Overview
The British High Commission in Dar es Salaam is the first point of contact for UK visa guidance in Tanzania. Tanzanian nationals require a UK visa for all visits, study, work, or family routes — applications are submitted through VFS Global UK Visa Application Centres in Dar es Salaam. The High Commission also provides consular assistance to British nationals living in or visiting Tanzania. British nationals travelling to Tanzania do not need a visa for short stays (up to 90 days in many cases, but check the Tanzania Immigration portal as rules vary by nationality). Tanzania is one of Africa’s top destinations for British travellers: Mount Kilimanjaro — Africa's highest peak — Serengeti National Park with the Great Migration, Ngorongoro Crater, Zanzibar’s spice islands and white-sand beaches, and Selous/Ruaha game reserves draw hundreds of thousands of UK visitors annually.
Visa Services
Tanzanian nationals require a UK visa for all visits, study, work, and family routes. Applications are submitted through VFS Global UK Visa Application Centres in Dar es Salaam. Check https://www.gov.uk/apply-uk-visa for documentation requirements and fees.
Consular Services
High Commission provides emergency assistance for British nationals facing illness, injury, crime, or death. Staff process emergency travel documents for lost, stolen, damaged, or expired passports, though travelers departing within 3+ weeks should pursue standard passport renewal instead. Office offers notarial and documentary services with consular fees applicable. Non-British citizens may contact commission regarding emergency travel document eligibility.
Trade & Export Support
UK-Tanzania trade is significant in tourism infrastructure, mining, financial services, and professional services. British exports include machinery, vehicles, and pharmaceuticals. The High Commission supports British companies accessing Tanzania’s growing market and navigating regulatory frameworks.
Investment Opportunities
Tanzania offers investment opportunities in tourism, mining (gold, tanzanite, diamonds), agriculture, infrastructure, and energy. The government actively courts foreign investment and has an established Investment Centre (TIC). British investors are active in the Tanzanian economy.
Business Support
The High Commission’s trade team supports British businesses entering or expanding in Tanzania with market intelligence, introductions to Tanzanian counterparts, and guidance on regulatory requirements. The British Chamber of Commerce Tanzania can also provide networking support.
Cultural & Educational Programs
British universities attract large numbers of Tanzanian students. The High Commission promotes educational partnerships and Chevening scholarships. The British Council runs programmes supporting English language education across Tanzania. Cricket has deep roots as a British legacy sport still played widely in Tanzania.
Service Area
The High Commission covers mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. There is a British Honorary Consulate in Zanzibar for limited local consular matters; for most services British nationals in Zanzibar should contact Dar es Salaam.
Appointment Information
Appointments required for all in-person services. Contact via the FCDO online form at https://www.contact.service.csd.fcdo.gov.uk/posts/tanzania/british-high-commission-dar-es-salaam. Located at Umoja House, Hamburg Avenue, Dar es Salaam.
Special Notes
Tanzanite — a vivid blue-violet gemstone found only in a small area near Mount Kilimanjaro — is one of the world’s rarest minerals, mined nowhere else on Earth. The Serengeti’s Great Migration sees over 1.5 million wildebeest cross the Mara River each year. Zanzibar’s Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a unique blend of Swahili, Arab, Indian, and European architecture. Yellow fever vaccination certificate required for entry if arriving from endemic countries.