Tanzania Passport Renewal Guide
Renew your Tanzanian e-passport at any embassy abroad or through the online portal within Tanzania. This guide covers the complete renewal process step by step.
Renew Early: Begin the renewal process at least 6 months before your passport expires. Many countries will not admit you if your passport has fewer than 6 months validity.
When to Renew
You should renew your Tanzania passport if:
- Your passport has expired or will expire within 12 months
- You still hold an old machine-readable passport (MRP) - all MRPs have been phased out
- Your passport is damaged or has insufficient blank pages
- Your personal details have changed (name change, etc.)
- Your passport was issued when you were a child and your appearance has changed significantly
Renewal Process at an Embassy Abroad
- Contact your nearest Tanzania embassy to schedule an appointment and confirm requirements
- Gather required documents:
- Current or expired Tanzanian passport (original)
- Completed application form (available at embassy or online)
- Two recent passport photographs (45mm x 35mm, white background)
- Proof of residence in host country (utility bill, residence card, etc.)
- National ID or birth certificate (if requested)
- Attend in person for biometric capture (fingerprints, photograph, signature)
- Pay the renewal fee of USD 90
- Receive your receipt/acknowledgment with an expected collection date
- Wait for processing (6-12 weeks - applications are processed in Dar es Salaam)
- Collect your new passport from the embassy, or arrange postal delivery (additional fee)
Online Renewal (Within Tanzania)
- Visit eservices.immigration.go.tz
- Create an account or log in with existing credentials
- Select "Passport Renewal" and fill in the application form
- Upload your documents (birth certificate, previous passport, photo)
- Pay online (TZS 50,000 standard / TZS 150,000 express)
- Visit your nearest Immigration office for biometric capture
- Track your application status online
- Collect your passport when ready (standard: 4-8 weeks, express: 2-4 weeks)
Renewal Fees
| Location | Fee | Processing |
|---|---|---|
| Within Tanzania (standard) | TZS 50,000 | 4-8 weeks |
| Within Tanzania (express) | TZS 150,000 | 2-4 weeks |
| At Embassy Abroad | USD 90 | 6-12 weeks |
Fees are non-refundable. Additional postal/courier fees may apply.
Important Notes
- Your old passport will be returned to you cancelled (holes punched) along with the new one
- If you have valid visas in your old passport, keep it alongside your new passport when travelling
- Children under 16 require both parents' consent for passport renewal
- If your passport was lost or stolen, the process is different - see Lost Passport Guide
- Name changes require additional documentation (marriage certificate, deed poll, etc.)
Frequently Asked Questions
No. You must attend in person at an embassy or immigration office because biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) must be captured. However, some embassies can return the completed passport by post.
Your old passport is typically kept by the embassy during processing. If you need to travel urgently, ask about an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) or discuss timing with the embassy before submitting your passport.
Your old passport is cancelled and returned to you with holes punched through it. If it contains valid visas from other countries, keep it with your new passport when travelling.
Quick Summary
- Fee (abroad): USD 90
- Fee (domestic): TZS 50,000
- Processing: 6-12 weeks abroad
- In-person: Required (biometrics)
- Renew from: 12 months before expiry