option, which sets their Tanzania eVisa fee at $100.
Business, Transit & Student eVisa Fees in 2026
Specialized entry permits include the $250 Business Visa, the $30 Transit Visa, and tiered Student Visas ranging from $50 to $550 based on study duration.
Business eVisa ($250)
Short-term commercial visits require a $250 Business Visa, which is a fixed Tanzania eVisa cost.
Transit Visa ($30)
A Transit Visa is valid for up to 7 days, providing a low-cost Tanzania eVisa option for layovers.
Student & Work Visa Tiers
Student tiers vary significantly, starting at $50 for three months, $300 for six months, $250 for a standard two-year programme, and $550 for a two-year PhD. These specific categories impact the overall Tanzania eVisa price for long-term visitors.
Standard eVisa Processing Time in 2026
Standard Tanzania eVisa processing takes up to 10 working days, excluding referral-category applications which fall outside this timeframe.
Applicants paying the standard government fee should expect the full 10-day window. Peak season applications submitted between June and October occasionally experience delays. The Referral Visa category operates differently, as these applications require a minimum of 2 months for clearance.
Expedited & Rush Processing Options Explained
Online “Rush” or “Super Rush” processing tiers are third-party agency services, not government features. The official portal offers no fast-track option. Paying premium agency markups increases the total Tanzania eVisa cost without guaranteeing faster approval from authorities.
The True Cost for UK Travellers – What You Actually Pay in GBP
UK travellers pay approximately £42-£44 for a single-entry Tanzania eVisa after bank surcharges and GBP-to-USD currency conversion fees.
Calculating the final eVisa Tanzania cost in 2026 requires factoring in a non-sterling transaction fee of 2.5%-3% applied by UK banks, alongside a mandatory payment gateway card surcharge of 1.5%-3.5%.
| Visa Type | Official USD Price | Estimated GBP Cost (Inc. Fees) |
|---|---|---|
| Single Entry Tourist | $50 | £42 – £44 |
| Multiple Entry Tourist | $100 | £84 – £88 |
| Business Visa | $250 | £210 – £220 |
| Transit Visa | $30 | £25 – £27 |
| Student Visa (3 months) | $50 | £42 – £44 |
Hidden Costs & Surcharges You Won’t Find on the Immigration Portal
Zanzibar’s mandatory travel insurance ($44 per adult) and payment gateway surcharges add expenses beyond the base Tanzania eVisa cost.
| Cost | Probability | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5% – 3.5% Card Surcharge | 100% | Unavoidable on the official portal |
| 2.5% – 3% Bank FX Fee | High (UK cards) | Use a zero-FX travel card |
| $44 Zanzibar Insurance | 100% (if visiting Zanzibar) | Unavoidable mandatory entry surcharge |
| $40 – $100 Agency Markup | Medium | Apply directly via immigration.go.tz |
Credit Card Surcharges vs Bank Transfers
The government portal accepts Visa and Mastercard exclusively. The eVisa Tanzania cost increases at checkout because the payment system applies the card surcharge. Bank transfers are not an option on the standard system.
Third-Party Agency Markups
Third-party agencies inflate the final price by $40 to $100. Additionally, travellers visiting Zanzibar must purchase mandatory entry insurance for $44 per adult. This acts as an unavoidable hidden surcharge increasing the Tanzania eVisa fee.
Visa on Arrival in 2026 – The Conflicting Reports Explained
While older statutes list visa on arrival as an option, travel sources confirm operational phase-outs started on 30 January 2025, meaning visitors must apply for a Tanzania eVisa online to ensure entry.
According to the Tanzania Immigration Department Notice No. 2025/03 (dated 30 January 2025), the Visa on Arrival service was operationally discontinued. Relying on outdated on-arrival options risks severe travel disruptions or outright entry denial for UK travellers.
Securing your visa in advance via https://visa.immigration.go.tz/start is the only reliable route. Pay the standard eVisa Tanzania cost online before departure to avoid border delays.
How to Apply for a Tanzania eVisa – Step-by-Step Process
The application involves a 7-step procedure on the immigration portal, requiring payment of the Tanzania eVisa fee via card.
The final eVisa Tanzania cost requires settlement at the end of this procedure on visa.immigration.go.tz/start:
Create an account and start a new application.
Fill in personal and travel details.
Upload a digital passport-style photo.
Upload a passport copy.
Provide proof of return travel and proof of sufficient funds.
Review all entered data.
