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

Do German Citizens Need a Visa for Tanzania?

Yes, German citizens require a visa to enter Tanzania. You have two main options: apply online for an eVisa (recommended) or obtain a visa on arrival at the airport. For tourism purposes, German nationals apply for an Ordinary Visa (Single Entry), which costs 50 USD and permits a 90-day stay.

Visa Types: Which One Do You Need?

Tanzania offers several visa categories. German tourists visiting for leisure, business, or family visits apply for the Ordinary Visa (Single Entry). This is distinct from the Multiple Entry Visa (100 USD, valid 12 months), which is typically required only for US citizens.

German citizens planning a multi-day safari in Tanzania should apply for the Ordinary Visa.

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

The official Tanzania eVisa portal (visa.immigration.go.tz) is the recommended method for German citizens. The process is straightforward and can be completed from home in under 15 minutes.

Step 1: Gather Your Documents

Before starting your application, ensure you have the following ready:

• Valid passport: Must have at least 6 months validity from your intended date of entry.
• Passport copy: Scan or photograph of the biographic data page (passport information page with your photo).
• Passport-size photo: Colored photo with plain background, 45mm (length) × 35mm (width), no larger than 500KB, in JPG or JPEG format. Your face must be fully visible from top of hair to bottom of chin, with eyes open, facing the camera directly, and with a natural expression.
• Return flight ticket: Proof of onward travel (flight itinerary or booking confirmation).
• Proof of accommodation: Hotel booking, lodge reservation, or invitation letter confirming where you'll stay.
• Covering letter (optional for tourism): Not required for standard tourist visas, but may be needed for business or official visits.

Step 2: Visit the Official Portal & Create an Account

Go to visa.immigration.go.tz and click "New Application." You'll be asked to create an account or log in. Fill in your personal details, passport information, and travel dates.

Step 3: Complete the Application Form

Select your visa type: Ordinary Visa (Single Entry). Provide:

• Full name, date of birth, and nationality (Germany)
• Passport number and expiry date
• Intended date of entry and first destination in Tanzania
• Purpose of visit (tourism, business, family visit, etc.)
• Contact email and phone number

Step 4: Upload Required Documents

The portal will request:

• Scanned copy of your passport biographic page
• Digital passport-size photo (JPG/JPEG, max 500KB)
• Return flight ticket or itinerary
• Proof of accommodation

Photo specifications are strict: Colored, plain background, full face front view, eyes open, natural expression, no shadows, no head coverings (except for religious reasons with full facial visibility). If you regularly wear glasses, you may wear them in the photo.

Step 5: Pay the Visa Fee

The Ordinary Visa fee is 50 USD. Payment is accepted via credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) on the portal. Some applicants carry equivalent cash (around 45–50 EUR) as backup in case of technical issues.

Step 6: Submit & Receive Your Grant Notice

After submission, you'll receive a confirmation email with your application ID. Once approved (typically within 10 days), you'll receive a "grant notice" via email. Print this document and carry it with you when you travel—you'll present it to the immigration officer upon arrival at the airport.

Photo Requirements: Get It Right

A rejected photo is one of the most common reasons for visa delays. Tanzania's official guidelines are precise:

• Size: 45mm (length) × 35mm (width)
• File format: JPG or JPEG only
• File size: Maximum 500KB
• Color: Colored photo only; black and white not accepted
• Background: Plain, light, uniform background—no patterns or distracting elements
• Face: Full face, front-facing, from top of hair to bottom of chin
• Eyes: Open, looking directly at camera
• Expression: Natural, neutral smile acceptable
• Shadows: None on face or background
• Head coverings: Not permitted except for genuine religious reasons; facial features must be fully visible
• Glasses: Permitted if regularly worn

If you're unsure about your photo, many visa service providers (like TravelDocs) can format your photo to meet Tanzania's exact specifications for a small fee.

Visa Fees & Payment Methods

The cost structure for German citizens is straightforward:

Payment methods: The official portal accepts major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express). Transactions are secure and processed immediately. If you experience technical issues, keep cash (USD 50 equivalent) on hand to pay upon arrival, though paying in advance is strongly recommended to avoid delays at immigration.

Processing Times & Visa Validity

Understanding processing timelines is crucial for planning your trip.

Standard eVisa Processing (Official Portal)

According to Tanzania Immigration, the official processing time for online applications is 10 days, except for referral visa cases. In practice, most approvals arrive within 10–15 working days. The visa is valid for 90 days from the date of entry—not from the date of issue.

Recommendation: Apply at least 3–4 weeks before your departure to avoid last-minute stress. Do not purchase non-refundable flights until your visa is approved.

Rush Processing (Third-Party Providers)

Some third-party visa service providers offer faster processing:

• Standard: 10–15 working days (no additional fee)
• Rush: 7–10 working days (extra charge applies)
• Super Rush: 5–7 working days (higher fee applies)

Important: Only use providers that work directly with the official Tanzania Immigration portal. Be cautious of unofficial visa agents charging significantly more than the 50 USD government fee.

Checking Your Application Status

After submitting your application, you receive an Application ID. Use this ID to track your status on the official portal at visa.immigration.go.tz. You can check your application status anytime by logging in and selecting "Visa Status." You'll also receive email notifications when your visa is approved.

