Schengen Visa for Tanzanians 2026

Tanzanian citizens need a Schengen visa to visit any of the 29 Schengen Area countries in Europe. This guide covers the full application process, required documents, fees, and where to apply from Tanzania.

Key Facts: A single Schengen visa allows travel across all 29 member states. The visa fee is EUR 80 (approximately TZS 240,000). Processing takes 15 calendar days on average, but apply at least 6 weeks before travel.

What Is the Schengen Area?

The Schengen Area is a zone of 29 European countries that have abolished passport control at their mutual borders. With a single Schengen visa, Tanzanian passport holders can travel freely between these countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

Schengen Member States (29 countries)

  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Bulgaria
  • Croatia
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Italy
  • Latvia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Malta
  • Netherlands
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Romania
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland

Required Documents

All Tanzanian applicants must submit the following documents. Missing items are the most common cause of visa rejection.

DocumentDetails
Completed Application FormPrinted and signed. Download from the consulate or VFS website.
Valid PassportMust be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area. Must have at least 2 blank pages. Issued within the last 10 years.
Passport PhotosTwo recent passport-sized photos (35mm x 45mm), white background, taken within the last 6 months.
Travel InsuranceMinimum coverage of EUR 30,000 for medical emergencies, repatriation, and hospitalisation. Must be valid in all Schengen states.
Flight ItineraryRound-trip flight reservation (do not purchase tickets before visa approval).
Hotel Booking / AccommodationHotel reservations for entire stay, or invitation letter from host with their ID and proof of address.
Bank StatementsLast 3 months of bank statements showing sufficient funds (minimum EUR 50-100/day depending on country).
Employment LetterFrom your employer stating your position, salary, approved leave dates, and confirmation of return. Self-employed applicants need business registration and tax returns.
Travel ItineraryDay-by-day plan of your trip including cities, activities, and transport between destinations.
Cover LetterExplaining the purpose of travel, dates, and why you will return to Tanzania.
Students: Also provide university enrolment letter, student ID, and proof that a parent/sponsor is funding the trip with their bank statements.

Schengen Visa Fees for Tanzanians

CategoryFee (EUR)Approx. TZS
Adult (12 years and older)EUR 80TZS 240,000
Child (6-11 years)EUR 40TZS 120,000
Child (under 6 years)FreeFree
VFS Global Service Fee (if applicable)EUR 20-35TZS 60,000-105,000

Fees are non-refundable even if the visa is refused. Some embassies may waive fees for students, researchers, or official delegations.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Determine the Correct Embassy

Apply at the embassy or consulate of the country you will spend the most time in. If visiting multiple Schengen countries equally, apply at the embassy of the country you will enter first.

Book an Appointment

Many European embassies in Dar es Salaam use VFS Global for visa submissions. Book online at the VFS Tanzania website. Appointments fill up fast during peak season (June-August) so book 4-6 weeks ahead.

Gather Your Documents

Prepare all required documents listed above. Make photocopies of everything. Arrange documents in the order specified by the embassy checklist.

Attend Your Appointment

Visit the VFS centre or embassy on your appointment date. You will submit documents and provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo). Biometrics are stored for 5 years, so repeat applicants may not need to provide them again.

Pay the Fee

Pay the visa fee at the VFS centre or embassy. Cash (USD or EUR) is preferred. Some centres accept card payments.

Wait for Processing

Standard processing is 15 calendar days. In busy periods or for referral cases, this can extend to 45 days. Track your application through VFS online tracking.

Collect Your Passport

Once processed, collect your passport from the VFS centre or embassy. Check the visa sticker carefully for correct dates, number of entries, and personal details.

Where to Apply from Tanzania

Several European embassies operate in Dar es Salaam. For countries without an embassy in Tanzania, applications are handled through neighbouring embassies in Nairobi, Kenya.

CountryEmbassy LocationSubmission Method
FranceDar es SalaamVFS Global / Embassy
GermanyDar es SalaamEmbassy direct
ItalyDar es SalaamVFS Global
NetherlandsDar es SalaamVFS Global
SpainDar es SalaamBLS International
BelgiumDar es SalaamVFS Global
Sweden / Norway / Denmark / FinlandDar es Salaam (shared Nordic centre)VFS Global
SwitzerlandDar es SalaamEmbassy direct
Austria / Greece / Portugal / OthersNairobi, KenyaVFS Global Nairobi

Common Reasons for Rejection

  • Insufficient financial proof: Bank statements showing low balances or no regular income. Top up your account and show consistent deposits for at least 3 months before applying.
  • Weak ties to Tanzania: No evidence of employment, property ownership, family, or business that would ensure your return. Include property deeds, business licences, or family certificates.
  • Incomplete documents: Missing travel insurance, unsigned forms, or expired passport photos. Use the embassy checklist to double-check everything.
  • Unclear travel purpose: Vague itinerary or no logical reason for the trip. Provide a detailed day-by-day travel plan.
  • Previous immigration violations: Overstaying a previous visa anywhere in the world significantly reduces approval chances.

Tips for Tanzanian Applicants

  • Apply early: Book your VFS appointment 6-8 weeks before travel. You can apply up to 6 months before your trip.
  • Do not buy flights first: Only book refundable flight reservations until the visa is approved.
  • Travel insurance: Buy from a reputable provider that covers the entire Schengen area. AAR Insurance, Jubilee, and international providers like Allianz are accepted.
  • Sponsor letters: If someone in Europe is sponsoring your trip, they must provide a formal invitation letter, copy of their residence permit, and their bank statements.
  • Interview preparation: Some embassies conduct short interviews. Be ready to explain your travel plans, funding source, and reason for returning to Tanzania.
  • Multiple entry: If you plan to leave and re-enter the Schengen area during your trip, request a multiple-entry visa on your application form.

Frequently Asked Questions

Standard processing is 15 calendar days from the date of submission. During peak travel season (June to August), processing may take up to 30 days. Some nationalities or complex cases may take up to 45 days. Apply at least 6 weeks before your planned departure.

No. A Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) does not permit employment. Working on a tourist visa is illegal and can result in deportation, fines, and a ban from the Schengen area. To work in Europe, you need a national work visa or residence permit from the specific country.

Tanzania has a relatively high Schengen visa rejection rate, typically between 20-30% depending on the embassy. The most common reasons are insufficient financial proof and weak ties to Tanzania. Thorough preparation of documents significantly improves your chances.

Yes. If your visa is refused, you will receive a refusal letter stating the reason. You can appeal within 1-3 months depending on the country. Alternatively, you can reapply with a stronger application addressing the reasons for refusal. There is no limit on how many times you can reapply.

No. A single Schengen visa is valid for all 29 member states. You apply at the embassy of your main destination country (where you will spend the most nights). Once you have the visa, you can freely travel between all Schengen countries without additional border checks.

Quick Facts

  • Fee: EUR 80 (adults)
  • Processing: 15 days standard
  • Stay: Up to 90 days / 180 days
  • Countries: 29 Schengen states
  • Apply: 6 months to 15 days before travel
  • Biometrics: Required (valid 5 years)

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