Tanzania Emergency Travel Document
An Emergency Travel Document (ETD) is a temporary travel document issued by Tanzania embassies to citizens who need to travel urgently but do not have a valid passport.
Need emergency help? Contact your nearest Tanzania embassy immediately. For after-hours emergencies, many embassies have emergency contact numbers.
When You Can Get an ETD
An Emergency Travel Document may be issued when:
- Your passport has been lost or stolen abroad
- Your passport has expired and you need to travel urgently
- Your passport is damaged beyond use
- You are a first-time applicant needing urgent travel
- Your passport renewal is still being processed and you need to travel
How to Apply
- Report to police (if lost/stolen) and obtain a police report
- Contact the nearest Tanzania embassy and explain your emergency
- Visit the embassy in person with the following documents:
- Police report (for lost/stolen passports)
- Any form of identification (National ID, driving licence, expired passport copy)
- Two recent passport photographs
- Travel itinerary or flight booking
- Completed ETD application form (available at embassy)
- Pay the fee (USD 30-50)
- Receive the ETD (usually within 1-3 business days, same-day for genuine emergencies)
ETD Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Validity | Single journey, usually 30 days |
| Travel permitted | Direct route back to Tanzania (some allow onward travel) |
| Fee | USD 30 - 50 |
| Processing time | 1-3 business days (same-day for emergencies) |
| Issued by | Tanzania embassies and high commissions |
Important Limitations
- An ETD is not a passport - it is a temporary single-journey document
- Some countries may not accept ETDs for transit - check with airlines and transit countries
- You must apply for a full e-passport upon return to Tanzania or at your next embassy visit
- ETDs are typically valid for one journey only and cannot be extended
- Airlines may require advance notification about ETD travel
FAQ
ETDs are primarily for returning to Tanzania. Some embassies may issue them for travel to a third country in exceptional circumstances, but this must be arranged in advance.
Contact the nearest Tanzania embassy in a neighbouring country, or contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dar es Salaam. You may also seek assistance from the embassy of an East African Community member state.