Tanzania e-Passport Guide
Tanzania introduced the biometric electronic passport (e-passport) in 2018, replacing the older machine-readable passport (MRP). All Tanzanian citizens must now use the e-passport for international travel.
What is the Tanzania e-Passport?
The Tanzania e-passport is an ICAO-compliant biometric travel document featuring an embedded electronic chip. The chip securely stores the holder's personal data, fingerprints, signature, and digital photograph, all laser-printed directly onto the passport.
Key Features
- Embedded electronic chip with biometric data
- Fingerprints and digital photograph stored on chip
- Laser-printed personal data (tamper-proof)
- ICAO 9303 compliant
- Machine-readable zone (MRZ)
- Enhanced security features to prevent fraud
Specifications
- Pages: 34 or 50 pages
- Validity: 10 years (adults), 5 years (under 16)
- Issuing Authority: Immigration Department, Ministry of Home Affairs
- Colour: Navy blue (Ordinary), Green (Official), Red (Diplomatic)
- Languages: English, Swahili
How to Apply for a Tanzania e-Passport
Option 1: Apply Online (Within Tanzania)
- Visit eservices.immigration.go.tz
- Create an account or log in
- Fill in the online passport application form
- Upload required documents (birth certificate, photo, National ID)
- Pay the fee online (TZS 50,000 standard / TZS 150,000 express)
- Visit the nearest Immigration office for biometric capture (fingerprints and photograph)
- Collect your passport after processing (10-14 business days standard)
Option 2: Apply at Embassy (Abroad)
- Contact your nearest Tanzania embassy or high commission
- Schedule an appointment for passport application
- Complete the application form (available at embassy)
- Bring all required documents (see below)
- Attend in person for biometric data capture
- Pay the fee (USD 90)
- Wait for processing (6-12 weeks as application is sent to Dar es Salaam)
- Collect from embassy or receive by post (additional fee may apply)
Required Documents
New Application
- Completed passport application form
- Original Tanzanian birth certificate
- National ID card (Kitambulisho cha Taifa) or citizenship certificate
- Two recent passport photographs (45mm x 35mm, white background)
- Payment receipt for passport fees
- Personal appearance required for biometric capture
Renewal
- Current or expired Tanzanian passport
- Completed application form
- Two passport photographs
- Proof of residence in host country (if applying abroad)
- Payment receipt
Children (Under 16)
- Birth certificate of the child
- Parents' Tanzanian passports (copies)
- Consent from both parents (or court order)
- Two passport photographs of the child
- Child must appear in person for biometrics
e-Passport Fees
| Location | Standard Fee | Express Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Within Tanzania (34 pages) | TZS 50,000 | TZS 150,000 |
| Within Tanzania (50 pages) | TZS 100,000 | TZS 200,000 |
| At Embassy Abroad | USD 90 | N/A |
Biometric Capture Requirements
The biometric capture process is mandatory and requires your personal attendance. You cannot have someone else attend on your behalf.
What is Captured
- Fingerprints: All 10 fingers are scanned electronically
- Digital photograph: A high-resolution photo taken at the office/embassy
- Digital signature: Your signature is captured electronically
Photo Requirements
- White or off-white background
- Size: 45mm x 35mm
- Face clearly visible, no glasses, no head covering (unless religious)
- Neutral expression, mouth closed
- Taken within the last 6 months
Frequently Asked Questions
All old machine-readable passports (MRPs) have been phased out. If you still hold an old passport, you must apply for the new e-passport before travelling internationally.
You can start the online application, but you must attend a Tanzania embassy or high commission in person for biometric capture (fingerprints and photograph). The application is then forwarded to the Immigration Department in Dar es Salaam for processing.
Processing takes 6-12 weeks when applied from abroad, as the application is sent to the Immigration Department in Dar es Salaam for processing. Within Tanzania, standard processing is 4-8 weeks and express is 2-4 weeks.
Both are identical in function and validity. The 50-page passport is recommended for frequent travellers who require more pages for visa stamps. The 50-page version costs TZS 100,000 within Tanzania.
Quick Facts
- Introduced: 2018
- Standard: ICAO 9303
- Validity: 10 years (adults)
- Fee (domestic): TZS 50,000
- Fee (abroad): USD 90
- Biometrics: Required in person