Tanzania Visa for French Citizens 2026 — Requirements & How to Apply

Do French Citizens Need a Visa for Tanzania?

Yes, French citizens require a visa to enter Tanzania. The most common option is an eVisa (electronic visa), which allows a single entry for tourism purposes with a maximum stay of 90 days. You can also obtain a visa on arrival at major entry points, though applying online in advance is faster and more reliable. The eVisa costs $50 USD and typically takes 5–15 business days to process.

Visa Types Available for French Travellers

Tanzania offers several visa categories. For French tourists, the most relevant are:

• Ordinary Visa (Single-Entry) — Valid for 90 days, for tourism, leisure, visiting, health treatment, or studies. Cost: $50 USD.
• Multiple-Entry Visa — Valid for 12 months with multiple entries. Cost: $100 USD. (Primarily for US citizens; confirm if available to French nationals.)
• Transit Visa — For travellers passing through Tanzania to another country. Cost: $30 USD. Valid for transiting only, not tourism.
• eVisa (Online) — The quickest route; apply via the official Tanzania Immigration e-Services portal before arrival.
• Visa on Arrival — Available at airports and land borders if you haven't applied online, though queues can be lengthy (30 minutes to 2+ hours).

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Tanzania eVisa

Step 1: Visit the Official Portal

Go to eservices.immigration.go.tz — the official Tanzania Immigration e-Services platform. Avoid third-party visa agents; they charge higher fees for the same service.

Step 2: Create an Account & Complete the Application Form

Register with your email address and complete the online visa application form. You'll need to provide:

• Full name, date of birth, and passport number
• Intended dates of arrival and departure
• Purpose of visit (tourism, business, transit, etc.)
• Accommodation details (hotel name and address, or contact details)
• Your contact information (email and phone)

Double-check all entries before submitting; errors can delay processing or lead to rejection.

Step 3: Upload Required Documents

Prepare digital copies of the following:

• Valid Passport: A scan of the biographic data page (colour, high quality). Your passport must have at least 6 months validity from your intended date of arrival and at least 2 blank pages.
• Passport-Sized Photograph: A recent, coloured photo meeting specific requirements (see below)
• Return or Onward Ticket: Proof of your return flight or onward travel to another country
• Proof of Accommodation: Hotel reservation, Airbnb confirmation, or letter from your host

Photo Requirements (Critical)

Your photo must meet these strict specifications, or your application will be rejected:

• Coloured with a plain white or light background
• Full face, front-facing view from top of hair to bottom of chin
• Eyes open and expression natural
• No shadows, reflections, or distracting elements on face or background
• Size: 45mm (length) × 35mm (width)
• File size: not exceeding 500KB
• Format: JPG or JPEG only
• If you regularly wear glasses, you may wear them in the photo; however, your facial features from chin to forehead and both edges of the face must be clearly visible
• Head coverings are not permitted except for religious reasons, but your face must be fully visible

Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee

The eVisa fee for French citizens is $50 USD (ordinary/single-entry visa). Payment is made online via credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, or similar). Some travellers recommend having cash as a backup in case of technical issues, though online payment is standard. Save your payment receipt for your records.

Step 5: Submit & Receive Your Grant Notice

After submitting your application and payment, you'll receive a confirmation email. Once approved, Tanzania Immigration will email you a visa grant notice (usually a PDF document). Print this notice — you must present it at immigration upon arrival in Tanzania alongside your passport.

Visa Fees & Payment Methods

Visa Type	Cost (USD)	Validity	Purpose
Ordinary Visa (Single-Entry eVisa)	$50	90 days	Tourism, leisure, visiting, health, studies
Multiple-Entry Visa	$100	12 months	Tourism (check availability for French citizens)
Transit Visa	$30	Varies	Transit only (not tourism)
Business Visa	$250	Varies	Business purposes
Student Visa	$50 (3 months)	Varies	Full-time study

Payment Methods: Online payment via international credit/debit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) through the official portal. Some third-party visa services may accept alternative methods, but always use the official government site to avoid overpaying.

Processing Times & Visa Validity

Standard Processing: Most eVisa applications are approved within 5–15 business days. However, official sources recommend applying at least 7–10 business days before your intended travel date to allow for potential delays or requests for additional documents.

Expedited Processing: If available, rush processing may be offered for an additional fee (confirm with the official portal).

