Tanzania Tourist Visa
Ordinary Visa · For Germany citizens
Planning a safari adventure or Zanzibar beach holiday as a German citizen? You can visit Tanzania with an Ordinary Visa costing just $50. Apply online through the official e-visa portal or obtain one on arrival at major airports. Processing takes up to 10 days, and the visa allows stays of up to 90 days. With straightforward requirements and a 95% approval rate, the process is simple for German passport holders.
Tanzania Tourist Visa for German Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For Germany citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Tanzania
A recent colored passport-style photograph
Clear scan or photo of your passport's biographical data page
Proof of return or onward travel from Tanzania
Valid payment method for the $50 visa fee
Recommended (Optional)
International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever
Information about where you will stay in Tanzania
Inbound Travel Insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation
What is the Tanzania Tourist Visa?
The Ordinary Visa is the standard travel authorization for German citizens visiting Tanzania for tourism, visiting friends and family, attending conferences, or transit purposes.1 Unlike American citizens who must obtain a Multiple Entry Visa at $100, German passport holders can apply for the more affordable Ordinary Visa at just $50.3
This visa allows a single entry into Tanzania with a stay of up to 90 days.2 It covers both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar with no additional visa required.2
Application Process
You have two options for obtaining your Tanzania visa: apply online before travel (recommended) or obtain it on arrival.2
Option 1: Online E-Visa Application (Recommended)
1. Visit the Official Portal
Go to visa.immigration.go.tz and create an account using your email address.1 You will receive an Application ID to track your application.
2. Complete the Application Form
Fill in your personal details, passport information, and travel plans.1 Select “Ordinary Visa” as your visa type and “Holiday/Tourism” as your purpose. If visiting both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, select your first destination.2
3. Upload Required Documents
Upload a clear scan of your passport bio-data page and a passport-sized photograph meeting the specifications.2 Ensure files are in JPG or JPEG format and under 500KB.
4. Pay the Fee
Pay the $50 visa fee using Visa or Mastercard.3 You will receive a confirmation notification after successful payment.
5. Wait for Approval
Applications are processed within 10 working days.2 You will receive a Visa Grant Notice via email once approved. Print this notice or save it on your phone to present upon arrival in Tanzania.
Option 2: Visa on Arrival
German citizens can also obtain visas at major entry points including:4
- Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam)
- Kilimanjaro International Airport
- Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (Zanzibar)
- Major land border crossings
Bring your passport, return ticket, and $50 in USD cash (clean, undamaged bills).2 Processing times vary but can be longer during peak tourist season.
Fees
| Fee Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary Visa (Online) | $50 | Standard processing within 10 days |
| Ordinary Visa (On Arrival) | $50 | Payable in USD cash |
| Multiple Entry Visa | $100 | For multiple visits over 12 months |
| Business Visa | $250 | For short-term business activities |
| Transit Visa | $30 | For stays up to 7 days while transiting |
The visa fee is non-refundable regardless of the application outcome.1 Payment for online applications must be made via Visa or Mastercard.2
What You Can Do With Your Visa
The Ordinary Visa allows you to visit Tanzania for:2
Tourism and Safari
- Wildlife safaris in Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and other parks
- Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
- Beach holidays in Zanzibar
- Visiting national parks and conservation areas
Visiting People
- Staying with friends or family in Tanzania
- Attending weddings or family events
Other Permitted Activities
- Attending meetings or conferences
- Participating in workshops or exhibitions
- Transit to another destination (up to 7 days with Transit Visa)
What You Cannot Do
Your tourist visa does not permit:2
- Working or conducting paid business activities
- Taking up employment
- Volunteering (requires appropriate permit)
- Studying long-term (requires Student Visa)
- Residing permanently in Tanzania
Processing Times
| Application Method | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Online E-Visa | Up to 10 working days |
| Visa on Arrival | Same day (queue times vary) |
Apply online at least two weeks before your travel date to allow buffer time for any delays.2 If your visa is not processed within 10 days, contact immigration at info@immigration.go.tz.2
Zanzibar Entry Requirements
All visitors to Zanzibar must have mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC).4 This is in addition to your Tanzania visa.
Key points about Zanzibar insurance:5
- Required for all non-residents
- Coverage for the duration of your stay (up to 92 days)
- Must be purchased from ZIC only
- Other international travel insurance policies are not accepted
- Purchase online at visitzanzibar.go.tz before arrival
You may be refused entry to Zanzibar without this insurance.4
At the Tanzania Border
Upon arrival in Tanzania, present the following to the Immigration Officer:4
- Valid German passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Visa Grant Notice (if applied online) or visa fee (if applying on arrival)
- Return or onward ticket
- Yellow fever certificate (if traveling from endemic country)
- Zanzibar insurance confirmation (if visiting the island)
The Immigration Officer will stamp your passport with a Visitor’s Pass valid for up to 90 days.2 You can travel freely between mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar during this period, but Zanzibar insurance is checked separately on the island.5
If Your Application is Rejected
Rejections are uncommon for German citizens and typically result from technical errors rather than eligibility issues.1 If rejected:
1. Review the Rejection Reason
Check your email for details about why your application was denied. Common issues include document quality or information mismatches.1
2. Correct and Reapply
Fix the identified issues and submit a new application. Ensure all information matches your passport exactly.1
3. Consider Visa on Arrival
If your travel date is approaching, you can obtain a visa on arrival at major airports and border crossings.4 This bypasses online processing delays.
