Tanzania entry requirements for France passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
French passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Tanzania. Pay in cash (USD) at the airport; the process takes 15–30 minutes. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method for tourists.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Julius Nyerere (DAR), Kilimanjaro (JRO), and Zanzibar (ZNZ) airports. Pay $50 USD for single entry (cash only, bring exact change). Have your passport photo ready — they take one at the counter if you don't have one.Visa info | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your entry date. Airlines check this before boarding — I've seen people turned away at CDG for having 5 months left. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Tanzania | Immigration officers ask for a confirmed onward ticket at the visa counter. A bus ticket to Kenya or a flight out within your intended stay works. They don't care about the destination — just that you're leaving. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have your first night's hotel confirmation printed or on your phone. If you're staying with friends, a letter of invitation with their address and phone number is fine. Safari lodges usually email confirmations — keep those handy. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or card for your stay | Officers rarely ask, but carry at least $200 USD in cash per week of your trip. ATMs in Arusha and Zanzibar work with Visa/Mastercard but charge high fees. US dollars are accepted everywhere — bring crisp bills from 2013 or newer. | Recommended |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa on arrival counter only accepts US dollars in cash. No credit cards, no euros. Bring crisp, undamaged bills — torn or marked notes may be refused. ATMs are available after immigration, but you'll need cash before that point.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
For French passport holders, the visa on arrival process at Dar es Salaam or Kilimanjaro airports is routine. Have your passport, arrival card, and $50 USD ready. The whole thing usually takes under 30 minutes.
What happens at the border
1
Fill out arrival form on the plane
You'll get a Tanzania arrival card during the flight. Fill it out with your passport details, flight info, and accommodation address. Keep it with your passport.
2
Queue at Visa on Arrival counter
After deplaning at Julius Nyerere (DAR) or Kilimanjaro (JRO) airport, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival'. There's usually a separate queue from citizens. Have your passport, arrival card, and cash ready.
3
Pay the fee and get your visa
Hand over your passport and $50 USD (single entry). The officer will print the visa sticker, paste it in your passport, and stamp it. This takes 5–10 minutes.
4
Proceed to immigration
With the visa in your passport, join the main immigration queue. The officer will check your passport, visa, and may ask for your return ticket or hotel booking. Answer clearly and you're through.
Download Tanzania Entry Checklist
PDF · France Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$50 USD
Apply online; allows one entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 1 year)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$100 USD
Ideal for frequent travellers; apply online.
Business visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months
Cost$50 USD
Requires invitation letter from Tanzanian company.
Business visa (multiple entry, 1 year)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity1 year
Cost$100 USD
Requires invitation letter and company registration.
work visa
Class A Work Permit
2 years, renewable
$600 USD (application fee) + $200 USD (permit fee)
For skilled professionals with a job offer from a Tanzanian employer. Requires contract and company sponsorship.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Class C)
2 years, renewable
$1,000 USD (application fee) + $500 USD (permit fee)
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in Tanzania. Requires business registration and proof of investment.
student visa
Student Pass
Duration of studies, renewable annually
$50 USD (application fee)
For enrolled students at recognized Tanzanian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
retirement visa
Retirement Residence Permit
2 years, renewable
$500 USD (application fee) + $200 USD (permit fee)
For retirees aged 50+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires health insurance and local address.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 90 days)Payable in USD, GBP, or EUR at entry point. | $50 USD (cash only) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Apply via Tanzania eVisa portal before travel. | $50 USD (online application fee) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry, 1 year)Available for frequent travellers; apply online. | $100 USD |
| Overstay finePay at immigration office before departure. | $50 USD per month or part thereof |
| Stay extension (up to 90 days total)Apply at immigration office before current visa expires. | $50 USD (extension fee) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Tanzania
No transit visa needed
France passport holders transiting through Tanzania do not need a transit visa if staying airside and departing within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival is required.
Transit hubsJulius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) · Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) · Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ)
Health & vaccines for Tanzania
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas and during rainy seasons.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and semi-urban areas; peak during rainy seasons.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers, especially in rural areas and during rainy seasons (March–May, November–December).
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Dar es Salaam
Immigration Services Department - Headquarters
Plot 6, Sam Nujoma Road, Dar es Salaam
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for extensions and permits; bring passport, visa, and fee.
Arusha
Arusha Regional Immigration Office
Boma Road, Arusha
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions for travellers on safari; arrive early.
Practical information for FR travellers
Country basics
CapitalDodoma
LanguageSwahili, English
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyTanzanian Shilling (TZS)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 2,577.66 TZS
Time zone
Local timeUTC+3
vs New York+8h (EST) / +7h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+11h (PST) / +10h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
D,GType D, G — US plugs do not fit. Bring a universal adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Do not drink tap water. Use sealed bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Tanzania
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Tanzania — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, at Julius Nyerere International (Dar es Salaam), Kilimanjaro International, and Zanzibar's Abeid Amani Karume Airport. Land borders also offer visa on arrival for most nationalities.
Single entry is $50 USD. Multiple entry is $100 USD. Pay in cash — US dollars only. They don't accept euros or credit cards at the visa counter.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than the 90 days typically granted, you'd need to leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
Required only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. If you're flying directly from France, you don't need it. But if you've been in a risk country recently, bring your yellow card.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling — this rule is strictly enforced.
Yes, Tanzania offers an e-visa through the official immigration website. It costs the same ($50) and you apply online before travel. Some travellers prefer it to skip the queue, but visa on arrival is still the most common method for French passport holders.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.