Italy 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 Italy. You must apply at the Italian embassy or consulate before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival option. Processing can take 2–4 weeks, so plan ahead.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Schengen visa application
Apply before travel
Apply for a Schengen visa at the Italian embassy or consulate in your home country. Submit your application through the Italy Visa Portal at vistoperitalia.esteri.it. Processing takes at least 15 calendar days — apply 3–6 months before your trip.Apply for Schengen visaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for entire stay
Your Tanzanian passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Italy. Schengen rules do not require 6 months beyond departure, but airlines may enforce it — check with your carrier before flying.Required
Return or onward ticket
Required for Schengen entry
Immigration officers at Italian airports routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to a non-Schengen country ready.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter
Carry a hotel confirmation, hostel booking, or a signed letter from your host in Italy. Officers at passport control may ask to see where you are staying for the first few nights.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself
Have bank statements or a credit card statement showing at least €50 per day of your stay. Immigration officers rarely ask, but they can request proof of sufficient funds for the entire trip.Recommended
Apply early — slots fill fast
Embassy appointments in Dar es Salaam can be booked weeks in advance, especially during summer. Start your application at least 6 weeks before your planned departure.
Schengen area rules apply
Your visa is valid for all 27 Schengen countries. But you must apply at the embassy of the country where you'll spend the most time, or your first point of entry if stays are equal.

What happens at the border

1
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: valid passport, photos, application form, flight and hotel bookings, travel insurance, bank statements. Make photocopies of everything.
2
Book an appointment at the Italian embassy or consulate
Contact the Italian embassy or consulate in Tanzania (usually in Dar es Salaam) to schedule a visa appointment. Slots can fill up, so book early.
3
Submit your application in person
Attend your appointment with all original documents and photocopies. Pay the visa fee (around €80 for adults, less for children). You may be asked a few questions about your trip.
4
Wait for processing
Standard processing takes 15 calendar days, but can extend to 30–45 days during peak season. Track your application if the embassy offers it.
5
Collect your passport
Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker. Check the visa dates and validity carefully before you travel.
Download Italy Entry Checklist
PDF · Tanzania Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 29, 2026
Download PDF

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 5 years (usually 1–3 months for first-time)
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)

Standard tourist visa for short stays; must apply in advance.

Schengen Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 5 years
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)

Allows multiple entries; requires strong travel history.

National Long-Stay Visa (D Visa)
Max stayOver 90 days (up to 1 year)
Validity1 year (renewable)
Cost€116 (~$126 USD)

For work, study, family reunification, or research; requires specific sponsorship.

work visa
Work Visa (Lavoro Subordinato)
Up to 2 years, renewable
€116 (~$126 USD) application fee
For employment with an Italian company. Requires a job offer and work permit (nulla osta). Provides path to permanent residency.
student visa
Student Visa (Visto per Studio)
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
€50 (~$54 USD) application fee
For enrollment in accredited Italian universities or courses. Allows part-time work (20 hours/week).
digital nomad visa
Italy Digital Nomad Visa (for non-EU citizens)
1 year, renewable
€116 (~$126 USD) application fee
For remote workers with high income (approx. €28,000/year). Requires health insurance and proof of accommodation.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visto per Investitori)
2 years, renewable
€250 (~$272 USD) application fee
For those investing at least €500,000 in Italian government bonds or €1 million in a company. Fast-track to residency.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Schengen Tourist Visa (Single Entry)Standard fee for adults; reduced for children 6–12 (€40) and free for under 6.€80 (~$87 USD)
Schengen Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity.€80 (~$87 USD)
Visa Service Fee (VFS/TLScontact)Additional handling fee charged by outsourcing agencies.~€30–40 (~$33–44 USD)
Overstay Fine (per day)Penalty for exceeding visa-free or visa stay; enforced at departure.€50–100 per day (~$54–109 USD), max €500 (~$545 USD)

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 Italy

Transit visa required

Tanzania passport holders need an airport transit visa (Type A) to change flights in Italy, even if staying airside. Apply at the Italian embassy before travel.

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 hubsRome Fiumicino (FCO) · Milan Malpensa (MXP) · Venice Marco Polo (VCE)

Health & vaccines for Italy

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk

Rare but present in forested areas of northern Italy; consider vaccination if hiking.

Foodborne illnessLow risk

Standard food hygiene is high; risk is minimal for most travellers.

Air pollutionModerate risk

Urban areas, especially Milan and Turin, can have high smog levels; sensitive individuals should take precautions.

Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.

Immigration offices for extensions

Rome
Ufficio Immigrazione della Questura di Roma
Via della Greca 5, 00186 Roma
Mon–Fri 08:30–13:30

Handles residence permits and extensions; bring passport, visa, and proof of accommodation.

Milan
Ufficio Immigrazione della Questura di Milano
Via Montebello 26, 20121 Milano
Mon–Fri 08:30–13:30

Busy office; appointments recommended for permit renewals.

Practical information for TZ travellers

Country basics
CapitalRome
LanguageItalian
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid. IDP recommended.
Money
CurrencyEuro (EUR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 0.86 EUR
updated May 30
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,F,LType C, F, L — US plugs do not fit. Bring a European adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe throughout Italy. 'Acqua del rubinetto' is drinkable.
Emergency numbers
Police112
Medical112
EU emergency112
US EmbassyFind contact

Getting to Italy

5,823 kmgreat circle distance
~8hfrom Tanzania
Find flights

Nearby destinations you can also visit

Countries close to Italy — with your same passport.

Frequently asked questions

No. Italy does not offer visa on arrival for Tanzanian passport holders. You must get a Schengen visa from the Italian embassy in Tanzania before you travel.
Standard processing is 15 calendar days from the date of application. It can take up to 30 days during busy periods (summer, holidays). Apply at least 4–6 weeks before your trip.
The Schengen visa fee is €80 for adults (about 200,000 TZS). Children aged 6–12 pay €40, and children under 6 are free. Fees are non-refundable even if your visa is denied.
The standard Schengen visa allows a maximum stay of 90 days within any 180-day period. For longer stays (study, work, family reunion), you need a national visa (D visa) — apply at the embassy with different requirements.
Yes. You need to show you have enough money for your stay — typically €50–€100 per day. Bank statements from the last 3 months or a sponsor letter with their bank statements will work.
Yes. An Italian Schengen visa allows you to travel to all 27 Schengen countries (France, Germany, Spain, etc.) for up to 90 days. Just make sure Italy is your main destination or first point of entry.
You'll receive a letter explaining the reason. You can appeal within 60 days to the Italian embassy or reapply with stronger documents. Common reasons: insufficient funds, unclear travel plans, or weak ties to Tanzania.

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.