4. Contact Support
For unresolved issues, contact Tanzania Immigration at info@immigration.go.tz or visatanzania@immigration.go.tz.2
Travel Advisory Note
The Auswärtiges Amt (German Foreign Office) advises against all but essential travel to parts of Tanzania, particularly areas near the borders with Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Mozambique, as well as the southern Mtwara region.4 Most tourist areas, including the northern safari circuit, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Zanzibar, remain popular and are visited by millions of travelers annually. Review the current advisory at auswaertiges-amt.de before traveling.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Incorrect or Incomplete Information
Errors in personal details such as passport number, name spelling, or date of birth that do not match your passport exactly will result in rejection.
How to avoid: Double-check all information against your passport before submitting. Copy passport details exactly as they appear, including any middle names or umlauts in German names.
Poor Quality Documents
Blurry passport scans, photos that do not meet specifications, or documents that are too dark or unreadable will cause your application to be rejected.
How to avoid: Use good lighting when scanning documents. Ensure all text is clearly legible. Follow photo specifications exactly: 35x45mm, plain background, under 500KB.
Passport Validity Issues
Passports that expire within 6 months of the travel date or have no blank pages available for the visa stamp will be rejected.
How to avoid: Check your passport expiry date before applying. Renew if it expires within 6 months of your planned entry. Ensure at least one blank page is available.
Payment Processing Failure
Incomplete payment, declined cards, or payment from cards without international transaction capability will cause application failure.
How to avoid: Use a Visa or Mastercard enabled for international transactions. Contact your bank beforehand if needed. Confirm payment success before closing the application.
Wrong Visa Type Selected
Selecting the wrong visa category (such as Business instead of Ordinary for tourism) or purpose of visit will result in rejection.
How to avoid: German citizens should select Ordinary Visa for tourism purposes. Read the visa guidelines carefully before starting your application.
Previous Immigration Violations
History of overstaying visas in Tanzania or other countries, or previous deportations, may result in rejection.
How to avoid: If you have past immigration issues, be prepared to explain circumstances. Consider applying well in advance to allow time for any additional processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do German citizens need a visa to visit Tanzania?
Yes. German citizens must obtain a visa to visit Tanzania. You can apply for an Ordinary Visa online through the e-visa portal for $50, or obtain a visa on arrival at major airports and border crossings. The visa allows stays of up to 90 days.
How long does Tanzania e-visa processing take for German citizens?
Online applications are processed within 10 working days. Most applications are approved faster. Apply well in advance of your travel date to avoid delays. If you need to travel urgently, visa on arrival is available at major entry points.
Can I get a Tanzania visa on arrival as a German citizen?
Yes. German citizens can obtain a visa on arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam), Kilimanjaro International Airport, Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (Zanzibar), and other major entry points. Bring your passport, return ticket, and $50 in USD cash.
How long is the Tanzania visa valid for German citizens?
The Ordinary Visa for German citizens allows a single entry with a stay of up to 90 days. The visa is typically valid for 90 days from the date of issue, during which you must enter Tanzania.
What is the Tanzania visa fee for German citizens in 2025?
German citizens pay $50 for an Ordinary Visa. This is lower than the $100 Multiple Entry Visa required for American citizens. The fee can be paid online via Visa or Mastercard, or in USD cash on arrival.
Do I need a separate visa for Zanzibar?
No. Your Tanzania visa covers both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. However, Zanzibar requires mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation for all visitors. Purchase this before arrival at visitzanzibar.go.tz.
What if my Tanzania e-visa application is rejected?
Rejections are rare for German citizens and usually due to technical issues like incorrect information or poor quality documents. You can reapply after correcting the issues. Alternatively, you can obtain a visa on arrival if your travel date is approaching.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccination for Tanzania?
Yellow fever vaccination is required only if you are traveling from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country. If flying directly from Germany, it is not required. However, the vaccine may be recommended for travel to certain areas of Tanzania.
Can I extend my stay beyond 90 days in Tanzania?
Yes. You can apply for an extension at the Immigration Department in Tanzania before your 90-day period expires. Extensions are granted at the discretion of immigration authorities and require payment of additional fees.
What documents should I bring to Tanzania?
Bring your passport with at least 6 months validity, printed visa grant notice or e-visa approval (if applied online), return ticket, proof of accommodation, yellow fever certificate if applicable, and Zanzibar insurance if visiting the island.