This guide was last updated on 15 March 2026 by James Miller, a travel writer who has personally obtained a Tanzania tourist eVisa. While we strive for accuracy, always confirm the latest rules at visa.immigration.go.tz.
British citizens planning a holiday in 2026 must meet specific Tanzania tourist visa requirements. You must hold a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of arrival with 1 blank page. The tourist eVisa costs exactly USD 50 and standard processing takes up to 10 business days.
UK holidaymakers must upload a digital passport photo (35x45mm, white background, under 200 KB), proof of accommodation (hotel booking or tour itinerary), and a confirmed return/onward flight booking (PDF/JPEG, under 300 KB).
Do You Need a Tourist eVisa for Tanzania and How Much Does It Cost?
British citizens are required to obtain a Tanzania tourist eVisa before travel, which costs USD 50 in 2026 and is payable online via Visa or Mastercard. Tanzania tourist visa requirements mandate this electronic authorization for UK passport holders, covering entry to both the mainland and Zanzibar.
Meeting Tanzania tourist visa requirements means all application payments are strictly non-refundable upon rejection. The fees listed below are sourced from the Tanzania Immigration Department Gazette Notice No. 182 of 2025.
| Visa Type | Fee | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary / Tourist Visa | USD 50 | Single entry, valid up to 90 days |
| Multiple Entry Visa | USD 100 | Valid 12 months, max 90 days per visit |
| Business Visa | USD 250 | Valid for max 3 months |
| Transit Visa | USD 30 | Valid for max 7 days |
Passport and Document Requirements for the Tanzania Tourist eVisa
Applicants need a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of arrival with 1 blank page, a digital photo, proof of accommodation, and a return flight booking. Tanzania tourist visa requirements enforce these baseline rules for all UK holidaymakers.
To fulfill Tanzania tourist visa requirements, you must submit a confirmed hotel reservation or detailed tour itinerary, a return or onward flight booking, and a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate (mandatory only if arriving from or transiting for over 12 hours through an endemic country). Additionally, note customs rules: animal skins are prohibited, and horns or seashells require a certified export permit.
How to Prepare Your Digital Photo and Documents for Upload
When I applied for my own eVisa in January 2026, my photo was rejected twice for exceeding the size limit. Ensure your files meet these exact parameters:
- Passport photograph: Digital 35x45mm equivalent, white background, JPEG/PNG format, under 200 KB.
- Passport scan: Full colour biographic page, PDF/JPEG format, under 500 KB.
- Return ticket: PDF/JPEG file under 300 KB.
Digital Photo and Document Upload Specifications for 2026
Digital files must meet strict limits: passport photos under 200 KB and passport scans under 500 KB. Failing to meet these Tanzania tourist visa requirements causes immediate portal errors.
To satisfy Tanzania tourist visa requirements, ensure formats are strictly JPEG, PNG, or PDF as specified. If you experience technical upload issues, contact support at [email protected] or for general inquiries use [email protected].
How to Apply for the Tanzania Tourist eVisa Online – Step by Step
Apply at visa.immigration.go.tz by creating an account, selecting Ordinary Visa for Tourism, uploading documents, and paying USD 50. Navigating this portal correctly is essential to meet Tanzania tourist visa requirements.
Account Creation
Generate an Application ID to resume the process if needed.
Select Visa Type
Choose Ordinary Visa for tourism. Note: If you fall under a referral visa category, you must apply online at least 2 months ahead and do not book flights until approved.
Personal Details
Enter British passport data and travel dates.
Uploads
Attach the digital photo, passport scan, and return ticket.
Payment
Pay USD 50 via Visa Card or Mastercard.
Tanzania tourist visa requirements dictate standard processing takes up to 10 business days, extending to up to 25 business days during peak season. Approved applicants receive a Visa Grant Notice via email to present upon arrival.
Visa on Arrival vs eVisa – Which Should UK Holidaymakers Choose?
The eVisa is strongly recommended for UK travellers as it is pre-approved and avoids airport queues, whereas visa on arrival requires USD cash. Tanzania tourist visa requirements allow the pre-approved eVisa at major entry points: Julius Nyerere, Kilimanjaro, Abeid Amani Karume, Namanga, and Tunduma.
Tanzania tourist visa requirements limit border applicants to a single entry and mandate payment in USD 50 cash, subject to strict banknote condition and issue year rules.
| Feature | Tourist eVisa | Visa on Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Application Method | Online prior to travel | At border control |
| Payment | Visa or Mastercard | USD 50 cash notes only |
| Currency Rules | None | Strict issue year restrictions apply |
| Entry Type | Single entry | Single entry |
Zanzibar Entry – Mandatory Travel Insurance (ZIC) in 2026
All tourists entering Zanzibar must hold mandatory Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) inbound travel insurance, as standard UK policies are not accepted. Tanzania tourist visa requirements enforce this strict mandate for the 2026 travel season.
According to the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation circular No. 4/2025, this policy provides coverage for up to 92 days. Purchase it via email at or through the Visit Zanzibar portal. Only Zanzibar residents are exempt. Complying with all Tanzania tourist visa requirements is critical, as non-compliance guarantees immediate entry refusal at Zanzibar ports of entry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Tanzania Tourist eVisa for UK Travellers
How long does the Tanzania tourist eVisa take to process?
Standard processing takes up to 10 business days. No expedited processing exists; apply at least 25 business days before travel in peak season.
Can I extend my tourist visa once inside Tanzania?
British holidaymakers can extend their tourist visa in person at regional immigration offices within Tanzania before the permitted 90-day stay expires.
Do I need a Yellow Fever certificate to enter Tanzania?
A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory only if arriving from or transiting for more than 12 hours through an endemic country.
Does one eVisa cover both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar?
A single Tanzania tourist eVisa covers both mainland and Zanzibar. However, Zanzibar visitors must separately purchase mandatory ZIC inbound travel insurance valid for up to 92 days.
Can families apply together on a single eVisa application?
Families cannot submit group applications. Each traveller needs a separate eVisa application. Minor applicants require a copy of the parent or legal guardian’s ID.
What health screenings are conducted at Tanzanian borders in 2026?
Border authorities conduct mandatory body temperature checks for Mpox at all entry points, plus specific Ebola screening for arrivals from Uganda and the DRC.
What happens if my Tanzania eVisa application is denied?
The USD 50 visa fee is strictly non-refundable. You must correct document errors and submit a completely new application and payment.
Can dual UK nationals travel to Tanzania on a different passport?
Dual nationals travelling on a non-British passport must carry their valid British passport or documented proof of right of abode in the UK.
