United Kingdom entry requirements for Tanzania passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Tanzanian passport holders need a visa to enter the United Kingdom. You must apply for a Standard Visitor visa before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival or eVisa option for Tanzanian citizens. Plan ahead, as the application process involves an online form, an appointment at a visa application centre, and a decision that can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| UK visaYou need to get a visa stamped in your passport before you fly to the UK. Apply at a British embassy or consulate | Tanzanian passport holders must obtain a UK visa before travel. You are not eligible for the UK eVisa system, so you must apply through the standard visa application process at a British embassy or consulate (or via the official visa application centre). | Required |
| Passport validityMake sure your passport doesn't expire too soon after your trip. At least 6 months | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from the UK. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe border officer will stamp your passport, so you need a clean page. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the UK entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave your flight booking ready in case they ask at the border. Proof of onward travel | You may be asked to show a return or onward ticket proving you will leave the UK after your visit. | Required |
| Proof of fundsYou might need to show bank statements or cash to prove you can support yourself. Sufficient money for your stay | Be prepared to show evidence that you have enough money to cover your accommodation, living costs, and return travel. | Required |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill in any extra arrival form before you land. UK arrival form | The UK does not require a separate arrival declaration for Tanzanian passport holders. | Not required |
| eVisa applicationYou can't use an online eVisa; you have to go through the embassy route. Not applicable | Tanzanian passport holders are not eligible for the UK eVisa programme. You must apply for a visa at a British embassy or consulate instead. | Not required |
No eVisa option for Tanzanian citizens
Even though the UK has an eVisa system for some nationalities, Tanzanian passport holders are not eligible. You must apply through the standard visa application process at the embassy/consulate — there is no online-only route.
Apply well in advance
Processing can take 3 weeks or longer, and appointments at the Dar es Salaam centre may be limited. Apply at least 6-8 weeks before your planned travel date to avoid delays.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the online application
Go to the UK Visas and Immigration website and fill out the Standard Visitor visa form. You'll need to create an account, answer questions about your trip, and pay the £115 fee online.
2
Book and attend your biometric appointment
After submitting your application, book an appointment at the UK Visa Application Centre in Dar es Salaam. Bring your passport, appointment confirmation, and any required documents. You'll give your fingerprints and have your photo taken.
3
Submit your supporting documents
Upload your supporting documents to the online portal before your appointment, or bring them to the centre for scanning. Make sure everything is clear and in English.
4
Wait for the decision
Processing usually takes 3 weeks from your biometric appointment. You can track your application online. Some applications may take longer if additional checks are needed.
5
Collect your passport and travel
Once approved, you'll receive your passport with the visa vignette. Check the dates and details carefully. When you arrive in the UK, go through the 'Other Passports' queue at border control and be ready to answer questions about your trip.
Download United Kingdom Entry Checklist
PDF · Tanzania Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Standard Visitor visa (6 months)
Max stay6 months
Validity6 months from date of issue
Cost£115
For tourism, visiting family, or short business activities.
Long-term Standard Visitor visa (2 years)
Max stay6 months per visit
Validity2 years
Cost£432
For frequent visitors; must meet eligibility criteria.
Long-term Standard Visitor visa (5 years)
Max stay6 months per visit
Validity5 years
Cost£771
For frequent visitors; must meet eligibility criteria.
Long-term Standard Visitor visa (10 years)
Max stay6 months per visit
Validity10 years
Cost£963
For frequent visitors; must meet eligibility criteria.
Marriage Visitor visa
Max stay6 months
Validity6 months
Cost£115
For registering a marriage or civil partnership in the UK.
Permitted Paid Engagement visa
Max stay1 month
Validity6 months
Cost£115
For specific paid engagements, e.g., academics, artists, speakers.
work visa
Skilled Worker Visa
Up to 5 years, extendable
£625 (~$794 USD) + Immigration Health Surcharge
For those with a job offer from a UK employer. Requires sponsorship and meeting salary thresholds. Leads to settlement.
