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Tanzania Visa From The UK: Requirements and Application Process

1 Mar 2023

16 min read

Are you traveling from the UK to Tanzania? Well, then, you need a Tanzania visa.

This post has everything UK passport holders need for a successful visa application. I'll discuss the types of visas, costs, processing times, documents required, the online application process, and loads more.

So, let's begin!

Giraffes standing during daytime

Do UK Passport Holders Need A Visa For Tanzania?

Yes, you do. United Kingdom citizens need to apply for a visa before traveling. However, it's possible to get a Visa On Arrival for Tanzania.

I'll discuss each method of applying later in this post.


Apply For Your Tanzania Visa Without Hassle!

If you want to apply for your Tanzania visa for UK citizens, you should use Atlys. This app streamlines the application process and guides you through every step.

Atlys also has some free tools you can use, like the passport photo tool, flight itinerary tool, and hotel itinerary tool.


In-Depth Details About The Tanzania Visa For UK Citizens

Before we get to the big guns (requirements and application process), let's look at the details you need to know about before applying.

What Is The Tanzania Tourist Visa, And Why Do I Need One?

The Tanzania Tourist Visa, also known as a Tanzania e Visa, is a document that allows you to enter Tanzania for tourism or leisure. This visa is a single entry visa valid for 90 days. However, the maximum period of stay is only 30 days.

You can apply for this visa through an Embassy or by applying online.

The reason why you need this visa is simple. You need it to enter Tanzania. Since the UK isn't part of the visa-exempt countries, you can't enter Tanzania without a valid visa.

Can UK Citizens Apply For A Tanzania Visa On Arrival?

Yes, you can. Tanzania offers a single entry Visa On Arrival for United Kingdom citizens for tourism or business purposes. However, you can only get the Visa On Arrival if you meet the requirements and enter Tanzania through one of the main entry points.

Can UK Citizens Apply For A Tanzania e Visa Online?

Yes, you can. Tanzania offers an e Visa (electronic or online) to many countries, including the UK. The visa application process is fast and simple.

I'll discuss the online application process later in this post.

What Are The Types Of Visas For Tanzania?

There are different types of Tanzania visas you can apply for. You need to make sure that the visa you apply for suits your main purpose of visit (tourism, business, work, etc.)

The different types of Tanzania visas are:

  • Tanzania Tourist Visa (Ordinary Visa): You can apply for this visa if your purpose of travel is for tourism, leisure, holiday, attending conferences, humanitarian and charity activities, family visits, or for health treatment. You can apply for this visa online (Tanzania e visa) or at an Embassy.
  • Tanzania Multiple Entry Visa: You can apply for this visa if your purposes of visits call for frequent visits to the United Republic of Tanzania. These may include Directors of Companies registered in Tanzania who do not reside in the country, persons engaged in Bilateral Meetings, spouses married to Tanzanians/Residents, and any other person as may be determined by the Commissioner General of Immigration. The maximum validity of this Visa is 12 months. However, you cannot stay in the country for 12 consecutive months. 
  • Tanzania Business Visa: You can apply for this visa if your purpose of travel is to conduct special assignments such as fixing or repairing machines, running short-term training, conducting short time professional roles such as auditing accounts, making feasibility studies, establishing professionals and business contacts, making arrangements for investments during the startup period, etc. This visa is valid for 90 days.
  • Tanzania Transit Visa: You can apply for this visa if you're transiting through to another destination outside the United Republic for a period not exceeding seven days
  • Tanzania Student Visa: A student visa is granted to foreign national who enters the country for Academic conduct, such as Research Students, Intern, Volunteering, EAC Students, Exchange students (EAC and Exchange students are free of charge), and Prospective Students admitted in recognized and legally registered Institutions. This Visa may be issued for a period not exceeding two years.

How Long Can I Stay In Tanzania With A Valid Visa?

The Tanzania Tourist Visa is valid for 90 days, but you can only stay in Tanzania for 30 days maximum.

