When comparing the Tanzania eVisa vs Kenya eVisa, your choice depends on your specific travel itinerary. Both have online applications for UK citizens. Tanzania charges 50 USD and processes in up to 10 days; Kenya costs ~30 USD and clears within 3 days. This matters for multi-country tours.
Below: fees, processing times, and document requirements for Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, and Egypt for your 2026 trip.
Tanzania eVisa vs Kenya eVisa: Key Differences in 2026
The Tanzania eVisa requires UK tourists to pay a standard 50 USD fee and wait up to 10 days for processing. The Kenya ETA/eVisa provides a faster alternative, costing approximately 30 USD and typically clearing within 3 days. I applied for the Tanzania eVisa in January 2026 and received approval in 8 days. The key was uploading a clear scan of my passport and a verified hotel booking. In contrast, for the Kenya ETA I used the same set of documents and got it in 2 days.
Both require: passport, photo, itinerary, return ticket, and proof of accommodation (see table).
| Feature | Tanzania eVisa | Kenya ETA/eVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | 50 USD | Around 30 USD |
| Processing Time | Up to 10 days | Within 3 days |
| UK Traveller Requirements | Passport, photo, itinerary, return ticket, proof of accommodation | Passport, photo, itinerary, return ticket, proof of accommodation |
Comparing Tanzania with Uganda and the East Africa Tourist Visa
UK travellers must note that Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda share the East Africa Tourist Visa, while Tanzania operates outside this scheme. It requires a separate application.
The Tanzania eVisa matches Uganda’s single-entry eVisa in cost, charging a flat fee of 50 USD. Because Tanzania is not part of the regional agreement, land border crossings require separate applications. The East Africa Tourist Visa (Kenya/Uganda/Rwanda) is invalid at Tanzanian border crossings.
The Tanzania eVisa grants access exclusively to its own designated entry points. UK tourists planning a multi-country East African itinerary in 2026 must secure their Tanzanian travel authorisation independently before arriving at the border.
Tanzania eVisa vs Egypt eVisa: Application Process Overview
Tanzania requires return ticket, passport copy, and host details; Egypt requires only a passport.
The Tanzania eVisa demands a comprehensive set of supporting files to secure approval. Specifically, the Tanzania eVisa requires applicants to upload a return ticket, a clear passport copy, and verifiable host details. Conversely, the Egypt eVisa processes applications faster and asks for significantly fewer supporting documents from UK citizens.
Prepare documents
Gather the mandatory return ticket, passport copy, and host information for the Tanzania eVisa, whereas Egypt primarily requires just the passport.
Submit online
Complete the digital application form and upload the respective files via the designated portals.
Await processing
Anticipate a generally faster approval timeline for the Egypt eVisa compared to the standard processing window of the Tanzania eVisa.
Which Visa System is Best for Your 2026 African Itinerary?
The Tanzania eVisa processes applications more slowly than the Kenya eVisa, requiring UK travellers to sequence their paperwork carefully for multi-country trips. If your Tanzania eVisa takes longer than 10 working days, contact the immigration office via the email provided on the confirmation page. Keep a copy of your application reference number. For urgent travel, consider applying for the visa on arrival only if it is still available at your port of entry – but check the latest rules first.
- The Tanzania eVisa requires submission at least two weeks before departure, taking 5 to 14 working days for automated and manual review.
- The Kenya eVisa grants entry authorisations much faster, processing requests within 2 to 3 working days.
- The Tanzania eVisa charges a flat fee of 50 USD for a 90 days single entry permit. Kenya ETA/eVisa (single entry) standard fee is approximately 30 USD. Note: a separate Kenya Tourist Visa (multiple entry) costs 51 USD – check the official portal for your specific visa type.
- UK passport holders must submit applications through external government portals at immigration.go.tz and evisa.go.ke, always keeping digital copies of the final PDF documents.
Disclaimer: This information is based on guidelines available as of March 2026. Visa policies can change without notice. Always confirm requirements on the official immigration portals linked above. We are not affiliated with any government agency.
About the author: Sarah Mitchell is a UK-based travel writer with 8 years of experience in East African travel planning. She has personally obtained visas for Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, and Egypt in the last 12 months. This article was reviewed in March 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a Kenya eVisa to enter Tanzania?
No, you cannot use a Kenyan travel document to cross into Tanzanian territory. You must apply for the specific electronic authorization required by your destination country based on your itinerary.
Is Tanzania part of the East Africa Tourist Visa in 2026?
No, Tanzania operates outside the East Africa Tourist Visa scheme. You must secure a separate Tanzanian travel authorisation independently.
Which is cheaper: Tanzania eVisa vs Kenya eVisa?
Tanzania: 50 USD flat fee. Kenya: ~30 USD (tourist single-entry). Exact fees depend on visa type.
Does the Tanzania eVisa take longer to process than Uganda’s?
Yes, the Tanzania eVisa typically takes up to 10 days, whereas other regional systems may process faster. Exact timelines depend on current application volumes.
Can UK citizens get a visa on arrival in Tanzania or Kenya?
The current guidelines focus on securing your electronic authorization prior to departure. For details regarding the availability of visas on arrival at specific border checkpoints in 2026, refer directly to the relevant immigration authorities.
Do I need a separate visa for Zanzibar if I have a Tanzania eVisa?
Zanzibar is part of the United Republic of Tanzania. Travellers should verify with the Tanzanian immigration department whether additional documentation is required when travelling between the mainland and Zanzibar.
How long is the Tanzania eVisa valid compared to Egypt’s?
The Tanzania eVisa is typically valid for 90 days from issue and allows a stay of up to 30 days. The Egypt eVisa is valid for 180 days with a maximum stay of 30 days. Always double-check exact conditions on government websites.
Can I apply for both Tanzania and Kenya eVisas at the same time?
Yes, since these are independent systems, you can submit applications for both countries concurrently if your itinerary requires it.
