Germany entry requirements for Tanzania passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa required
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
Tanzanian passport holders need a visa to enter Germany. Apply at the German embassy in Dar es Salaam before you travel — there are no visa-on-arrival or e-visa options for tourism. Processing takes 2–4 weeks, and you must submit your passport in person.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Schengen visa application Apply before travel | You need a Schengen visa to enter Germany. Apply at the German embassy or consulate in Tanzania — expect a processing time of 15 calendar days. The visa allows up to 90 days within any 180-day period across all Schengen countries.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Tanzanian passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at German airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a hotel reservation, hostel booking, or a formal invitation letter from your host in Germany. Border officers may ask where you're staying — having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or a credit card showing you can cover your stay — roughly €45 per day is the informal benchmark. Officers rarely ask, but if you can't show funds, they can deny entry. | Recommended |
No visa-on-arrival — apply before you fly
Tanzanian passport holders cannot get a visa at the airport in Germany. You must have a valid Schengen visa issued by the German embassy in Dar es Salaam before departure. Airlines will deny boarding without it.
Appointments fill up fast
The German embassy in Dar es Salaam releases appointment slots 2–3 weeks in advance, and they get booked quickly. Check the online portal regularly and book as soon as you have your travel dates confirmed.
What happens at the border
1
Gather your documents
Collect all the requirements listed above: passport, photos, bank statements, flight reservation, hotel booking, insurance, and the completed application form. Make photocopies of everything — the embassy will keep them.
2
Book an appointment at the German embassy in Dar es Salaam
Go to the embassy's online appointment system (https://tanzania.diplo.de) and select a date. Slots fill up 2–3 weeks in advance, so book early. You'll need to visit in person — no postal applications.
3
Attend the appointment
Arrive at the embassy (on Bagamoyo Road, Dar es Salaam) 15 minutes early. Bring all original documents plus one set of photocopies. You'll submit your passport, pay the fee, and have a short interview (usually 5–10 minutes) about your travel plans.
4
Wait for processing
Standard processing takes 15 calendar days. It can stretch to 30 days if more checks are needed. You'll get a call or email when your passport is ready for collection — you must pick it up in person.
5
Collect your passport and travel
Once approved, the visa sticker will be in your passport. Check the dates and number of entries (single or multiple) match your plans. Pack your supporting documents in your carry-on — German border officers may ask to see them when you land.
Download Germany Entry Checklist
PDF · Tanzania Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Schengen tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 6 months
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Standard short-stay visa for tourism or business.
Schengen tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 5 years (depending on history)
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
For frequent travelers; requires previous Schengen visa use.
National visa (long-stay D visa)
Max stayOver 90 days (up to 1 year)
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€75 (~$82 USD)
For work, study, or family reunion; requires separate application.
work visa
EU Blue Card (Germany)
4 years, renewable
€140 (~$152 USD) application fee
For highly skilled workers with a job offer and salary threshold. Allows family reunification and path to permanent residence.
Apply student visa
German Student Visa
Up to 2 years (renewable)
€75 (~$82 USD) application fee
For full-time study at a German university. Requires proof of admission and financial resources (€11,208/year blocked account).
Apply investor visa
Self-Employment Visa (Freiberufler)
3 years, renewable
€100 (~$109 USD) application fee
For freelancers or business founders with a viable business plan and sufficient funds. Requires local chamber approval.
Apply family reunion visa
Family Reunion Visa
Up to 5 years (tied to sponsor's permit)
€75 (~$82 USD) application fee
For spouses and minor children of German residents. Requires proof of relationship and basic German language skills (A1).
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Schengen visa (single entry)Standard fee for adults; reduced for children. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Schengen visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple stays within validity. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Visa application service feePaid to visa application center (e.g., TLScontact). | €20 (~$22 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying Schengen visa-free or visa period. | €50 (~$54 USD) per day, max €5,000 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application documents20%
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 Germany
Transit visa required
Tanzania passport holders need an airport transit visa (Type A) to change flights in Germany, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit
- Holders of a valid visa for the UK, US, Canada, Japan, or South Korea
Transit hubsFrankfurt Airport (FRA) · Munich Airport (MUC) · Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER)
Health & vaccines for Germany
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., Tanzania).
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsiderTick-borne encephalitisRecommended
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas of southern Germany; vaccination recommended for hikers.
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Transmitted by ticks in rural and forested areas; use repellent and check for ticks.
Seasonal influenzaModerate risk
Common in winter months; annual flu shot advised.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Berlin
Landesamt für Einwanderung Berlin
Friedrich-Krause-Ufer 24, 13353 Berlin
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles visa extensions and residence permits; appointments required.
Munich
Kreisverwaltungsreferat München – Ausländerbehörde
Ruppertstraße 19, 80337 München
Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00
For extension requests; bring all original documents.
Practical information for TZ travellers
Country basics
CapitalBerlin
LanguageGerman
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid for up to 6 months.
Money
CurrencyEuro (EUR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 0.88 EUR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+1
vs New York+6h (EST) / +6h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+9h (PST) / +9h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C, F — US plugs (Type A/B) do not fit. Bring a European adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Excellent tap water quality. Safe to drink everywhere.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Germany
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Germany — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. Tanzania is not on the visa-waiver list for Germany. You must have a visa issued by the German embassy in Dar es Salaam before you board your flight. Airlines check this before letting you check in.
Standard processing is 15 calendar days from your appointment. If the embassy needs additional documents or verification, it can take up to 30 days. Apply at least 6 weeks before your trip to be safe.
€80 for adults (approx. 200,000 TZS at current rates), €40 for children 6–12, free for children under 6. The fee is paid in Tanzanian shillings at the embassy's exchange rate on the day of your appointment. It's non-refundable.
Yes. You need confirmed accommodation for every night of your stay in Germany. If you're visiting multiple cities, show bookings for each. If staying with friends, they must provide a formal invitation letter from their local German registration office (Meldebescheinigung).
Your application will be rejected. Renew your passport first, then apply for the visa. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced for all Schengen countries.
Only in exceptional cases (e.g., medical emergency, force majeure). You must apply at the local Ausländerbehörde (immigration office) before your visa expires. Standard tourist stays cannot be extended — you must leave on time.
Yes. You need to show you have at least €45 per day for your stay. For a 10-day trip, that's €450. Bank statements from the last 3 months are the standard proof. A sponsor letter with their bank statements also works.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.