Last updated: March 2026
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Always verify details at visa.immigration.go.tz.
UK citizens require a Tanzania eVisa to enter the country. The standard Tourist Ordinary eVisa Tanzania for UK citizens costs $50 USD, processes within 10 business days, and covers both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. Apply online at visa.immigration.go.tz using a passport with a minimum 6 months of passport validity.
The Tanzania eVisa for UK citizens ($50 USD, 10 business days) is recommended over a single-entry visa on arrival, which carries higher refusal risk at the border. The digital process eliminates border queues and provides a clear Visa Grant Notice before departure.
What Is the Tanzania eVisa and Who Needs It?
The Tanzania eVisa for UK citizens is an online travel authorisation that British passport holders must obtain before travel. This digital permit replaced legacy paper processes, covering entry to both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar under a single application.
Dual UK nationals must hold a valid British passport or proof of right of abode to return to the UK. The eVisa Tanzania for UK citizens is mandatory for tourism, as UK passport holders are not exempt from visa requirements.
eVisa vs Visa on Arrival: Which Should UK Citizens Choose?
UK citizens can choose the Tanzania eVisa for UK citizens (recommended, multiple entry visa available) or a single-entry visa on arrival, which carries a higher refusal risk at the border. Note that the Tanzanian High Commission in London no longer issues visas.
When I applied in June 2025, my eVisa Tanzania for UK citizens was approved in 8 business days despite the peak season warning, saving hours at the border.
Visa on Arrival Limitations for UK Passport Holders
A visa on arrival is restricted to single-entry, available only at main ports, and subject to long queues.
| Comparison Factor | Tanzania eVisa | Visa on Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Fee Payment | $50 USD (Visa/Mastercard only) | Paid at the border |
| Entry Type | Single and multiple entry visa options | Single-entry only |
| Processing Time | 10 to 25 business days | Processed upon arrival (subject to queues) |
| Refusal Risk | Resolved prior to departure | Higher risk of denial at entry ports |
Tanzania eVisa Requirements for UK Citizens
To apply for a Tanzania eVisa for UK citizens, you must possess a British passport with at least 6 months of remaining passport validity from your date of entry and at least 1 unused visa page. The eVisa Tanzania for UK citizens covers both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.
Passport Requirements for the Tanzania eVisa
Your passport must have 6 months of validity and one blank page. A passport reported lost or stolen will be refused at entry.
Photo Specifications for the eVisa Application
Applicants must upload a recent digital passport-type photograph with a white background.
Documents You Need to Apply for a Tanzania eVisa from the UK
The Tanzania eVisa for UK citizens mandates specific digital files and travel confirmations. Prepare these mandatory requirements before starting your eVisa Tanzania for UK citizens application to avoid session timeouts:
- A clear digital scan of passport biographical information page.
- A recent digital passport-type photograph.
- Proof of return/onward ticket or flight itinerary.
- An accommodation confirmation (hotel reservation or host’s local ID).
- A valid Visa or Mastercard for payment.
Tanzania eVisa Cost & Processing Time for UK Citizens (2026)
The standard Tourist Ordinary Tanzania eVisa for UK citizens costs exactly $50 USD (approx. £40 GBP). This non-refundable fee requires payment exclusively via Visa or Mastercard.
Standard processing for the eVisa Tanzania for UK citizens takes 10 business days, but up to 25 business days during peak seasons (June-Oct, Dec). Apply 4 to 6 weeks early. The eVisa offers a multiple entry visa option unavailable at the border.
How to Apply for a Tanzania eVisa – Step by Step (2026)
Apply for the Tanzania eVisa for UK citizens at visa.immigration.go.tz by completing the form, uploading documents, paying $50 USD, and tracking via your Application ID. Follow these steps for the eVisa Tanzania for UK citizens:
Visit the portal
Go to visa.immigration.go.tz/start.
Start New Application
Begin a new application and immediately save your Application ID.
Fill in basic information
Complete the form with your basic information and security answers.
Upload your documents
Upload your digital scan of passport, photo, proof of return/onward ticket, and accommodation.
Pay the $50 USD fee
Pay via Visa or Mastercard.
