Tanzania is a dream destination for many British travelers. Whether you are planning to witness the Great Migration in the Serengeti, climb the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, or soak up the sun on the pristine beaches of Zanzibar, there is one thing you need to sort out first: your visa.
In the past, getting a visa meant long queues at the airport or mailing your passport to the embassy in London. Today, the process is much simpler thanks to the Electronic Visa (eVisa) system. In this guide, we will break down everything you need to know about the Tanzania eVisa for United Kingdom, from costs and processing times to the documents you’ll need to pack.We always recommend applying 2 to 3 weeks before your trip. However, we offer three main processing options to suit your schedule:
Many travelers worry if their flight is delayed or if they decide to arrive a few days late. As long as your arrival falls within the validity period listed on your Visa Grant Notice (the “Visa Start Date” to “Visa End Date”), you can enter the country. However, you cannot arrive before the start date listed on your approved visa.
In the past, getting a visa meant long queues at the airport or mailing your passport to the embassy in London. Today, the process is much simpler thanks to the Electronic Visa (eVisa) system. In this guide, we will break down everything you need to know about the Tanzania eVisa for United Kingdom, from costs and processing times to the documents you’ll need to pack.Do British Citizens Really Need a Tanzania eVisa?
Yes, they do. If you hold a British Citizen passport, you are required to have a valid visa to enter both Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. While there are options for “Visa on Arrival,” the Tanzanian government strongly recommends applying for an eVisa before you fly. This saves you from standing in long lines after an 11-hour flight and ensures your entry is pre-approved.What Are the Different Types of Tanzania eVisa Available?
Depending on why you are visiting, you can choose from a few different categories. The most common ones for UK travelers are outlined under the Visa Types of Tanzania:- Single Entry (Ordinary) Visa: Perfect for a one-time holiday. It is valid for up to 90 days.
- Multiple Entry Visa: If you plan to visit Tanzania several times within a year, this is the best choice. It stays valid for 12 months, though each individual stay cannot exceed 90 days.
- Business Visa: This is specifically for those visiting for professional assignments, auditing, or short-term training. It is valid for 90 days.
- Transit Visa: If you are just passing through Tanzania to another country (for up to 7 days), this is the most affordable option.
How Much Does the Tanzania eVisa Cost for UK Citizens?
The cost of your visa depends on the type you select, for British passport holders, the government fees are as follows:- Single Entry/Tourist Visa: Approximately $51 USD.
- Multiple Entry Visa: Approximately $100 USD.
- Business Visa: Approximately $250 USD.
- Transit Visa: Approximately $30 USD.
What’s the most common reason for rejection of Tanzania’s eVisa?
The most common reason for the rejection of Tanzania’s eVisa is submitting an incomplete or incorrect application form. Because the Tanzanian Immigration Department uses an automated system to cross-reference data, even minor “human errors” can trigger an immediate rejection.Data Mismatches & Typos
This is the single most frequent cause. Any discrepancy between the information on your Passport Bio-Page and the online form will lead to a denial. Common errors include:- Mistyping the passport number (e.g., confusing “0” with “O”).
- Inconsistent spelling of names.
- Incorrect date of birth or passport expiry dates.
Poor Document Quality
The system is strict about the clarity and format of uploads. Rejections often happen because:- Passport Scan: The bio-page is blurry, cropped, or has a flash glare covering vital information.
- Digital Photo: The photo does not meet the 45mm x 35mm requirement, has a non-white background, or is a scan of a physical photo rather than a direct digital file.
Choosing the Wrong Visa Category
Applicants often mistakenly apply for an Ordinary Visa when they actually need a Business Visa (e.g., for short-term professional assignments) or a Referral Visa (required for specific nationalities).Note for U.S. Citizens: Americans are required to apply for the Multiple Entry Visa ($100) even for a single tourist trip, rather than the standard Ordinary Visa ($50). Applying for the cheaper $50 visa is a common reason for rejection among U.S. travelers.Insufficient Supporting Documents
Failure to provide “evidence of stay” is a major red flag. This includes:- Missing return/onward flight confirmation.
- Lack of hotel bookings or an invitation letter from a host.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Approved Tanzania eVisa?