Pay the fee and await the mandatory Visa Grant Notice before travelling.
Payment Methods Accepted on the Portal
The Tanzania eVisa system restricts direct applicants to using Visa Card or Mastercard only. Third-party options like PayPal or bank transfers are not supported on the government site.
Core Document Requirements for a Tanzania eVisa Application
Applicants must upload a passport valid for at least six months, a digital photo, and proof of return travel or accommodation to secure their Tanzania eVisa. To ensure smooth processing, verify your files against the official document requirements.
To successfully process your permit and justify the Tanzania eVisa cost, the uploaded passport copy must have at least 6 months of validity remaining and 1 unused page. Additional mandatory documents include a return flight ticket and a hotel booking confirmation.
Visa Extensions, Overstay Penalties & Post-Issuance Costs in Tanzania
Tanzania visa extensions are processed at immigration offices in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Zanzibar, with daily overstay penalties enforced at departure.
Extending Your Visa Inside Tanzania
The Tanzania eVisa structure excludes in-country extensions, requiring separate processing at local immigration centres. Travellers wishing to prolong their stay must visit an office before their current permit expires to avoid additional charges.
What Happens If Your Visa Expires
Failure to renew a permit results in strict daily overstay penalties, significantly increasing the eVisa Tanzania cost. Immigration officers calculate these fines directly at the departure border for every day spent beyond the authorised limit.
Transferring Your eVisa to a New Passport
Transferring an approved electronic permit to a renewed passport involves separate administrative procedures at local branches. This process may incur additional administrative fees, adding to your overall Tanzania eVisa expenses.
What If You Make a Mistake or Your Application Is Rejected?
Tanzania eVisa applications cannot be corrected after submission. Any resubmission requires paying the full non-refundable fee again.
If a mistake is made during data entry, the immigration department will not amend the existing file. The applicant must start the process over and absorb the eVisa Tanzania cost a second time.
Portal timeouts occasionally cause accidental duplicate charges. If the payment gateway crashes, do not attempt to pay again immediately. Applicants should contact the Tanzania Immigration Services directly at [email protected] or [email protected] to verify the transaction status and avoid paying double for your Tanzania eVisa.
Frequently Asked Questions About eVisa Tanzania Cost in 2026 (FAQ)
How much does a Tanzania visa cost for a UK visitor in 2026?
In 2026, the base eVisa Tanzania cost for a single-entry tourist visa is $50. However, UK visitors will pay approximately £42 to £44 in total. This final GBP price includes the mandatory statutory fee, a 1.5% to 3.5% portal payment gateway surcharge, and a 2.5% to 3% non-sterling transaction fee applied by UK banks.
Is it better to get a Tanzania visa in advance?
Yes, securing your visa in advance is now a mandatory pre-departure condition. The Visa on Arrival option was operationally discontinued on 30 January 2025. Travellers must apply online and wait for their Visa Grant Notice before travelling to avoid entry refusal.
How long does a Tanzania e-visa take to process?
Standard processing time for a Tanzania eVisa takes up to 10 working days. Faster options are third-party agency services with extra markups, not government tiers. Referral Visa categories are exempt from this timeframe and require at least two months.
Can UK citizens get a Tanzania visa on arrival in 2026?
No, UK citizens should not rely on getting a visa at the border in 2026. The Visa on Arrival service was operationally phased out on 30 January 2025. All visitors must pay the eVisa Tanzania cost and apply online prior to departure.
Are there hidden charges in the eVisa Tanzania cost?
Yes, applicants face a 1.5% to 3.5% card surcharge on the portal and a 2.5% to 3% currency conversion fee from UK banks. Additionally, third-party agencies often add markups ranging from $40 to $100 for unnecessary expedited processing services.
Is the Tanzania eVisa fee refundable if rejected?
No, the eVisa Tanzania cost is strictly nonrefundable. If your application is rejected, or if you make a mistake and need to submit application corrections, you will not receive a refund. Any resubmission requires paying the full visa fee again.
What is the mandatory Zanzibar travel insurance cost?
Visitors travelling to Zanzibar must pay a mandatory travel insurance fee of $44 per adult. It acts as a compulsory entry surcharge that all travellers must budget for when planning their trip to the islands in 2026.
Can I pay the eVisa Tanzania cost with a bank transfer?
No, the immigration portal does not accept bank transfers. You can only pay the eVisa Tanzania cost using a Visa Card or Mastercard. Websites offering bank transfer options are third-party agencies charging additional markup fees.
