Lost or Stolen Tanzania Passport

1. File a police report at the nearest police station in the country where the loss/theft occurred. Get a copy of the report - you will need it.
2. Contact the nearest Tanzania embassy or high commission immediately. Explain the situation and ask for guidance. Find your nearest embassy.
3. If you need to travel urgently, ask about an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) which can be issued within 1-3 business days.
4. Cancel lost passport - the embassy will arrange cancellation of the lost passport in the system to prevent misuse.
5. Apply for a replacement passport at the embassy or wait until you return to Tanzania.

If you need to travel before a replacement passport can be issued, the embassy can issue an Emergency Travel Document (ETD).

• Purpose: One-way travel back to Tanzania (or sometimes onward travel)
• Validity: Usually valid for a single journey within 30 days
• Fee: USD 30-50
• Processing: 1-3 business days (urgent cases same day)
• Requirements: Police report, proof of identity, two photos, completed application form

Full ETD Guide

To obtain a full replacement e-passport, you will need:

• Police report (original or certified copy)
• Completed passport application form
• Tanzanian birth certificate or National ID
• Two recent passport photographs (45mm x 35mm, white background)
• Proof of Tanzanian citizenship (citizenship certificate, old passport copy if available)
• Proof of residence in host country
• Declaration stating circumstances of loss/theft
• Payment of USD 90

Processing time: 6-12 weeks (same as standard passport application from abroad). The application is forwarded to Dar es Salaam for processing.

• Keep a photocopy of your passport's data page separate from your actual passport
• Store a digital copy (photo/scan) in your email or cloud storage
• Use hotel room safes when not carrying your passport
• Carry your passport in a secure, anti-theft travel pouch
• Note the passport number and date of issue separately
• Know the address and phone number of the nearest Tanzania embassy before travelling