We always recommend applying 2 to 3 weeks before your trip. However, we offer three main processing options to suit your schedule:- Standard Processing: Takes 4 – 7 working days. This is best for those who plan ahead.
- Rush Processing: Takes 3 – 5 working days. Great for last-minute planners.
- Super Rush Processing: Takes 2 – 4 working days. This is the fastest way to get your approval for emergency travel.
Which Documents Do I Need to Upload for a Tanzania eVisa?
To make sure your application isn’t rejected, you need to provide clear, high-quality scans of the following:- Passport Bio Page: A clear scan of the page with your photo and personal details. Your passport must be valid for 6 months from your date of entry.
- Applicant Photo: A recent, passport-style digital photo with a white background.
- Return/Onward Ticket: Proof that you have a flight booked to leave Tanzania.
- Host ID or Resident Permit: If you are staying with a friend or family member, you need a copy of their Tanzanian ID or permit.
- Invitation Letter: Required mainly for business or specific family visits.
- Business Registration: For a Business Visa, you must provide a copy of the host company’s Certificate of Incorporation or Compliance.
Can We Apply for a Tanzania eVisa as a Group or Family?
Yes! The eVisa system allows for Group Applications. If you are traveling with family or a group of friends, you can add multiple applicants under one “Group ID.” This makes it much easier to track everyone’s status and ensures that the entire family is processed together. Each person still needs their own individual set of documents uploaded.Can I Convert My Tanzania eVisa Type After I Arrive?
Converting a visa (e.g., from Tourist to Business) upon arrival is very difficult and not recommended. If you arrive on a tourist visa and realize you need to conduct business, you would have to visit the Immigration Headquarters in Dodoma or Dar es Salaam to request a change of status. To avoid this, always apply for the correct activity (Tourist or Business) before you travel.What Happens to My Tanzania eVisa if My Arrival Date Changes?
Many travelers worry if their flight is delayed or if they decide to arrive a few days late. As long as your arrival falls within the validity period listed on your Visa Grant Notice (the “Visa Start Date” to “Visa End Date”), you can enter the country. However, you cannot arrive before the start date listed on your approved visa.How Many Tanzania eVisa Entries Are Allowed Per Year?
For most UK citizens on a Single Entry Visa, you are allowed one entry. Once you leave Tanzania, the visa expires. If you have a Multiple Entry Visa, you can enter and exit as many times as you like within the 12-month validity period, provided that no single stay exceeds 90 days.What if I Have an Approved Tanzania eVisa but Didn’t Use It?
If you applied for a visa last year, didn’t travel, and now want to use it—you likely cannot. Once the “Visa End Date” on the PDF has passed, the visa expires. You will need to submit a new application for your upcoming trip.Can I Change My Arrival Airport After Tanzania eVisa Approval?
In most cases, yes. While the application asks for your “Point of Entry,” the eVisa is accepted at all major international airports and land borders. However, if your project or specific permit is tied to a certain region, it is best to stick to your original plan. For standard tourists, flying into Dar es Salaam instead of Kilimanjaro is not an issue.What are the Top Airports and Land Borders that Accept Tanzania eVisas?
Tanzania has several “One-Stop” entry points equipped to scan your eVisa:- Top Airports: Julius Nyerere International (DAR), Kilimanjaro International (JRO), and Abeid Amani Karume International (ZNZ).
- Land Borders: Namanga (Kenya border), Tunduma (Zambia border), and Rusumo (Rwanda border).
Can I Get a Refund for My Tanzania eVisa if I Cancel My Trip?
It is important to understand the refund policy before you pay, as the visa system moves very quickly:- Government Fee: Once your details are entered into the Tanzanian immigration system, the government fee becomes non-refundable.
- Service Fee: Once our team begins the review and support work for your application, this fee is non-refundable.
- Rush Add-ons: Because priority handling starts immediately upon payment, these extra charges cannot be returned.
Why Should I Use a Professional Service for My Tanzania eVisa?
Choosing evisa-tanzania.it.com provides “extra peace of mind” because:- Accuracy Check: We review every application for mistakes before submission to prevent rejections.
- Queue Jumping: Our priority handling ensures your application is processed as fast as possible.
- Easy Format: Your approved visa is sent directly to your email in a simple, printable PDF.
- Support: If you lose your confirmation or have questions, our chat and email support are available in real-time.
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