What Is The Difference Between A Single Entry Visa And A Multiple Entry Visa?

A single-entry visa is a visa that allows you to enter and exit Tanzania once. However, a multiple-entry visa allows you to enter and exit Tanzania more than once during your visa validity period.

What Is The Tanzania Visa Cost?

The Tanzania Visa cost depends on the type of visa you apply for. The costs are as follows:

  • Ordinary or Tourist Visa costs USD 50.
  • Multiple entry visa costs USD 100.
  • Business Visa costs USD 250.
  • Transit Visa costs USD 30.

What Is The Tanzania Visa Processing Time?

The processing time depends on your method of application. For example, if you apply for the Tanzania e Visa, the processing time is between 5-10 business days. This does not include public holidays or weekends.

If you apply for a Tanzania Visa On Arrival, it depends on how many people there are. You might wait longer than usual if the queue is long because of high demand. 

If you choose to apply for your visa at a Tanzanian Embassy, the visa processing time depends on the Embassy.

wildebeest crossing river during daytime

Tanzania Visa Requirements For UK Nationals

The Tanzania visa requirements play an important role in the visa application process. Therefore, you must ensure you meet all of these visa requirements and gather all the documents required.

What Are The Required Documents For The Tanzania Visa?

The documents required are an important part of your visa application. If you forget one of these documents, it could prolong the processing time, or in extreme cases, officials can deny your visa.

You'll need the following documents:

If you're applying at an Embassy:

Make sure that you have a completed visa application form. You can find the application form on the Embassy's official website or in person.

You might also need the following additional documents:

  • Proof of sufficient funds.
  • Covering letter.
  • Invitation letter if you're staying with friends or family.

If you're applying online:

Make sure that all the required documents are in digital format. For example, a scanned copy of your passport biodata page.

What Are The Tanzania Visa Photo Requirements?

You need to make sure that your passport photo meets the requirements. The photo requirements are as follows:

  • The size of a Tanzania visa photo must be 2”x2” or the Passport size is 45x40 mm.
  • The photo must be in color.
  • The photo must have a white background.
  • You can only wear daily reading glasses, no sunglasses, and there should be no glare on the photos.
  • Headgear is allowed only for religious purposes.

If you apply online, you must ensure the photo is in digital format. If you apply in person, you need to make sure that you have at least two passport photos that meet the requirements.

You can always use the free passport photo tool on Atlys. This tool takes any photo of you and turns it into a passport photo that meets the requirements.

What Are The Passport Requirements For The Tanzania Visa?

Just like with the passport photo, your passport must also meet certain requirements. Your passport must have six months' validity beyond your intended date of travel. Your passport should also have at least two blank pages.

What Are The Requirements For Minors?

You still need to provide all the required documents mentioned in this post. However, visa applications for minors under 18 years should be accompanied by a notarized letter, jointly signed by parents or legal guardians, approving the minor to travel.


Visa Application For A Tanzania Visa

Finally, we get to the main event! In this section of the post, I'll discuss everything you need to know about the Tanzania visa application process for UK citizens.

Where Can I Apply For The Tanzania Visa?

There are four places you can apply for your Tanzania Visa:

  • Through Atlys.
  • Online (Tanzania e Visa).
  • Through an Embassy.
  • On Arrival at the Airport.

What Is The Fastest Way To Get A Tanzania Visa From The UK?

The fastest way to get a Tanzanian visa is through Atlys. Atlys will let you apply for your Tanzania in less than 5 minutes.

So skip the hassle and see what it's like to apply for your visa with ease.

Applying online for a visa shouldn't be hard. Atlys makes the visa process simple and fast so you can focus on what's important - getting ready for your trip!

Get excited about your next incredible trip to Tanzania, and let Atlys do the tedious paperwork for you. 

Save precious time and get your Turkey eVisa through Atlys now!

How To Apply For The Tanzania Visa Online

If you want to apply for your Tanzanian Visa online, you can follow this step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Go to the Tanzania e Visa website

The first thing you need to do is to go to the website.

