Tanzania e-Visa for UK Citizens: Requirements, Fees & Application Guide

UK citizens need a Tanzania e-Visa before traveling to Tanzania. British passport holders are not exempt from Tanzania's visa requirement and must apply online at eservices.immigration.go.tz before departure. The tourist e-Visa costs $50 USD, takes 20–30 minutes to apply for, and is processed within 3–10 business days. This guide covers everything UK travelers need to know.

Do UK Citizens Need a Tanzania e-Visa?

Yes. British citizens — whether holding a UK passport issued before or after Brexit — must obtain a Tanzania e-Visa before entering the United Republic of Tanzania. The UK does not benefit from visa-free access to Tanzania.

Visa options for UK citizens:

The e-Visa is the best option for UK citizens: you get pre-approved authorization before flying, skip the visa-on-arrival queue, and have peace of mind before departure.

For context see: Do UK citizens need a Tanzania visa?

Tanzania e-Visa Requirements for UK Citizens

Passport Requirements

• Valid British passport — must have at least 6 months validity remaining after your last day in Tanzania
• Minimum 2 blank pages for immigration stamps
• Passport in good physical condition
• British nationals with passports issued under different categories (e.g., British National (Overseas), British Overseas Territories Citizen) should verify eligibility — the standard British Citizen passport is accepted

Required Documents

1. Passport bio page scan — color scan of the page showing your photo, name, and passport number
2. Passport photo — JPEG, white background, recent, no glasses, 300×300px minimum
3. Return/onward ticket — proof of departure from Tanzania (flight booking confirmation)
4. Accommodation details — hotel booking, safari itinerary, or host invitation letter
5. Application fee — $50 USD via Visa or Mastercard

Tanzania e-Visa Fees for UK Citizens

Payment in USD: The fee is charged in US dollars. Your UK bank or card issuer will apply its own exchange rate and may charge a foreign transaction fee. A fee-free card (Revolut, Wise, etc.) is useful here.

For the full fee breakdown, see Tanzania e-Visa cost.

How to Apply: UK Citizens Step by Step

Step 1: Visit eservices.immigration.go.tz — the official Tanzania Immigration portal

Step 2: Register an account with your email address and verify it

Step 3: Select "Tourist Single Entry" (most UK visitors) or the appropriate visa type

Step 4: Fill in the application form:

• Name exactly as on your British passport
• British passport number, issue country (United Kingdom), issue date, expiry date
• Travel dates, port of entry, purpose of visit
• Accommodation address in Tanzania

Step 5: Upload:

• Scanned British passport data page
• Passport photo (white background, JPEG, no glasses)
• Return flight confirmation
• Hotel or safari booking confirmation

Step 6: Pay $50 USD with your Visa or Mastercard

Step 7: Submit and save your application reference number

Step 8: Check status in 3–10 business days

Step 9: Download and print your approved e-Visa PDF

For detailed instructions, see how to apply for Tanzania e-Visa.

Processing Time for UK Citizens

• Standard processing: 3–10 business days
• Typical time: 4–6 business days for most UK applicants
• Peak periods (July–October, December): May take up to 10 business days

Apply at least 3 weeks before departure to ensure you have your visa before booking non-refundable activities. There is no official fast-track service.

Flying from the UK to Tanzania

UK travelers typically fly from:

• London Heathrow (LHR) — most common departure airport
• London Gatwick (LGW), Manchester (MAN), Birmingham (BHX)

Common routes to Tanzania:

• KLM via Amsterdam to Kilimanjaro (JRO) or Dar es Salaam (DAR)
• Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa to DAR or JRO
• Kenya Airways via Nairobi to DAR, JRO, or ZNZ
• Qatar Airways via Doha to DAR or JRO
• Emirates via Dubai to DAR or ZNZ
• Turkish Airlines via Istanbul to DAR

There are no direct flights from the UK to Tanzania as of 2026. Flight time including stopover is typically 10–14 hours total.

UK Citizens at Tanzania Border: What to Expect

On arrival at Julius Nyerere (DAR), Kilimanjaro (JRO), or Zanzibar (ZNZ) airport:

1. Proceed to the e-Visa holders lane at immigration
2. Present your UK passport + printed Tanzania e-Visa
3. Have your return ticket and accommodation booking accessible
4. Answer standard questions about purpose of visit, duration, accommodation
5. Receive your entry stamp — valid for up to 90 days

Yellow fever: If your routing includes a stopover in a yellow fever endemic country (e.g., Kenya, Ethiopia), Tanzania may require proof of yellow fever vaccination. Carry your yellow fever certificate (ICVP yellow card) to be safe.

UK Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Advice

The UK FCDO issues travel advice for Tanzania. As of 2026, the FCDO advises:

• "Exercise a high degree of caution" — due to crime and occasional political unrest
• Specific warnings about the Kibiti area (southern Tanzania) due to security incidents
• Advice to avoid large gatherings and public demonstrations

This does not affect the main tourist areas: Serengeti, Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar, Ngorongoro, or Dar es Salaam city centre. Most UK visitors to Tanzania for tourism or safari have safe and uneventful trips.

Important Information for British Travelers

Zanzibar: Your Tanzania e-Visa covers Zanzibar. You do not need a separate Zanzibar visa. Present your passport at the internal immigration checkpoint when arriving in Zanzibar. See Zanzibar visa requirements.

Travel insurance: UK citizens who previously benefited from EHIC/GHIC in the EU have no equivalent coverage in Tanzania. Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is essential for Tanzania, especially for safari travel.

Currency: The Tanzanian shilling (TZS) is the official currency. USD is widely accepted in tourist areas. UK travelers should carry USD cash and use a fee-free card. Your Tanzania e-Visa fee is paid in USD online.

Time zone: Tanzania is on East Africa Time (EAT), UTC+3. This is 3 hours ahead of GMT, 2 hours ahead during BST.

Frequently Asked Questions