What services do Tanzania embassies provide to citizens?

Tanzania embassies and high commissions provide passport services (new, renewal, replacement), birth registration for children born abroad, notarial services (authentication of documents), emergency travel documents, welfare and distress assistance, and consular visits for detained citizens.

How do I register a birth at a Tanzania embassy?

Visit the nearest Tanzania embassy with the original birth certificate from the host country, both parents passports, marriage certificate (if applicable), and completed registration form. The embassy registers the birth and issues a Tanzanian birth certificate. Fee is approximately USD 30-50.

What should I do if I am arrested abroad as a Tanzanian citizen?

Contact the nearest Tanzania embassy or high commission immediately. Under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, you have the right to contact your embassy. The embassy can visit you, ensure you are treated fairly, provide a list of local lawyers, and contact your family.

Last updated: April 2026

Tanzania Citizen Services Abroad

Tanzania embassies and high commissions provide essential consular services to Tanzanian citizens living or travelling abroad. This page covers all services available, how to access them, and what documents you need.

Passport Services

New passport application: For Tanzanians abroad who have never held a passport or whose passport is lost/stolen
Passport renewal: Renew expired or expiring Tanzanian passports. See Passport Renewal Guide
Emergency travel document: For urgent travel when passport is lost/stolen. See Emergency Travel Documents
Child passports: Issue passports for children born abroad to Tanzanian parents

Fees: USD 90 for standard e-passport renewal abroad. Processing time: 4-8 weeks.

Birth Registration

Tanzanian citizens who have a child born abroad can register the birth at the nearest embassy or high commission.

Required Documents

Original birth certificate from the host country (translated into English if necessary)
Both parents' Tanzanian passports (or at least one parent must be Tanzanian)
Marriage certificate (if applicable)
Completed birth registration form (available at the embassy)
Passport-size photos of the child

Fee: Approximately USD 30-50. Processing: 2-4 weeks.

Notarial & Document Services

Document authentication: Legalization of documents for use in Tanzania
Notarial services: Certification of copies, witnessing signatures, administering oaths
Power of attorney: Preparation and certification of powers of attorney
Affidavits: Sworn statements for legal use
Translation certification: Certification of translated documents

Emergency & Welfare Assistance

The embassy can help with:

Lost/stolen passport: Issue emergency travel documents for return to Tanzania
Arrest or detention: Consular visits, ensure fair treatment, provide lawyer lists
Medical emergency: Help contact family, assist with hospital communication
Death abroad: Assist with repatriation of remains, death registration, notify family
Natural disaster/conflict: Evacuation assistance, registration of affected citizens
Destitution: Limited emergency financial assistance for stranded citizens

Emergency contacts: Ministry of Foreign Affairs: +255 22 211 1906. For after-hours emergencies, contact the nearest embassy's emergency number listed on their voicemail.

Diaspora Services

Diaspora registration: Register with the embassy to receive updates and emergency notifications
Investment guidance: Information about investment opportunities in Tanzania
Community events: Embassy-organized events for the Tanzanian diaspora
Dual citizenship information: Tanzania does not allow dual citizenship. See Citizenship Information

Emergency Numbers

Ministry of Foreign Affairs:
+255 22 211 1906
Tanzania in London:
+44 207 569 1470
Tanzania in Washington DC:
+1 (202) 884-1080
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