How long does UK visa processing take for Tanzanians?

Standard processing takes 3-6 weeks. Priority processing (5 working days) costs an additional GBP 250. Super priority (next working day) costs GBP 1,000 when available.

Can I use a UK visa to visit Ireland?

No. Ireland has a separate visa regime. However, under the British-Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS), certain short-stay Irish visas with BIVS endorsement also allow UK visits.

How much money do I need in my bank account?

There is no fixed minimum. Your bank statements should show you can fund roughly GBP 100-150 per day plus accommodation. Show 6 months of consistent banking activity.

UK Visa for Tanzanians 2026

Tanzanian citizens require a visa to enter the United Kingdom. The Standard Visitor visa is the most common type, allowing stays of up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family, business meetings, or short courses. All applications are submitted online and processed through TLScontact in Dar es Salaam.

Important: The UK is NOT part of the Schengen Area. A Schengen visa does not allow entry to the UK, and a UK visa does not cover Europe. You need separate visas for each.

UK Visa Types for Tanzanians

Visa Type	Fee (GBP)	Duration	Purpose
Standard Visitor	£115	Up to 6 months	Tourism, family visits, business meetings, medical treatment, short courses (up to 6 months)
Long-term Visit (2 years)	£400	2 years (6 months per visit)	Frequent visitors with strong travel history
Long-term Visit (5 years)	£771	5 years (6 months per visit)	Frequent visitors with strong ties
Long-term Visit (10 years)	£963	10 years (6 months per visit)	Frequent visitors
Transit Visa	£64	48 hours	Passing through UK to another country
Student Visa	£490	Course duration	Full-time study at UK institution
Skilled Worker	£719-£1,420	Up to 5 years	Employment with licensed sponsor

Fees are correct as of 2026 and may change. The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £1,035/year applies to visas longer than 6 months.

Required Documents (Standard Visitor Visa)

Document	Details
Valid Passport	Must have at least one blank page. Should be valid for the duration of your stay.
Online Application (VAF1A)	Completed on the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) website. Print the confirmation page.
Passport Photos	One recent photo (45mm x 35mm), white background.
Bank Statements	Last 6 months showing consistent income and sufficient funds. Minimum balance of GBP 1,000-2,000 or equivalent in TZS.
Employment Proof	Letter from employer on company letterhead, stating your role, salary, leave approval, and start date. Self-employed: business registration, contracts, and tax returns.
Accommodation Details	Hotel bookings or invitation letter from UK host with their passport copy, utility bill, and immigration status proof.
Travel Itinerary	Planned activities, return flight booking (refundable), and transport arrangements in the UK.
Previous Travel History	Copies of previous visa stamps and travel records. Strong travel history significantly helps approval.
TB Test Certificate	Tanzanians must take a tuberculosis (TB) test at an approved clinic in Dar es Salaam before applying. Valid for 6 months.

TB Test Required: Tanzania is on the UK list of countries requiring a TB screening test. Your visa will be refused if you do not include a valid TB test certificate from a UKVI-approved clinic. The test costs approximately TZS 400,000-500,000.

Application Process Step-by-Step

Complete the Online Application

Visit the GOV.UK website and complete the Standard Visitor visa application form. You will create an account, answer questions about your travel plans, finances, and background. Save your application reference number.

Pay the Visa Fee

Pay the £115 fee online by debit or credit card. You will also receive the option to purchase priority processing (£250 extra for 5 working days) or super priority (£1,000 for next working day, subject to availability).

Book a TLScontact Appointment

After paying, book your biometrics appointment at TLScontact Dar es Salaam. The centre is located on Ali Hassan Mwinyi Road. Appointment slots are available Monday to Friday.

Get Your TB Test

Visit a UKVI-approved clinic in Dar es Salaam for a chest X-ray TB test. Results are usually available within 1-2 days. The certificate is valid for 6 months.

Attend Your Appointment

Bring your passport, printed application form, supporting documents, and TB test certificate. You will provide fingerprints and have your photo taken. The entire visit takes 30-60 minutes.

Wait for Decision

Standard processing: 3-6 weeks. Track your application online through TLScontact. You will receive an SMS when your passport is ready for collection.

Common Reasons for UK Visa Refusal

Insufficient funds: Bank statements that show sudden large deposits or low average balances. The UKVI looks for consistent income over 6 months, not lump sums deposited before the application.
No travel history: First-time travellers with no previous visa stamps face higher scrutiny. Consider travelling to easier destinations first (e.g., Kenya, South Africa, UAE) to build travel history.
Weak ties to Tanzania: No property, stable employment, or dependants. Young, single applicants without strong ties face higher refusal rates.
Missing TB test: Applications without the TB certificate are automatically refused.
Inconsistent information: Discrepancies between your application form, documents, and interview answers.
Vague purpose: Not clearly explaining why you want to visit the UK and what you will do there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Standard processing takes 3-6 weeks (15 working days target, but often longer during busy periods). Priority processing (5 working days) costs an additional £250. Super priority (next working day) costs £1,000 when available.

TLScontact Dar es Salaam is located on Ali Hassan Mwinyi Road, Upanga area. Opening hours are Monday to Friday. You must have a pre-booked appointment to visit. Walk-ins are not accepted.

No. Ireland has a separate visa regime. However, under the British-Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS), if you hold a short-stay Irish visa with a BIVS endorsement, you can also visit the UK. The reverse does not automatically apply. Check current BIVS rules before travel.

There is no fixed minimum, but your bank statements should show you can comfortably fund your trip and living expenses in the UK (roughly GBP 100-150 per day plus accommodation). The UKVI looks at your overall financial situation including income, savings, and commitments. Show 6 months of consistent banking activity.

Generally no. Standard Visitor visas cannot be extended beyond 6 months except in exceptional circumstances (e.g., medical treatment). You must leave the UK before your visa expires. Overstaying will result in a ban from future UK visas.

Quick Facts

Fee: £115 (Standard Visitor)
Processing: 3-6 weeks
Stay: Up to 6 months
TB Test: Required
Apply at: TLScontact DSM
Biometrics: Required