Tanzania eVisa for France

Planning a trip to Tanzania is a dream for many French citizens, from the snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro to the white sands of Zanzibar. However, navigating entry requirements can be confusing.

To help you prepare, we have compiled a complete guide answering the most common questions French travelers have. This guide includes details about Tanzania eVisa for France Citizens, document requirements, processing times, and why using a specialized service might be your best option.

Do French citizens need a visa for Tanzania?

Yes. French citizens are required to hold a valid visa to enter the United Republic of Tanzania. You cannot enter the country visa-free.

French passport holders are eligible for the Tanzania eVisa (Electronic Visa), which is the most convenient method. This digital system allows you to secure your entry permit online before you even pack your bags, avoiding the stress of potential queues upon arrival.

What documents are needed for a French citizen to get a Tanzanian tourist eVisa?

To ensure a smooth Tanzania Visa application, you must have the following documents scanned and ready. Based on the official requirements, please ensure all files are in PNG or JPEG format.

1. Valid Passport Bio Page: A clear scan of the information page of your French passport. It must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival.
2. Applicant Photo: A recent passport-style digital photograph (see guidelines below).
3. Return/Onward Ticket: Proof that you have a flight booked to leave Tanzania, either back to France or to a third destination.
4. Proof of Accommodation: While not always mandatory for every applicant to upload, you should be prepared to show a hotel booking or a letter from your host.

Note: If you are applying for a Business Visa, you will also need an invitation letter from the Tanzanian company, a cover letter from your French employer, and a copy of the host company's registration.

Are there restrictions on dual nationality when obtaining a Tanzanian eVisa?

Tanzania does not recognize dual citizenship for its own citizens, but this restriction does not strictly apply to tourists visiting the country.

However, there is a critical rule for French citizens with dual nationality: You must enter Tanzania using the same passport you used to apply for the eVisa. If you apply using your French passport but present a passport from another country at the border, your visa will be considered invalid, and you may be denied entry.

What are the typical visa processing times for Tanzanian tourist visa applications submitted by French citizens?

According to the official immigration system, standard processing is quite efficient, but it is not instant.

• Normal Processing: 4 to 7 Working Days.
• Recommendation: We advise applying at least 15 days before your travel date to account for weekends or system maintenance.

What photo guidelines are recommended for a Tanzanian visa application?

Your application photo is crucial. If it does not meet the standards, your visa could be rejected.

• Background: Must be a plain white background.
• Expression: Neutral expression (no smiling, mouth closed).
• Accessories: No glasses (unless for medical reasons) and no headwear (unless for religious purposes).
• Format: The file must be a clear JPEG or PNG.

How can French citizens apply for a Tanzanian visa?

The application process is entirely digital. When applying, you will need to select the correct "Purpose of Visit" from the official menu to match your visa type:

• Leisure/Holiday: For standard tourist visits.
• Visiting Friends and Relatives: If staying with a host.
• Academic Purposes: For students or research.
• Business Consultants: Only for Business Visas.

Steps to Apply:

1. Fill in your personal details and select the correct purpose of travel.
2. Upload your documents (Passport, Photo, Ticket).
3. Make the payment online.

What are the requirements for a passport to enter Tanzania?

Your French passport must meet two strict criteria:

1. Validity: It must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you intend to enter Tanzania.
2. Blank Pages: It must have at least one blank page available for the immigration officer to stamp your entry and exit.

What are some popular tourist destinations in Tanzania?

French travelers often flock to these world-renowned sites:

• Serengeti National Park: For the Great Migration.
• Zanzibar (Unguja): For Stone Town’s history and Nungwi’s beaches.
• Mount Kilimanjaro: For the ultimate trekking challenge.
• Ngorongoro Crater: A UNESCO World Heritage site with dense wildlife.
• Tarangire National Park: Famous for huge elephant herds and baobab trees.

What should I pack for a trip to Tanzania?

• Clothing: Neutral colors (khaki, tan, green) are essential for safaris to blend in and avoid attracting Tsetse flies (which love dark blue and black).
• Essentials: High SPF sunscreen, insect repellent with DEET, and a universal power adapter (Type G).
• Documents: Physical copies of your eVisa and Yellow Fever certificate (if transiting through a high-risk country for >12 hours).

Are there faster processing options for a Tanzanian visa than the standard?

Yes. If you are short on time, you can select Rush Processing.

• Rush Processing Time: 3 to 5 Working Days.
• This prioritizes your application in the queue. However, if you are traveling in less than 3 days, you may need to rely on a Visa on Arrival, which carries the risk of long airport queues.

How long is the Tanzania tourist visa valid for?

• Validity: The standard Ordinary (Tourist) Visa is valid for 90 days from the date of arrival.
• Entry: It is typically a Single Entry visa.
• Multiple Entry: If you require a Multiple Entry Visa (valid for 12 months), you usually need to provide specific justification, such as being a director of a company or a spouse of a resident.

What are the advantages of using a visa agency instead of applying for a visa independently?

While applying directly is possible, many travelers prefer using a professional agency for a stress-free experience. Here is why:

1. Fast and Hassle-Free: Skip the confusing government forms. Agencies streamline the process so you can finish in minutes.
2. Get Approved (98% Success Rate): Government portals can be unforgiving with typos or photo specs. Agencies manually review your documents before submission to ensure they meet strict standards, virtually guaranteeing approval.
3. Secure and Safe: Your data is handled with top-tier security, avoiding the risks of unsecure public networks.
4. Awesome Support: The official portal doesn't offer 24/7 help. Agencies provide round-the-clock support to answer questions, track your status, and resolve issues instantly.

By choosing the right support, you can focus on planning your safari rather than worrying about paperwork. Bon voyage!