France is one of Tanzania's top source markets for tourism. French citizens need a visa to visit Tanzania, but the process is fully online — no embassy queue, no appointment. Apply, pay USD 50, and receive your approval by email within days.
Do French Citizens Need a Visa for Tanzania?
Yes, French citizens require a visa to enter Tanzania. France is not on Tanzania's visa-exempt list, despite being an EU and Schengen member state. However, the Tanzania e-Visa system makes the process entirely online — no trip to an embassy in Paris.
French passport holders have two practical options: apply online via the Tanzania e-Visa portal before travel, or obtain a visa on arrival at a major Tanzanian international airport. The online route is strongly preferred — it avoids airport queues that can stretch 30-60 minutes during peak season, and gives you confirmed travel authorization before you board.
Note: Tanzania e-Visa and visa on arrival both cost the same (USD 50 for single entry), so the e-Visa provides no cost savings — only convenience and certainty.
Tanzania e-Visa Requirements for French Citizens
- Valid French passport with at least 6 months validity beyond your intended entry date and at least 1 blank visa page
- Recent passport-size digital photo: white or light background, JPEG format, taken within 6 months
- Confirmed return or onward flight booking (PDF or screenshot)
- Proof of accommodation: hotel booking confirmation, lodge reservation, or host invitation letter
- Proof of sufficient funds: recent bank statement (USD 500+ equivalent recommended)
- Travel itinerary (rough day-by-day plan is sufficient)
For French citizens traveling from Metropolitan France, no yellow fever certificate is required — France is not a yellow fever endemic country. However, if you are transiting through a yellow-fever-endemic country (e.g., flying via West Africa), you may need to present a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
Note: French overseas territories (Martinique, Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Réunion) may have different requirements — check with your travel health clinic if departing from these territories.
Tanzania e-Visa Cost for French Citizens
| Visa Type | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| Tourist Single Entry | 50 |
| Tourist Multiple Entry | 100 |
| Business Single Entry | 50 |
| Transit | 30 |
Fees are payable online by Visa or Mastercard. American Express acceptance may vary. All fees are non-refundable, even if the application is rejected.
The multiple entry visa (USD 100) is valid for 12 months and ideal for French travelers planning to combine Tanzania with Kenya or Uganda in a multi-country itinerary.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
- Go to eservices.immigration.go.tz (the official Tanzania Immigration portal — not a third-party site)
- Click "Apply for e-Visa" and create a new account with your email address
- Complete the online application form — your French passport number, travel dates, purpose of visit
- Upload your passport data page scan and recent passport-size photo
- Upload your flight itinerary and accommodation proof
- Review all details carefully before submission
- Pay USD 50 by credit or debit card
- Receive your Application ID — keep it for tracking
- Wait for approval email (typically 3-10 business days)
- Download and print your approved e-Visa — carry it alongside your passport
Tip: Apply at least 2 weeks before departure to allow for the standard processing window plus buffer time.
Processing Time
Standard processing: 3-10 business days
Typical approval for French citizens: 2-5 business days in most reports
The e-Visa is issued for 3 months from the date of issue. Single entry permits a stay of up to 90 days. If you need more time in Tanzania, you can apply for a 60-day extension at the Tanzania Immigration Department (Dar es Salaam or regional offices) while inside the country.
Tanzania e-Visa vs Visa on Arrival for French Citizens
| Factor | e-Visa (online) | Visa on Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Where to apply | Online, before travel | Airport on arrival |
| Cost (single entry) | USD 50 | USD 50 |
| Queue time | None | 30-60 min peak season |
| Risk of denial | Low (pre-screened) | Possible at border |
| Multiple entry option | Yes (USD 100) | No |
| Recommended | Yes | Backup option only |
Visa on arrival is available at Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR, Dar es Salaam), Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), and Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ).
France-Specific Travel Notes
Flights from France to Tanzania: Air France operates direct flights from Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) — a key route for safari-goers heading to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro. Connections to Dar es Salaam (DAR) are available via Nairobi (Kenya Airways, Air France codeshare), Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines), or Dubai (Emirates). Flight time Paris–Kilimanjaro: approximately 11-12 hours direct.
French travel popularity: France consistently ranks in Tanzania's top 5 source markets for tourism. French-speaking guides are available at most major safari lodges and in Zanzibar. Many Zanzibar guesthouses have French-speaking staff.
Tanzania's French-language presence: Zanzibar's historical ties to France (French merchants were active on the Swahili Coast) mean some cultural sites have French-language interpretation. In the Serengeti, several premium lodges cater specifically to French clientele.
Health requirements: Malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended for all Tanzania destinations. Consult your médecin traitant or travel health clinic (Centre de vaccination international) at least 4-6 weeks before departure.