Visa on Arrival: What You Need to Know

If you haven't applied for an eVisa in advance, German citizens can obtain a visa on arrival at major Tanzanian airports, including:

• Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) — Dar es Salaam (main hub)
• Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) — Arusha/Moshi (gateway to Serengeti and Kilimanjaro)
• Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) — Zanzibar

Visa on Arrival Process

At immigration, you'll:

1. Complete a form: Fill out the Tanzania visa application form (available at the counter or downloadable in advance from the official website)
2. Present documents: Show your valid passport, return ticket, proof of accommodation, and one passport-size photo
3. Pay the fee: 50 USD in cash (USD preferred; some counters accept major currencies)
4. Receive your stamp: Immigration will stamp your passport with the visa

Processing Time on Arrival

Wait times typically range from 30 minutes to over 2 hours depending on airport congestion. You'll queue for document verification, payment, and then immigration clearance. This is longer and more unpredictable than applying in advance.

Recommendation: Apply for an eVisa online before travel. It avoids queues, eliminates currency exchange hassles, and guarantees your visa is approved before you board your flight.

Entry Requirements Beyond the Visa

A visa alone doesn't guarantee entry. Tanzania has additional entry requirements German citizens must meet:

Passport Requirements

• Validity: At least 6 months from your intended date of entry
• Blank pages: At least 1 blank page for the visa stamp
• Sex marker: Only passports with M or F sex marker are accepted; X markers may cause issues

Yellow Fever Vaccination

Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required if you are arriving from a country where the disease is endemic, including if you have a 12+ hour airport transit or layover in such a country. Vaccinations and health precautions are essential. Common yellow fever endemic zones include parts of sub-Saharan Africa, South America, and South Asia. If you have a medical exemption, consult your doctor and the Tanzanian Embassy for a waiver.

Proof of Funds & Return Ticket

Immigration may ask you to demonstrate sufficient funds for your stay and to present your return/onward ticket. For a typical safari trip, having a credit card and bank statement from your home country is advisable.

Currency Declaration

If you are carrying international currency (any currency, not just USD) worth more than 10,000 USD, you must declare it on entry and exit. Non-resident foreign nationals cannot import or export Tanzanian Shillings (TSH).

Transit Visas & Layovers

If you are transiting through Tanzania (passing through without leaving the airport) for 12 hours or more, you technically need a Transit Visa (30 USD). However, confirm this with your airline, as some international connections allow passengers to remain airside without clearing immigration. If you must clear immigration, apply for a Transit Visa online or pay the fee on arrival.

Extending Your Visa & Overstays

The Ordinary Visa grants a 90-day stay from the date of entry. If you need to stay longer:

Visa Extension

You can apply for an extension at the Tanzania Immigration office in Dar es Salaam or your nearest regional immigration office before your current visa expires. Extensions are not guaranteed and depend on your reason for staying (e.g., valid business, medical treatment, or family emergency). Contact the immigration office at info@immigration.go.tz or visatanzania@immigration.go.tz for guidance.

Overstays

Overstaying your visa is a serious offense. You will face fines, potential detention, and possible deportation. When you exit Tanzania, immigration will check your departure date against your visa expiry. Do not overstay.

Common Mistakes & Why Visas Get Rejected

Understanding common pitfalls will help you avoid delays or rejection.

Photo Rejection

Problem: Photo does not meet specifications (wrong size, background not plain, face not fully visible, file too large, wrong format).

Solution: Use an official passport photo service or the guidance in the "Photo Requirements" section above. Re-submit with the corrected photo.

Passport Validity Issues

Problem: Passport expires within 6 months of your intended entry date or has fewer than 6 months validity remaining.

Solution: Renew your German passport before applying. The process in Germany typically takes 4–8 weeks.

Incomplete Application

Problem: Missing documents (e.g., no return ticket, no proof of accommodation, unclear passport scan).

Solution: Double-check all fields and attachments before submitting. Ensure scans are clear, readable, and complete.

Wrong Visa Type

Problem: Applying for a Business Visa when you should apply for an Ordinary Visa, or vice versa.

Solution: Select "Ordinary Visa (Single Entry)" for tourism, leisure, and family visits. Select "Business Visa" only if you have a letter of invitation from a Tanzanian company or organization.

Using Unofficial Visa Agents

Problem: Paying 100+ USD to an unauthorized visa agent when the official fee is only 50 USD.

Solution: Always apply directly through the official portal (visa.immigration.go.tz) or contact the Tanzania Immigration Department at info@immigration.go.tz. If you use a third-party provider, verify it is authorized and transparent about fees.

Applying Too Close to Travel Date

Problem: Submitting your application 1–2 days before departure, leaving no buffer for processing or requests for additional documents.

Solution: Apply at least 3–4 weeks in advance. This gives time for processing and allows you to correct any issues.

Planning Your Tanzania Safari

Once your visa is approved, you're ready to plan your safari. German travellers interested in safari costs and packages can explore multi-day options in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Zanzibar. SafariFind offers a marketplace where you can compare safari tour operators and lodges to find the best fit for your budget and interests.

Important Contacts

For visa inquiries, contact the Tanzania Immigration Department directly:

• Email: info@immigration.go.tz or visatanzania@immigration.go.tz
• Official eVisa Portal: visa.immigration.go.tz
• Tanzanian Embassy in Germany: Check the official embassy website for consular services in Berlin, Frankfurt, or Munich