Securing a Tanzania visa on arrival for UK citizens currently costs $50 USD. The procedure is available at major entry points, taking 30 minutes to 2 hours to process. You must present a passport valid for at least six months, a return ticket, and crisp US dollar banknotes.
Border control in 2026 strictly requires newer $50 or $100 notes, as older bills are frequently rejected and card machines remain unreliable. For those heading to the islands, a Tanzania visa on arrival must now be accompanied by mandatory inbound travel insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation, covering stays up to 92 days.
This guide was written by a travel consultant specialising in East African visas for 8+ years, and reviewed by a licensed immigration lawyer based in Dar es Salaam. All fees and requirements for a Tanzania visa on arrival were verified against the UK Government’s FCDO travel advice (last updated 12 August 2026) and the Tanzania Immigration portal.
What Is a Tanzania Visa on Arrival & Requirements for UK Citizens
A Tanzania visa on arrival is a single-entry permit issued directly at main ports of entry, granting UK citizens up to 90 days of stay. While a standard tourist Tanzania visa on arrival is common, business travellers can also obtain a specific business visa at the border. Multiple-entry permits are not available through this airport service.
To qualify, UK travellers must present specific documentation at the border control desk. The Tanzania visa on arrival requires a British passport meeting strict validity rules:
- A valid passport with a minimum of six months validity from the date of arrival and at least one blank page.
- A confirmed return or onward ticket.
- Proof of accommodation, such as a hotel booking.
- Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of the trip.
Health and Vaccination Requirements for Tanzania
When applying for a Tanzania visa on arrival, UK citizens must comply with national health protocols. Border control will demand a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate if you arrive from, or transit for more than 12 hours through, a country with a known risk of yellow fever transmission. Otherwise, a yellow fever certificate is not strictly required for a Tanzania visa on arrival when flying directly from the UK.
Tanzania Visa on Arrival Cost (2026)
The Tanzania visa on arrival costs $50 USD for a tourist single-entry permit. Every passport holder, including infants and children, must pay the full applicable fee for a Tanzania visa on arrival, with no discounts available.
| Visa Category (UK Citizens) | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| Single-Entry Tourist (up to 90 days) | $50 |
| Business Visa | $250 |
| Transit Visa (maximum 7 days) | $30 |
Airports, Payment Methods & Wait Times
You can obtain a Tanzania visa on arrival at major entry points, including Dar es Salaam (JNIA), Kilimanjaro (KIA), and Zanzibar (ZNZ) airports. The Tanzania visa on arrival mandates exact cash payment at the immigration counter, as ATMs at airport terminals and card machines are highly unreliable.
Fees are payable only in crisp $50 or $100 US dollar notes printed after 2006. Border officials strictly reject older, torn, or marked bills due to anti-counterfeit regulations. Typical wait times range from 30 minutes to over 2 hours depending on flight arrivals.
How to Get a Tanzania Visa on Arrival at the Airport (Step by Step)
During my arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport in January 2026, I found that the queue for a Tanzania visa on arrival moved faster than at Dar es Salaam, but I strongly recommend carrying a printed copy of your hotel booking, as the officer asked to see it before stamping the passport. The Tanzania visa on arrival requires UK travellers to complete the following procedure upon landing:
Fill out the immigration declaration card
Obtain and complete the arrival form provided in the terminal before joining the queue.
Queue at the visa desk
Proceed to the dedicated counter for the Tanzania visa on arrival.
Complete the document check
Present a valid British passport, a return ticket, and proof of accommodation to the immigration officer.
Pay the visa fee
Hand over $50 USD in cash using crisp US dollar notes.
Receive the visa stamp
Wait for the officer to process the payment and stamp the passport, granting an entry period of up to 90 days.
Visa on Arrival vs eVisa – Which Is Better for UK Travellers?
A Tanzania visa on arrival costs exactly $50 USD (cash only, $50/$100 notes post-2006) with same-day processing at JNIA, KIA, or ZNZ. An eVisa costs $50+ USD online but requires 10 to 15 days advance application via the Tanzania Immigration Services portal.
If you are travelling during peak season (July-September, December-January), we strongly recommend the eVisa option. Not only does it eliminate the risk of cash-related rejection, but it also lets you skip the Tanzania visa on arrival queue entirely – saving you up to 2 hours at the airport.
| Feature | Tanzania visa on arrival | eVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $50 USD (cash only) | $50+ USD (online payment) |
| Processing Time | Immediate (30 minutes to 2 hours queue) | 10 to 15 days |
| Convenience | No advance application required | Eliminates airport queue wait times |
Zanzibar-Specific Requirements for Tanzania Visa Holders
A Tanzania visa on arrival permits entry to both the mainland and Zanzibar. However, since October 2024, all Zanzibar-bound travellers using a Tanzania visa on arrival must purchase mandatory ZIC insurance, which covers up to 92 days.
According to the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation notice (accessed September 2026), this mandatory policy must be purchased before arrival. You can secure this coverage by contacting prior to your trip.
Important Tips and Common Mistakes
There are three common reasons a Tanzania visa on arrival is denied: presenting USD notes printed before 2006, arriving with a passport lacking 6 months of validity and one blank page, or missing a printed return ticket.
Overstaying the permitted 90 days on a Tanzania visa on arrival is a severe immigration offence. According to UK Government travel advice, penalties for remaining in the country beyond the visa expiry date include arrest, detention, heavy fines, and deportation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much is a Tanzania visa on arrival for UK citizens in 2026?
$50 USD (tourist, 90 days), $250 USD (business), $30 USD (transit, 7 days). All fees per passport, no child discount.
How long does the Tanzania visa on arrival process take at the airport?
Processing takes 30 minutes to over 2 hours, depending on immigration queues at Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, or Zanzibar airports.
Do children and infants need a separate Tanzania visa on arrival?
Yes, every passport holder, including infants, must pay the full $50 USD fee for a Tanzania visa on arrival.
Can I pay for my Tanzania visa on arrival with a credit card?
No, pay in cash using crisp $50/$100 USD notes (post-2006). One UK traveller reported a 2009 note was rejected for a small tear, so keep bills flawless.
Is a multiple-entry Tanzania visa on arrival available?
No, a Tanzania visa on arrival is strictly a single-entry permit. Multiple entries require an advance application.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate to get a Tanzania visa on arrival?
Only if arriving from or transiting for over 12 hours through a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission.
Can I extend my Tanzania visa on arrival once in the country?
Yes, you can extend your maximum 90-day Tanzania visa on arrival by visiting a local immigration office.
What happens if I overstay my Tanzania visa on arrival?
Overstaying a Tanzania visa on arrival leads to severe penalties, including arrest, detention, heavy fines, and deportation.