Scroll down to the bottom of the page. You'll see a green block that says "Start New Application" click on it. This will take you to another page where you need to provide your "Basic Information" like your email address, passport number, passport issue country, and a security question. 

Tanzania e visa online application

After you complete everything, click "Start New Application."

Step 2: Copy your application ID

On the next page, you'll find your application information and ID. Make sure you copy your application ID and also take a screenshot. 

Tanzania e visa online application

You'll need your application ID to complete the application if you choose to complete it the next day or at a later time. You might also need it to check your visa status.

Step 3: Complete the online application form

The online application form is divided into 5 sections:

Tanzania e visa online application

On the first page of the online application form, you need to provide personal details like your name and surname, gender, marital status, date of birth, and nationality.

Tanzania e visa online application

After you complete this first page, click "Save and Continue."

On the next page (second section of the visa application form), you must provide details like your contact information, present physical address, present city, present country, permanent address, and employment status.

Tanzania e visa online application

Once you complete this section, click "Save and Continue."

Next, you need to provide your passport information. This includes passport type, passport number, country of issue, date of issuance, etc.

Tanzania e visa online application

Once again, click "Save and Continue" once you're done.

Then finally, we get to the travel information section of the application form. You need to provide any information about your travels, like your type of visa, the purpose of visit, destination, port type, port of entry, date of arrival, host information, where you're going to stay, and your physical address. 

Tanzania e visa online application

Next, you need to choose if you're traveling as part of a group or organization and whether you're traveling with a minor. 

Tanzania e visa online application

Step 4: Upload the required documents

Next, you must upload all the required documents they ask for. This includes your passport photo and a copy of your passport biodata page. 

Tanzania e visa online application

Once you're done, click "Save and Continue."

Step 5: Pay the visa fee

Finally, you get to the visa payment. Again, you can pay the visa fee through the secure online system with a credit card or a debit card.

Step 6: Submit your visa application and wait for your e visa

Lastly, you must submit your visa application. Once you do, you'll most likely receive a confirmation email. Then, you must wait for your visa approval. It takes between 5-10 business days to process your e visa application.

Once you receive your visa via email, you must download and print out a copy of your visa to present to an Immigration officer in Tanzania.

To save you time, you can always apply through Atlys. This app streamlines the application process. If you use Atlys, you'll apply for your Tanzania e visa before you can say, "That was fast!" because yeah, it was.

How To Apply For The Tanzania Visa Through The Embassy

Applying for a visa through an Embassy can be tedious. However, I'll take you through the process so you'll know exactly what to do.

The first thing you need to do is to gather all the required documents mentioned in this post. Then, you must contact the Tanzania Embassy close to you and schedule an appointment. You can also take this chance to find out whether you need to pay your visa fee with a card or cash.

On the day of your scheduled appointment, go to the Embassy. Once you get there, you'll most likely have to attend an interview. Don't worry, though. You can use your supporting documents to answer the questions.

After the interview, you must pay your visa fee and submit your application. Then, all you have to do is wait for your visa approval.

You'll receive a notification via email or any other contact information you provide. This means that your visa is ready! You can then pick up your passport and visa at the Embassy.

How To Apply For A Tanzania Visa On Arrival

Applying for a Tanzanian Visa On Arrival is very straightforward. To do this, you will have to go to a special counter you will find in some airports or at the border posts of Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, or Namanga. The cost of this visa will be $50, and you will need to bring this amount in cash. You'll also need certain travel documents like:

  • A valid biometric passport in your name, valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. This passport must have at least 3 blank pages, two of which must be facing each other.
  • A passport photo that meets the requirements.
  • Proof of your return to your home country at the end of your trip or to another country, such as a plane ticket.

Next, you must submit all these documents at the counter. They'll most likely take your biometrics (fingerprints and photo). Lastly, you have to wait for your visa approval.

What Does A Tanzania eVisa Look Like?