Apply student visa
Student Visa (Tier 4)
Duration of course + up to 4 months
£490 (~$623 USD) + Immigration Health Surcharge
For full-time study at a licensed institution. Must show acceptance and funds.
Apply investor visa
Innovator Visa
3 years, extendable
£1,277 (~$1,623 USD) + Immigration Health Surcharge
For those with a viable business idea endorsed by an approved body. Requires £50,000 investment.
Apply family visa
Family Visa (Spouse/Partner)
2.5 years, extendable to 5 years for settlement
£1,538 (~$1,955 USD) + Immigration Health Surcharge
For partners of UK citizens or settled persons. Must meet financial and relationship requirements.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Standard Visitor visa (6 months)Required for tourism, business, or family visits. | £115 |
| Long-term Standard Visitor visa (2 years)For frequent visitors; must meet eligibility. | £432 |
| Long-term Standard Visitor visa (5 years)For frequent visitors; must meet eligibility. | £771 |
| Long-term Standard Visitor visa (10 years)For frequent visitors; must meet eligibility. | £963 |
| Priority visa service (optional)Faster processing, subject to availability. | £500 |
| Super Priority visa service (optional)Decision by end of next working day, subject to availability. | £1000 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds evidence30%
No return ticket25%
Weak home ties20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through United Kingdom
Transit visa required
Tanzanian passport holders require a Direct Airside Transit visa (DATV) when transiting through the UK, unless they qualify for an exemption (e.g., holding a valid UK, EU, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or Ireland visa or residence permit).
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid UK, EU, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or Ireland visa or residence permit.
- Holders of a valid Common Format Residence Permit issued by an EEA country or Switzerland.
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit.
- Holders of a valid Irish biometric visa.
- Holders of a valid diplomatic or official passport (subject to specific agreements).
Transit hubsLondon Heathrow (LHR) · London Gatwick (LGW) · Manchester (MAN)
Health & vaccines for United Kingdom
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk (e.g., parts of Africa).
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, Polio)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderInfluenzaRecommended
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare but present in some rural areas; consider vaccination if hiking.
Lyme diseaseLow risk
Transmitted by ticks in grassy/wooded areas; use repellent.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
London
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) – London
Lunar House, 40 Wellesley Road, Croydon CR9 2BY
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
For visa applications and enquiries; appointments required.
Sheffield
UKVI Sheffield
Vulcan House, 6 Millsands, Sheffield S3 8NU
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles visa applications and correspondence.
Practical information for TZ travellers
Country basics
CapitalLondon
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid for up to 12 months.
Money
CurrencyBritish Pound (GBP)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 0.75 GBP
Time zone
Local timeUTC+0
vs New York+5h (EST) / +5h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+8h (PST) / +8h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
GType G — unique 3-pin UK plug. US plugs do not fit. Bring a UK adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Excellent tap water. Safe everywhere in the UK.
Emergency numbers
Getting to United Kingdom
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United Kingdom — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Standard processing takes about 3 weeks after your biometric appointment. However, it can take longer during peak seasons or if additional checks are needed. You can pay extra for priority processing (5 working days) or super priority (next working day) if available at the Dar es Salaam centre.
Yes, the application form is completed online, but you must still attend an in-person appointment at the UK Visa Application Centre in Dar es Salaam to provide biometrics. There is no eVisa option for Tanzanian citizens.
The fee for a 6-month Standard Visitor visa is £115 (about 380,000 TZS). This is paid online in GBP. Longer visas (2, 5, or 10 years) cost more, but you must meet stricter requirements.
No, a TB test certificate is only required if you plan to stay in the UK for more than 6 months. For a standard visitor visa (up to 6 months), it's not needed.
Bring your valid passport, the appointment confirmation email, and any original supporting documents you haven't uploaded online. The centre will scan your documents and take your biometrics. Keep copies for your records.
No, Standard Visitor visas are not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the UK and apply for a new visa from Tanzania. Overstaying can affect future applications.
You'll receive a refusal letter explaining the reasons. The fee is non-refundable. You can reapply, but you must address the reasons for refusal and provide new evidence. There's no formal appeal for visitor visas, but you can request an administrative review in some cases.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.