Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about Tanzania embassies, passport services, visa requirements, citizenship, and consular services.
Tanzania introduced the biometric e-passport in 2018, replacing the machine-readable passport. To apply, visit your nearest Tanzania embassy or high commission with: a completed application form, your current passport (or birth certificate for first-time applicants), two passport-size photos (white background), and the applicable fee. Domestic fees are TZS 50,000 (ordinary) or TZS 150,000 (express). Abroad, fees range from $55 to $150 depending on the embassy. Biometric data (fingerprints, photo) must be captured in person. Processing takes 4-8 weeks standard, or 2-4 weeks express. The e-passport is valid for 5 years (children) or 10 years (adults).
No. Tanzania does NOT allow dual citizenship under the Tanzania Citizenship Act 1995. Tanzanian citizens who voluntarily acquire citizenship of another country automatically lose their Tanzanian citizenship. Similarly, foreign nationals who acquire Tanzanian citizenship must renounce their previous nationality. This is one of the strictest citizenship laws in East Africa. There have been ongoing discussions about amending this law, but as of 2026, dual citizenship remains prohibited. Tanzanians abroad who naturalise in their host country should be aware that they will lose their Tanzanian citizenship and the right to hold a Tanzanian passport.
Yes. Tanzania offers visa on arrival at major ports of entry including Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Zanzibar (ZNZ), and land borders. Most nationalities can obtain a single-entry tourist visa on arrival for $50 USD. However, it is strongly recommended to apply through the Tanzania e-Visa portal (visa.immigration.go.tz) before travel to avoid queues. Citizens of EAC member states (Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, DRC, Somalia) do not need a visa. Some SADC nationals also enjoy visa-free access.
Visit the official Tanzania Immigration e-Visa portal at visa.immigration.go.tz. Create an account, select your visa type (ordinary, transit, business, or multiple entry), upload required documents (passport bio page, passport photo, return ticket, accommodation booking), pay the visa fee online ($50 single entry, $100 multiple entry), and wait for processing (typically 5-10 business days). Once approved, print your e-Visa approval letter and present it at immigration on arrival. The e-Visa system was introduced to streamline entry and reduce wait times at airports.
Tanzania offers several visa categories: Ordinary Visa ($50) for tourism or short visits up to 90 days; Transit Visa ($30) for passing through Tanzania within 7 days; Business Visa ($250) for business activities; Multiple Entry Visa ($100) for frequent visitors valid for 12 months; Gratis Visa (free) for diplomats and official passport holders on duty. Some nationalities referred to as "referral countries" must have their applications processed in Dar es Salaam, which takes longer. Always check with your nearest embassy for current requirements.
No. Zanzibar is part of the United Republic of Tanzania, and the same Tanzania visa covers travel to both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. There is no separate Zanzibar visa. However, if you fly directly to Zanzibar from outside Tanzania, you will clear immigration at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) where visas on arrival are available. Zanzibar has its own immigration department, but visa policy aligns with mainland Tanzania. Note: Zanzibar has a semi-autonomous government but foreign affairs and immigration remain union matters.
Document authentication (legalisation) at a Tanzania embassy typically involves: bringing the original document and a certified copy, ensuring the document has been notarised by a recognised authority in your country of residence, paying the authentication fee (varies by embassy, typically $20-50 per document), and allowing 3-5 working days for processing. Documents commonly authenticated include educational certificates, marriage certificates, birth certificates, commercial documents, and powers of attorney. Some documents may need to be forwarded to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dar es Salaam for additional verification.
Tanzanian citizens can register births that occur abroad through their nearest embassy or high commission. You will need: the hospital-issued birth certificate from the country of birth, passport copies of both parents, marriage certificate (if applicable), completed registration form from the embassy, and the registration fee. The embassy will forward your application to the Registration, Insolvency and Trusteeship Agency (RITA) in Tanzania, which handles all civil registrations. Processing typically takes 8-12 weeks. A Tanzanian birth certificate will be issued by RITA and can be collected from the embassy.