Visa Validity: Once approved, your eVisa is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. You must enter Tanzania within this 90-day window. Once you enter, you can stay for up to 90 days from your arrival date.

Validity Note: The 90-day validity period is the maximum stay per entry. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a visa extension in Tanzania before your current visa expires.

Visa on Arrival: What to Expect at Immigration

If you haven't obtained an eVisa in advance, you can apply for a visa on arrival at major entry points:

• Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam) — Tanzania's largest airport
• Kilimanjaro International Airport (Arusha) — Gateway to the northern safari parks
• Land borders — Including borders with Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, and other neighbouring countries

What to bring: Valid passport, return ticket, proof of accommodation, one passport-sized photo, and $50 USD in cash (or equivalent card payment).

Process: Arrive at the immigration desk, fill out the visa application form (provided on-site), submit your documents, pay the fee, and wait for processing. Queues can be 30 minutes to 2+ hours, depending on arrival time and passenger volume.

Recommendation: Applying for an eVisa online before arrival is faster and less stressful, allowing you to skip queues and proceed directly through immigration.

Passport Requirements

Your French passport must meet these criteria:

• Validity: At least 6 months remaining from your intended date of arrival in Tanzania
• Blank Pages: At least 2 blank pages for visa stamps and immigration markings
• Condition: Not damaged, torn, or illegible; biographic data page must be clear

If your passport expires within 6 months of your intended travel, renew it before applying for your visa.

Transit Visa: Do You Need One?

If you're passing through Tanzania to another country and not leaving the airport, confirm whether you need a transit visa. Most international airports allow airside transfers without a visa. However, if you plan to leave the airport or stay overnight in Tanzania, you need a proper visa.

A transit visa costs $30 USD and requires proof of onward travel (flight ticket to your final destination).

Visa Extensions & Overstays

Extending Your Stay

If you wish to stay longer than 90 days, you can apply for a visa extension while in Tanzania before your current visa expires. Contact the Tanzania Immigration Department or visit their office in Dar es Salaam. Extension fees and processing times vary; confirm current details on the official Tanzania Immigration website.

Overstaying Your Visa

Overstaying your visa in Tanzania can result in:

• Fines (amount depends on length of overstay)
• Detention and questioning by immigration authorities
• Deportation and ban from re-entering Tanzania
• Blacklisting in regional immigration systems
• Complications for future visa applications to other countries

Always depart Tanzania before your visa expires. If you need to extend, apply in advance.

Common Visa Rejections & How to Avoid Them

Understanding why applications are rejected helps you avoid delays:

• Incomplete or Incorrect Information: Mismatched names, wrong dates, or missing fields. Solution: Double-check all entries against your passport before submitting.
• Poor-Quality Photo: Blurry, wrong size, wrong background, or incorrect format. Solution: Use the photo specifications checklist above; have a professional passport photo taken if unsure.
• Invalid Passport: Expired, damaged, or insufficient validity remaining. Solution: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates.
• Missing Documents: No return ticket, accommodation proof, or passport scan. Solution: Gather all required documents before starting your application.
• Payment Issues: Failed transaction or incorrect fee amount. Solution: Use a reliable international payment method and confirm the correct fee ($50 USD for ordinary visa).
• Suspicious or Incomplete Travel Plans: Vague accommodation details or unclear purpose of visit. Solution: Provide specific hotel names, addresses, and clear travel itinerary.

Health & Vaccination Requirements

While not a visa requirement, Tanzania has health entry recommendations. Yellow fever vaccination is recommended (sometimes required if arriving from endemic countries), and malaria prophylaxis is advised for most regions. Consult your doctor or a travel medicine clinic at least 4–6 weeks before departure. For detailed health guidance, see our vaccinations and health rules for Tanzania.

Comparing Your Options: eVisa vs. Visa on Arrival

Factor	eVisa (Online)	Visa on Arrival
Application Time	Online, 10 minutes	At immigration desk, 15–30 minutes
Processing Time	5–15 business days	30 minutes to 2+ hours (on the spot)
Cost	$50 USD	$50 USD
Convenience	High — skip airport queues	Low — long queues possible
Risk of Rejection	Low — reviewed in advance	Low — rarely rejected on arrival
Payment Method	Card (online)	Cash or card
Documentation Needed	Passport scan, photo, itinerary	Original passport, photo, itinerary

Recommendation: Apply for an eVisa online. It's faster, less stressful, and allows you to proceed directly through immigration without waiting in queues.

