Tanzania entry requirements for Germany passport holders

Verified May 11, 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

As a German passport holder, you can get a visa on arrival in Tanzania in 2026. Simply show up with your passport and cash for the fee—no advance application required. The visa allows up to 90 days for tourism.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Visa on arrival
Visa on arrival
Get your visa on arrival at Julius Nyerere (DAR), Kilimanjaro (JRO), and Zanzibar (ZNZ) airports. Pay $50 USD in cash (exact change preferred) for a single-entry tourist visa valid up to 90 days. Have a passport photo ready — they'll ask for one at the counter.Apply onlineRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for the duration of stay
Your German passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your entry date into Tanzania. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of onward travel
Immigration officers at Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. If you don't have one, they may deny entry or force you to buy a ticket at the airport counter.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Have your first night's hotel booking or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Immigration rarely checks it, but the airline might ask at check-in, especially if you're flying on a one-way ticket.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself
Carry at least $200 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration officers rarely ask, but if you look like you're traveling on a shoestring, they might request proof.Recommended
Cash only – no cards
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash, preferably US dollars in good condition. ATMs at the airport may be unreliable. Bring enough cash to cover at least the visa fee and some extra for transport or emergencies.
Visa on arrival is easy, but have your details ready
You'll fill out a simple form with your passport info, flight, and where you're staying. Write down your hotel name and address before you land – saves fumbling through your phone under pressure.

What happens at the border

1
Arrive and follow signs to Visa on Arrival
After disembarking at Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) or Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO), follow the 'Visa on Arrival' signs. Do not queue at the regular immigration counters yet. You'll see a separate row of desks marked for visa issuance.
2
Fill out the visa application form
At the desk, you'll be handed a small form (or it's available on a clipboard). Fill in your personal details, passport number, flight info, and intended length of stay. Keep it simple—no need to overthink.
3
Pay the fee and get your visa
Hand over your passport, the completed form, and $50 USD (cash) for a single-entry visa. The officer will process it, stick the visa sticker in your passport, and stamp it. They'll then direct you to the regular immigration counter for entry.
4
Proceed to immigration and collect your luggage
After getting your visa, walk to the main immigration line. Show your passport (now with visa). They may ask your purpose of stay and where you're staying. Answer clearly. Then you're free to grab your bags and exit.
Download Tanzania Entry Checklist
PDF · Germany Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 11, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$50 USD (approx. €46)

Standard option for longer stays; apply online or on arrival.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity12 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. €92)

Ideal for frequent travelers; allows multiple entries.

Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. €92)

Requires invitation letter from Tanzanian company.

Residence permit (work/study)
Max stayUp to 2 years
ValidityVaries
CostVaries (approx. $200–$500 USD)

For long-term stays; requires employer or school sponsorship.

work visa
Class A Work Permit
2 years, renewable
~$600 USD (€550) per year
For skilled professionals with a job offer from a Tanzanian employer. Requires contract and company sponsorship.
investor visa
Investor's Pass
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (€920) initial fee
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in Tanzania. Includes residency rights.
student visa
Student Pass
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$50 USD (€46) processing 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 (€460) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. No work allowed.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in USD, EUR, or TZS at entry point.$50 USD (approx. €46)
Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Can be applied online via Tanzania eVisa portal.$50 USD (approx. €46)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for up to 12 months, max stay 90 days per visit.$100 USD (approx. €92)
Stay extension (per month)Apply at immigration office before current visa expires.$50 USD (approx. €46) per month
Overstay fine (per day)No official cap; avoid overstay to prevent fines or bans.$50 USD (approx. €46) per day

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa 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 Tanzania

No transit visa needed

German passport holders transiting through Tanzania do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • If leaving the airport or entering Tanzania, 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; certificate must be presented.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Present throughout the country, especially in rural and lowland areas.

Dengue FeverModerate risk

Occurs in urban and semi-urban areas; mosquito bite prevention is key.

SchistosomiasisModerate risk

Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers; avoid contact with untreated water.

Malaria risk: high

Malaria is present nationwide, including in tourist areas like Zanzibar and Arusha. Prophylaxis recommended for all travelers.

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
Tanzania Immigration Headquarters
Samora Avenue, P.O. Box 512, Dar es Salaam
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30

Main office for extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.

Arusha
Arusha Regional Immigration Office
Boma Road, Arusha
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30

Popular for travelers on safari; process extensions here.

Practical information for DE 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 = 2,599.28 TZS
updated May 13
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
Police112
Medical112
US EmbassyFind contact

Getting to Tanzania

6,812 kmgreat circle distance
~9hfrom Frankfurt
Find flights

Nearby destinations you can also visit

Countries close to Tanzania — with your same passport.

Frequently asked questions

The standard single-entry tourist visa is $50 USD, payable in cash. Some sources report $50 for a single entry, $100 for a multiple-entry (though multiple-entry on arrival is not always guaranteed). Double-check the official rate when you arrive.
The visa on arrival is usually valid for up to 90 days. The immigration officer will stamp the permitted stay in your passport – sometimes it's the full 90 days, sometimes less depending on your itinerary. You cannot extend a visa on arrival beyond 90 days; for longer stays you'd need a different visa category.
Visa on arrival is available at major international airports (Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar, Mwanza, Arusha) and most land border posts (like Namanga, Sirari, and Tunduma). However, it's always safest to confirm with the Tanzanian embassy if you're entering through a minor crossing.
If you stay airside and don't pass immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you plan to exit the transit lounge (e.g., to catch a domestic flight or leave the airport), you'll need a visa on arrival. Always check if your connection requires you to clear immigration.
Yellow fever vaccination is not required for direct travel from Germany. But if you have recently visited a country with yellow fever (like Brazil or other parts of Africa), you'll need a certificate. Carry your vaccination card just in case an officer asks.
Yes, Tanzania offers an e-Visa (online application) which some travelers prefer for speed. It costs about the same as on arrival ($50) and takes a few days to process. But for Germans, visa on arrival is perfectly fine – no need to pre-apply unless you want to skip the queue.
Overstaying is costly. The fine is about $200 USD for the first month, plus additional fees. You'll have to pay before leaving, and it can cause problems for future travel. Always check the date stamped in your passport and leave before it expires.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 11, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.