If your Tanzanian passport is lost or stolen abroad: 1) Report the loss to local police and obtain a police report. 2) Contact the nearest Tanzania embassy or high commission immediately. 3) Apply for an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) if you need to travel urgently. The ETD allows you to return to Tanzania or travel to the nearest embassy that can issue a full passport. 4) Apply for a replacement passport at the embassy. You will need: police report, passport photos, any identification you have, and the replacement fee. Emergency travel documents can typically be issued within 1-3 working days.
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is REQUIRED for travellers arriving from or transiting through countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. This includes most of Central and West Africa, and parts of South America. Tanzania may deny entry or require vaccination at the airport (at your cost) if you arrive without a valid certificate from these countries. Even if not strictly required for your route, the vaccination is recommended for all travellers to Tanzania as the country has areas with yellow fever risk. The International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card) must show vaccination at least 10 days before arrival.
The official currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). As of 2026, approximately 2,600 TZS = 1 USD. US dollars are widely accepted for tourism services (hotels, safaris, park fees), but should be in good condition and printed after 2006. Euros and British pounds can be exchanged at banks and forex bureaux in major cities. ATMs are available in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Zanzibar, and other urban areas. Visa and Mastercard are accepted at larger hotels and restaurants. Mobile money (M-Pesa, Tigo Pesa) is widely used by locals. It is advisable to carry cash in smaller denominations for rural areas.
Key emergency numbers in Tanzania: Police - 112 or 114 (national emergency), Fire - 114, Ambulance - 114 or +255 22 215 0235 (Muhimbili National Hospital), Tourist Police (Dar es Salaam) - +255 22 211 7714, Tourist Police (Arusha) - +255 27 250 3546. For consular emergencies, contact your country's embassy in Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Tourist Board helpline is +255 22 266 4878. In Zanzibar, emergency services can be reached at +255 24 223 0076. Always keep your embassy's emergency number saved in your phone.
Tanzania has three main international airports: Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam, the busiest airport and main international gateway; Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) near Arusha, serving safari and Kilimanjaro travellers; and Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) in Zanzibar, serving the island. All three airports offer visa on arrival services and e-Visa processing. Other airports with some international flights include Mwanza and Songwe. Internal flights connect most major towns and are the fastest way to travel between regions.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation of Tanzania is located in Dar es Salaam. Contact details: Address - Kivukoni Front, P.O. Box 9000, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Phone: +255 22 211 1906. Website: www.foreign.go.tz. The Ministry oversees all diplomatic missions abroad and handles foreign policy, international treaties, and diaspora affairs. For passport enquiries within Tanzania, contact the Immigration Department at www.immigration.go.tz or visit their offices in Dar es Salaam.
Swahili (Kiswahili) is the national and official language of Tanzania, spoken by virtually the entire population. English is the second official language and is used in higher education, government, and business. Over 120 ethnic languages are also spoken across the country. In Zanzibar, Swahili is the primary language with Arabic influences in the dialect. For visitors, English is widely understood in tourist areas, hotels, and by safari guides. Learning basic Swahili greetings (Jambo - Hello, Karibu - Welcome, Asante - Thank you, Hakuna Matata - No worries) is appreciated by locals.
Yes. Visa extensions can be obtained from the Immigration Department offices in Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, or regional immigration offices. You can extend a single-entry visa for an additional 90 days. Required documents include: your passport with the current visa, completed application form, proof of sufficient funds, and the extension fee. Apply before your current visa expires to avoid overstay penalties. Overstaying your visa can result in fines, deportation, and future entry bans. For long-term stays, you will need to apply for a residence permit through the Immigration Department.
Tanzania allows duty-free import of: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars, 1 litre of spirits, personal effects, and gifts up to $500 in value. Prohibited items include: narcotics, counterfeit goods, pornographic material, and plastic bags (Tanzania banned single-use plastic bags in 2019). Firearms require special permits. Wildlife products (ivory, certain skins) are strictly prohibited under CITES. There is no limit on foreign currency brought in, but amounts over $10,000 must be declared. Tanzanian shillings over TZS 500,000 cannot be taken out of the country. Always declare valuable electronics and professional equipment on arrival.
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