SafariFind Tip: Planning Your Tanzania Safari

Once your visa is approved, you can start planning your safari adventure. Tanzania offers world-class wildlife experiences in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park. You can compare safari packages and tour operators on SafariFind to find the best fit for your budget and interests. Ensure your visa is approved and printed before booking your safari dates.

Important Reminders

• Always use the official portal: eservices.immigration.go.tz. Third-party agents charge higher fees.
• Apply early: Submit your application at least 7–10 business days before travel.
• Keep copies: Print and digitally store your visa grant notice, passport, and travel documents.
• Check validity: Ensure your passport has 6+ months validity and 2 blank pages.
• Confirm entry requirements: Always verify the latest Tanzania entry requirements on the official immigration website before travelling.

Last checked July 2026 — always confirm with official sources before travelling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do French citizens need a visa for Tanzania?

Yes, French citizens require a visa to enter Tanzania. The most common option is an eVisa (electronic visa) for tourism, which costs $50 USD and allows a 90-day stay. You can also obtain a visa on arrival at major entry points, though applying online in advance is faster and recommended.

How much does a Tanzania eVisa cost for French travellers?

The ordinary (single-entry) eVisa for French citizens costs $50 USD. Payment is made online via international credit or debit card through the official Tanzania Immigration portal (eservices.immigration.go.tz). Avoid third-party agents, which charge higher fees for the same service.

How long does it take to get a Tanzania eVisa?

Most eVisa applications are approved within 5–15 business days. Tanzania Immigration recommends applying at least 7–10 business days before your intended travel date to allow for potential delays. Processing times are not guaranteed by the government, so apply as early as possible.

How long can I stay in Tanzania with an eVisa?

An eVisa allows a single entry with a maximum stay of 90 days from your arrival date. The visa itself is valid for 90 days from the date of issue, meaning you must enter Tanzania within that window. If you need to stay longer, apply for a visa extension in Tanzania before your current visa expires.

What documents do I need to apply for a Tanzania eVisa?

You need: (1) a scan of your passport's biographic data page (colour, high quality), (2) a recent passport-sized photo meeting strict specifications (45mm × 35mm, 500KB max, JPG/JPEG format), (3) proof of accommodation (hotel reservation or letter from host), (4) a return or onward travel ticket, and (5) your valid email address. Your passport must have at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages.

What are the photo requirements for a Tanzania visa?

Your photo must be coloured with a plain white or light background, showing your full face from top of hair to bottom of chin, with eyes open and natural expression. Size must be 45mm (length) × 35mm (width), file size not exceeding 500KB, and format JPG or JPEG only. No shadows, reflections, or distracting elements are allowed. If you wear glasses regularly, you may wear them, but your facial features must be clearly visible. Head coverings are not permitted except for religious reasons.

Can I get a visa on arrival in Tanzania instead of applying online?

Yes, you can obtain a visa on arrival at major entry points (Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro International Airport, and land borders). The cost is the same ($50 USD), but you'll face queues of 30 minutes to 2+ hours. Applying for an eVisa online in advance is faster and less stressful.

What is the minimum passport validity required for Tanzania?

Your French passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your intended date of arrival in Tanzania. You also need at least 2 blank pages for visa stamps and immigration markings. If your passport expires within 6 months, renew it before applying for your visa.

What happens if I overstay my Tanzania visa?

Overstaying can result in fines, detention, deportation, re-entry bans, and complications for future visa applications. Always depart Tanzania before your visa expires. If you need to stay longer, apply for a visa extension in Tanzania before your current visa expires.

Is travel insurance required for Tanzania?

Travel insurance is not a mandatory visa requirement for Tanzania, but it is highly recommended for all international travellers. A good policy covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost baggage, and unexpected delays, giving you peace of mind throughout your journey.

Can I apply for a Tanzania visa through a third-party agent?

While third-party visa agents exist, it is not recommended. They charge significantly higher fees for the same service. Always apply directly through the official Tanzania Immigration portal (eservices.immigration.go.tz) to avoid overpaying and ensure your application is processed by the government.

What is a transit visa, and do I need one?

A transit visa is for travellers passing through Tanzania to another country and is strictly intended for transiting, not tourism. It costs $30 USD and requires proof of onward travel. If you're transferring between flights at the airport without leaving, you typically don't need one; however, if you leave the airport or stay overnight in Tanzania, you need a proper visa.