A Tanzania e Visa looks something like this:

Tanzania e visa sample

What To Expect When Arriving In Tanzania

Once you arrive in Tanzania, you'll need your passport, visa, and return flight ticket. This is just to show an Immigration officer. 

Other than that, there's nothing else to stress about.

tree during subdown

Additional Information About The Tanzania Visa

I know you are tired of going through this blog but hold on to your hats. This next section is all about some extra details you might want to know about the Tanzania Visa. 

Tanzania Visa Rules While In Tanzania

The two most important visa rules you need to remember are:

  • You can't work in Tanzania on a Tourist visa. If you want to work, you need to apply for the appropriate visa.
  • Don't overstay your visa. You'll receive a fine for each day you overstay.

Can I Extend My Tanzania Visa?

Yes, you can. You can extend your visa for up to 90 days after arrival in Tanzania. You can extend your visa for three to six months at the immigration office in Dar es Salaam. You'll need to complete the visa extension form and then submit the documents required (same as for the visa) and the extension form at the Immigration office.

Please note: You must apply for a visa extension before your current visa expires.

What Happens If I Overstay My Visa For Tanzania?

If you overstay your visa validity, you must pay a fine. Once you realize that you have overstayed your visa, you must go to the Tanzania Immigration Head Office in Dar es Salaam. There, you'll be issued a pass after paying a fine of $600. There is no way around the penalty, and paying for anyone who has overstayed their visa is a must.

Example: Your visa is valid until 12 January but you stay until the 14th. Then, you must pay the fine.

Can I Work In Tanzania With My Tourist Visa?

No, you can't. Unfortunately, you can't work in Tanzania with a Tourist Visa. If you want to work in Tanzania, you must apply for the appropriate visa (work visa)


That's it!

Now you're a Tanzania Visa pro!! If you have any lingering questions feel free to go through the FAQ section.

Written By: Laliq Schuman
Fact Checked By: Nikhita Rathod

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does A Tanzania Visa Take?

The processing time depends on your method of application. For example, if you apply for the Tanzania e Visa, the visa applications processing time is between 5-10 business days. This does not include public holidays or weekends.

If you apply for a Tanzania Visa On Arrival, it depends on how many people there are. You might wait longer than usual if the queue is long because of high demand.

If you choose to apply for your visa at a Tanzanian Embassy, the visa application processing time depends on the Embassy.

How Much Is A Visa To Tanzania?

The Tanzania Visa cost depends on the type of visa you apply for. The costs are as follows:

  • Ordinary or Tourist Visa costs USD 50.
  • Multiple entry visa costs USD 100.
  • Business Visa costs USD 250.
  • Transit Visa costs USD 30.
Who Can Travel To Tanzania Without A Visa?

Foreign nationals from the following countries don't require a visa to enter Tanzania:

Antigua & Barbuda, Anguilla, Ashmore & Certie Island, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Belize, Brunei, British Virgin Island, British Indian Ocean Territory, Botswana, Cyprus, Cayman Island, Channel Island, Cocoas Island, Cook Island, Falkland Islands, Gambia, Gambia Solomon Island, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, Hong Kong, Jamaica, Jersey, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Montserrat, Malaysia, Madagascar, Malta, Mauritius, Macao, Mozambique, Nauru, Norfolk Island, Namibia, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Romania, Samoa, Seychelles, Singapore, Swaziland, St. Kitts & Navis, St. Lucia, St. Vicent, St. Helana, South African Republic, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks & Caicos, Tokelan, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Do I Need A Yellow Fever Vaccine For Tanzania?

No, you don't. Tanzania has a low rate of yellow fever in the country. However, you need proof of a Yellow Fever certificate if traveling from or through a high-risk area.

How Much Is A Tourist Visa To Tanzania?

A Tanzania Tourist Visa applications is around USD 50.

How Much Is A Zanzibar Visa From The UK?

United Kingdom citizens are eligible for a Visa On Arrival for Zanzibar. This visa usually costs between USD 50 to USD 100.

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