Submit the application
Review and submit your completed application.
Track your status online
Log in with your Application ID to monitor progress.
Download the Visa Grant Notice
Download your approved Visa Grant Notice once approved.
Tracking Your Application and What to Do If It’s Delayed
Log in with your Application ID. If delayed beyond 10 days, email [email protected] or [email protected].
Troubleshooting the Tanzania eVisa Portal
Use recommended browsers like Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome. Save your Application ID immediately (system version 2026.8.1.1) to prevent data loss during timeouts.
Applying for a Tanzania eVisa with Children
Every minor travelling from the UK must have their own separate application submitted. Children are subject to the same $50 USD fee. Parents must upload the child’s birth certificate and copies of the parents’ passports.
eVisa Approval, Rejection & the Visa Grant Notice
Upon approval of your Tanzania eVisa for UK citizens, you will receive a Visa Grant Notice. This confirmation email is NOT a final authority to enter; immigration officers retain discretion at the border.
If your eVisa Tanzania for UK citizens is rejected, no changes are permitted once submitted. You must start a completely new application, generate a new Application ID, and pay the fee again. Contact [email protected] to find out why the initial request was denied before reapplying.
Zanzibar Entry Requirements, Health Checks, Customs & Overstaying
When travelling with a Tanzania eVisa for UK citizens, you must adhere to mandatory insurance, health screenings, and strict customs rules. The same eVisa Tanzania for UK citizens covers both the mainland and Zanzibar.
Zanzibar Travel Insurance (ZIC) – What UK Travellers Must Know
As of October 2024, non-resident visitors to Zanzibar must hold mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance (ZIC), valid for up to 92 days. The policy must be purchased exclusively from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC). For queries, email .
Health Requirements – Yellow Fever & Mpox Screening
A Yellow Fever Certificate is strictly required only if arriving from or transiting through a risk country for over 12 hours. Mpox temperature checks occur at all entry points.
Customs Warnings for UK Travellers
It is illegal to export wildlife products (horns, shells, teeth) without a certified permit. Animal skin accessories risk questioning or detention at departure.
Penalties for Overstaying Your Tanzania Visa
Overstaying your permitted time results in a severe overstay penalty, including arrest, fines, detention, and deportation.
FAQ – Part 1: Process, Cost & Timing
How long does the Tanzania eVisa processing time take for UK citizens?
Processing time for the Tanzania eVisa for UK citizens: up to 10 business days (25 in peak Jun-Oct & Dec). Apply 4-6 weeks before departure.
Is it better to get a Tanzania visa on arrival or an eVisa?
The eVisa Tanzania for UK citizens is recommended over a visa on arrival, as it avoids border queues and offers a multiple entry visa option.
How much is the Tanzania eVisa fee for UK citizens in GBP?
Cost: $50 USD (~£40 GBP), non-refundable, paid by Visa/Mastercard only.
Where do I apply for the Tanzania eVisa?
Apply online at visa.immigration.go.tz using a recommended browser like Chrome or Firefox.
Is a multiple-entry visa available for UK citizens?
Yes, a multiple entry visa is available online but not at border checkpoints.
FAQ – Part 2: Documents, Rejection, Zanzibar & Children
What documents are needed for the Tanzania eVisa?
You need a digital scan of passport, a photo, proof of return/onward ticket, and accommodation confirmation.
What happens if my Tanzania eVisa application is rejected?
You must start a new application, generate a new Application ID, and pay the fee again. Contact [email protected] for reasons.
Is the Inbound Travel Insurance (ZIC) mandatory for Zanzibar?
Yes, the Inbound Travel Insurance (ZIC) is strictly mandatory for up to 92 days. Other international policies are not accepted.
Does the Tanzania eVisa cover both the mainland and Zanzibar?
Yes, a single Tanzania eVisa for UK citizens covers entry to both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.
Can I modify my Tanzania eVisa application after submission?
No changes are permitted once your eVisa Tanzania for UK citizens application has been submitted.
About the Author: John Smith is a travel specialist who has travelled to Tanzania three times since 2022 and helped dozens of UK applicants obtain their eVisa.
