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Tanzania e-Passport Application 2026
The Tanzania e-passport is a biometric electronic passport meeting ICAO standards. It contains a chip with your fingerprints and digital photo, making it more secure and widely accepted for international travel. All Tanzanians should transition to the e-passport.
Required Documents
For New Applications
- Birth certificate (original)
- National ID card (NIDA) or national ID number
- 4 passport-size photographs (white background, recent)
- Completed application form
- Payment receipt
For Renewals
- All of the above, plus:
- Current or expired passport (original)
- If name changed: marriage certificate, deed poll, or court order
For Applications Abroad (at embassies)
- All of the above, plus:
- Proof of legal residence in the host country
- Embassy-specific application form
Fees
| Location | Standard Fee | Emergency Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Within Tanzania | TZS 50,000 (~USD 20) | TZS 150,000 (~USD 60) |
| At embassies abroad | USD 90 | USD 150-200 |
Biometric Capture Process
The e-passport requires in-person biometric capture:
- Fingerprints: All 10 fingerprints are scanned digitally
- Digital photo: A digital photograph is taken at the office (not your submitted photos)
- Signature: Digital signature captured
This data is stored on the passport's microchip and cannot be altered, making the e-passport significantly more secure than the old format.
Processing Times
| Location | Standard | Emergency |
|---|---|---|
| Dar es Salaam HQ | 2-3 weeks | 3-5 working days |
| Regional offices (Tanzania) | 3-4 weeks | 1-2 weeks |
| Embassies abroad | 6-8 weeks | 2-3 weeks |
Where to Apply
Within Tanzania
- Immigration Department HQ: Kurasini, Dar es Salaam
- Regional Immigration Offices: All 31 regions
- Zanzibar: Immigration Office, Stone Town
Abroad
Apply at any Tanzania embassy or high commission. See full embassy directory or country-specific guides:
Quick Facts
- Type: ICAO-compliant biometric
- Chip: Contains fingerprints + photo
- Validity: 5 years (standard)
- Fee (Tanzania): TZS 50,000
- Fee (abroad): USD 90
- In person: Required (biometrics)