Tanzania eVisa for United Kingdom

For British travelers seeking winter sun or the adventure of a lifetime, Tanzania ticks every box. From the Great Migration on the Serengeti plains to the spice-scented alleyways of Stone Town, it remains a top destination for UK tourists.

However, before you board your flight from Heathrow or Gatwick, there is one crucial administrative hurdle: the visa. This guide covers everything you need to know about Tanzania eVisa for United Kingdom, answering your most pressing questions with up-to-date information.

Do British passports need visas for Tanzania?

Yes. Holders of a full British Citizen passport require a visa to enter the United Republic of Tanzania.

The UK is not on the visa-exemption list. Whether you are traveling for a holiday, visiting friends and family, or on a business trip, you must have valid travel authorization before you clear immigration. This rule applies regardless of age—children and infants also need their own visas.

Can UK citizens get a visa on arrival in Tanzania or is eVisa mandatory?

The eVisa is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended.

You currently have two options:

1. Visa on Arrival (VoA): You can queue at major entry points (like Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro International Airport, or Zanzibar Airport) to apply for a visa upon landing.

• The Downside: This often involves long queues after a long-haul flight. You typically need to pay in USD cash (notes must be dated after 2009), and card machines are notoriously unreliable.

1. Electronic Visa (eVisa): You apply online before you travel.

• The Benefit: This is the preferred method. You travel with approval in hand, use dedicated immigration lanes, and breeze through the border formalities.

Verdict: Save yourself the stress and apply for the eVisa at least 2 weeks before you fly.

How to apply for a Tanzania visa from the UK?

The Tanzania eVisa application process is entirely digital. You do not need to visit the Tanzania High Commission in London or send your passport away.

1. Complete the Form: Enter your personal details exactly as they appear on your passport.
2. Upload Documents: Submit digital scans of your passport and photo.
3. Pay the Fee: The standard fee for a Single Entry Ordinary Visa is generally $50 USD (approx. £40–£45 depending on exchange rates).
4. Await Approval: Processing typically takes 4–7 working days. Once approved, you will receive a Grant Letter via email to print and carry with you.

What types of Tanzanian visas are available for UK citizens?

Choosing the right visa class is vital to avoid entry denial.

• Ordinary Visa (Single Entry): The standard tourist visa. It is valid for up to 90 days and allows for holidaymaking, leisure, or visiting friends.
• Business Visa: Strictly for professional assignments (e.g., auditing, machine repair, business meetings). It is valid for 90 days and requires specific supporting documents from the host company.
• Multiple Entry Visa: Generally reserved for people with specific reasons for frequent travel (e.g., directors of Tanzania-registered companies or spouses of Tanzanians). Note: Unlike US citizens, UK citizens are not automatically issued 1-year multiple entry visas and must justify the need.
• Transit Visa: Valid for up to 7 days for travelers passing through Tanzania to a third country (e.g., crossing into Kenya or Malawi).

What documents are needed for a Tanzanian eVisa application besides passport and photos?

Beyond your passport (which must have 6 months validity remaining) and a digital passport-style photo, you will need:

1. Return/Onward Flight Ticket: Proof that you intend to leave Tanzania.
2. Proof of Accommodation: A hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter from your host.
3. For Business Visas: You will arguably need the most documentation, including an invitation letter, a cover letter, and a copy of the host company's registration/TIN.

What common mistakes should UK citizens avoid when filling out the Tanzania visa application form?

Rejections are rare but usually stem from simple errors:

• Typographical Errors: Misspelling your name or passport number. The data on the visa must match the passport exactly.
• Poor Photo Quality: Uploading a selfie or a photo where you are wearing glasses or a hat.
• Selecting the Wrong Visa Type: Applying for a "Tourist" visa when you are actually traveling for "Business" or "Volunteering."
• Passport Validity: Applying with a passport that expires in less than 6 months from the arrival date.

What are the visa requirements for UK citizens visiting Zanzibar?

The visa for Zanzibar is the same as the visa for mainland Tanzania.

However, Zanzibar has a unique requirement regarding insurance. As of late 2024, all visitors entering Zanzibar (even if coming from the mainland) are required to have Mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC). Standard UK travel insurance policies (like Aviva or Post Office) are often not accepted for this specific entry requirement. You usually need to purchase this specific local policy online before arrival.

Do I need a separate visa for Tanzania and Zanzibar?

No. Tanzania is a United Republic. Your single Tanzanian visa covers entry to both the mainland (Tanganyika) and Zanzibar (Unguja and Pemba). You do not need two separate visas.

What health precautions should UK citizens take before visiting Tanzania?

• Yellow Fever: If you are flying directly from the UK to Tanzania, you generally do not need a Yellow Fever certificate. However, if you have a transit stop (layover) of more than 12 hours in a country with a risk of Yellow Fever (such as Kenya or Ethiopia), you will be required to show a vaccination certificate upon arrival.
• Malaria: Tanzania is a high-risk zone for malaria. The NHS recommends antimalarial medication (like Atovaquone/Proguanil) for almost all visitors.
• Water: Drink only bottled or filtered water.

What is an ordinary visa for Tanzania?

An "Ordinary Visa" is the official government term for a standard Tanzania Single Entry Tourist Visa.

It is designed for international visitors entering for:

• Tourism and holidays.
• Leisure.
• Visiting friends and relatives.
• Health treatment.

It grants you a single entry for a stay of up to 90 days. Once you leave Tanzania, the visa expires (even if you were only there for 1 week).

How do I speak to a live person on a visa?

Navigating government portals can be frustrating, especially if the site crashes or your application status remains "pending" for days. Reaching the immigration office in Dar es Salaam by phone from the UK is often difficult due to time zones and busy lines.

Recommended Support: For peace of mind, many UK travelers choose to use a dedicated agent service like evisa-tanzania.it.com.

• Why? They offer human support to review your application before submission, reducing the risk of error.
• Assistance: If you have questions about specific documents or delays, you can contact their support team directly rather than waiting for an automated government response.

Safe travels!