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Can I travel to Tanzania with the UK BRP?

Yes, you can travel to Tanzania with a UK Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), but there are specific requirements and procedures you need to follow. A BRP only permits you to reside in the UK for a specific period and this does not substitute the requirement of a valid visa on your way to Tanzania. This is an overview of everything you need to know about traveling to Tanzania with a UK BRP

A BRP only permits you to reside in the UK for a specific period, and it does not substitute the requirement of a valid visa to travel to Tanzania

1. Visa Requirements for UK BRP Holders

The UK Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) remains a valid proof of residence in the UK until its expiry date. While the UK government is gradually moving towards digital eVisas, the BRP has not been entirely replaced and can still be used to prove your UK immigration status. The eVisa process is easy though and there are some choices:

eVisa for Tanzania: A Convenient Option

Tanzania has some online application visas via an eVisa, which many nationalities can utilize even those with a BRP. Holding a UK BRP does not grant visa-free entry to Tanzania. Your entry requirements depend entirely on your passport nationality, not on your UK residence status eVisa procedure is quite easy, and the application can be made on the official Tanzanian government site.

Documents Required for eVisa Application:

  • A valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity remaining from the date of entry into Tanzania.
  • A passport-sized photo
  • Your BRP is not mandatory for the eVisa application but can be provided as additional proof of legal residency in the UK if requested.
  • Itinerary (flight bookings and accommodation).
  • You must provide evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Tanzania

Visa on Arrival

UK citizens require a visa to enter Tanzania. You can either apply for an eVisa online in advance or obtain a visa on arrival at major airports and border entry points. Visa on arrival is available at Tanzanian airports and border points. While the process may take some time, most travelers can obtain their visa within a few hours upon arrival.

2. Travel Insurance and Health Requirements

Travelers should have comprehensive travel insurance, to include medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and lost luggage, before traveling to Tanzania. Since 1 October 2024, all visitors to Zanzibar are required to have Inbound Travel Insurance purchased from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) for the duration of their stay.

Yellow fever vaccination is required only if you arrive from, or transit for more than 12 hours through, a country with yellow fever risk. Travelers flying directly from the UK do not need the vaccination certificate.

However, if you are flying directly from the United Kingdom to Tanzania, it is not mandatory, but it is recommended to carry an international certificate of vaccination to avoid any potential issues.

3. BRP Holder's Travel Documents

The BRP can enable you to reside in the UK but can’t serve as a travel document on its own for entry into other countries. This then means you need to travel with your valid passport together with your BRP when travelling to Tanzania. The BRP  is evidence that you are legally staying in the UK, and is not a substitute for a passport at border control in other countries.

4. Tanzania Border Control Process

Upon arrival in Tanzania, you must present:

  • Your passport and the associated visa (eVisa, visa on arrival, or other types)
  • Proof of your UK residency, such as your UK BRP, if required.

Tanzanian immigration will process your entry, depending on the type of visa you hold and make sure that you meet all policies before admitting you in.

5. Best Practices for a Smooth Journey

To ensure a smooth travel experience, it is advisable to:

  • Make sure you apply early enough to obtain your Tanzania visa to prevent last minute hitches.
  • Make sure that your passport is valid and at least 6 months more than the time you intend to travel out of Tanzania.
  • Take the relevant documents taking into consideration your BRP, travel itinerary, accommodation evidence and affordability to finance your stay

Conclusion

In conclusion,  The UK BRP allows you to live in the UK but it does not grant you entry to Tanzania. This will require you to apply for a visa (eVisa or visa on arrival), present the necessary documentation and assure that you pass all the health requisites to make the trip. With proper planning and making sure you have all your travel documents ready, you can have an enjoyable trip in Tanzania without any problems.

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