France entry requirements for Tanzania passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 29, 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 France. Apply at the French embassy or consulate before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option. Processing can take several weeks, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Schengen visa application Apply before travel | Tanzanian passport holders need a Schengen visa to enter France. Apply at the France Visas portal — processing takes at least 15 calendar days, so submit your application 3–6 months before departure. The visa allows up to 90 days within any 180-day period across all 27 Schengen countries, not just France.Apply for Schengen visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen area. It must have at least two blank pages for visa stamps. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of exit from Schengen | Immigration officers at French airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave the Schengen area before your visa expires. Budget airlines like Ryanair and easyJet check this at the gate. A bus or train ticket to a non-Schengen country also works. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a confirmed hotel booking for your entire stay, or a formal attestation d'accueil (host declaration) if staying with friends or family. French border police sometimes ask to see this at passport control. Airbnb bookings are accepted if they show the full reservation. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry evidence of at least €65 per day of your stay — bank statements, traveller's cheques, or a credit card with sufficient limit. French immigration officers rarely check this for visa holders, but Schengen visa rules require it. A printed bank statement from the last 3 months covers this. | Recommended |
Apply early — slots fill fast
The French embassy in Dar es Salaam has limited appointment slots. Book at least 4 weeks ahead, especially during summer (June-August) and Christmas. Walk-ins are not accepted.
Schengen visa covers 27 countries
Once you have a French Schengen visa, you can travel to all 27 Schengen countries (Germany, Italy, Spain, etc.) without additional visas. Just make sure France is your main destination.
What happens at the border
1
Gather your documents
Collect all required documents: passport, photos, insurance, accommodation proof, flight itinerary, bank statements, and the completed application form. Make photocopies of everything.
2
Book an appointment
Schedule an appointment at the French embassy in Dar es Salaam or the honorary consulate in Zanzibar. Slots fill up fast — book at least 3 weeks in advance.
3
Submit your application in person
Show up at the embassy or consulate at your appointment time. Bring all originals plus one set of photocopies. You'll be interviewed briefly — answer honestly about your travel plans.
4
Pay the visa fee
Pay the Schengen visa fee (€80 for adults, €40 for children 6-12, free for under-6s). Payment is usually in cash or by bank transfer — check with the embassy beforehand.
5
Wait for processing
Processing takes 15 calendar days on average, but can stretch to 45 days during peak season. Track your application online using the reference number from your receipt.
6
Collect your passport
Once approved, collect your passport from the embassy or consulate. Check the visa sticker carefully — make sure your name, dates, and number of entries are correct.
Download France Entry Checklist
PDF · Tanzania Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 29, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 5 years (usually 1–5 years)
Cost€80 (≈$87 USD)
For tourism, family visits, or business meetings.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period per entry
ValidityUp to 5 years
Cost€80 (≈$87 USD)
Ideal for frequent travelers; same fee as single entry.
Long-stay visa (national D visa)
Max stayOver 90 days (up to 1 year)
ValidityUp to 1 year, renewable
Cost€99 (≈$108 USD)
For work, study, family reunion, or other long-term purposes.
work visa
Travailleur Temporaire Visa (Work Visa)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€99 (≈$108 USD) application fee
For employment in France. Requires a job offer and work permit from French authorities. Allows long-term stay and family reunification.
student visa
Visa de Long Séjour pour Études (Student Visa)
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
€99 (≈$108 USD) application fee
For enrollment in a recognized French educational institution. Allows part-time work and can lead to a residence permit.
family reunion visa
Visa de Long Séjour pour Famille (Family Reunion Visa)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€99 (≈$108 USD) application fee
For family members of French residents or citizens. Requires proof of relationship and financial support.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour pour Investisseur (Investor Residence Permit)
Up to 4 years, renewable
€200 (≈$218 USD) application fee
For substantial investment in France (e.g., €1M+). Requires business plan and proof of funds. Grants long-term residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for short-stay Schengen visa. | €80 (≈$87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (≈$87 USD) |
| Long-stay visa (national D visa)For stays over 90 days, e.g., work, study, family reunion. | €99 (≈$108 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa-free or visa period; maximum cap varies. | €30–€50 per day (≈$33–$55 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete 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 France
Transit visa required
Tanzania passport holders need an airport transit visa to change planes at any French airport, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit
- Holders of a valid US, UK, Canada, Japan, or South Korea visa
- Holders of a valid residence permit from an EU/EEA country
Transit hubsCharles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) · Orly Airport (ORY) · Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE)
Health & vaccines for France
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa).
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsiderTick-borne encephalitisConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially in eastern France; vaccination recommended for hikers.
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Transmitted by ticks in rural and wooded areas; use repellent and check for ticks.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Standard food safety is high; risk is low for most travelers.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Paris
Préfecture de Police de Paris – Service des Étrangers
Place Louis Lépine, 75004 Paris
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
For visa extensions and residence permit applications; bring all original documents.
Lyon
Préfecture du Rhône – Service des Étrangers
106 Rue Pierre Corneille, 69003 Lyon
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:00
Handles visa extensions and long-stay visa renewals.
Practical information for TZ travellers
Country basics
CapitalParis
LanguageFrench
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid. IDP recommended for longer stays.
Money
CurrencyEuro (EUR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 0.86 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,EType C, E — US plugs (Type A/B) do not fit. Bring a European adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe throughout France. Ask for 'une carafe d'eau' for free tap water.
Emergency numbers
Getting to France
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to France — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. There is no visa-on-arrival for Tanzanian passport holders at any French airport. You must get a Schengen visa from the French embassy in Tanzania before you travel.
Standard processing is 15 calendar days, but it can take up to 45 days if your application needs extra checks. Apply at least 4-6 weeks before your planned departure.
The Schengen visa fee is €80 for adults, €40 for children aged 6-12, and free for children under 6. This fee is non-refundable even if your visa is denied.
Yes, but only if France is your main destination (longest stay) or your first point of entry. If you're visiting multiple Schengen countries, apply at the embassy of the country where you'll spend the most days.
You'll receive a formal rejection letter explaining the reason. You can appeal within 30 days to the French embassy or reapply with stronger documents. Common reasons: insufficient funds, unclear travel purpose, or weak ties to Tanzania.
Yes. You need a confirmed round-trip flight itinerary as part of your application. However, don't buy a non-refundable ticket until the visa is approved — use a refundable booking or a travel agent's hold.
Extensions are only granted in exceptional cases (e.g., medical emergency, force majeure). You must apply at the prefecture in France before your visa expires. Overstaying without permission can get you banned from the Schengen area.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 29, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.