Tanzania e-Passport Services
Tanzania introduced the biometric e-passport in 2018, replacing the machine-readable passport. All Tanzanian citizens must now use the e-passport for international travel.
About the Tanzania e-Passport
The Tanzania e-passport is a biometric travel document that complies with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. It contains an electronic chip storing your biometric data including fingerprints and facial photograph.
- Validity: 10 years for adults, 5 years for children under 16
- Pages: 34 or 50 pages
- Biometric data: Fingerprints and digital photo captured at application
- Issuing authority: Tanzania Immigration Department, Ministry of Home Affairs
- Previous passports: All previous passport types (MRP) have expired or are being phased out
Passport Fees
Within Tanzania
| Service | Fee (TZS) | Processing |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary passport (standard) | TZS 50,000 | 4-8 weeks |
| Ordinary passport (express) | TZS 150,000 | 2-4 weeks |
| 50-page passport | TZS 100,000 | 4-8 weeks |
| Children's passport | TZS 50,000 | 4-8 weeks |
At Embassies Abroad
| Service | Fee (USD) | Processing |
|---|---|---|
| New/renewal passport | $55 - $150* | 6-12 weeks |
| Emergency travel document | $30 - $50 | 1-3 days |
| Lost/stolen replacement | $55 - $150* | 6-12 weeks |
*Fees vary by embassy location. Contact your nearest embassy for exact fees. Additional fees may apply for postal return or courier services.
Required Documents
For New Applications
- Completed passport application form (available at embassy)
- Original Tanzanian birth certificate
- National ID card (Kitambulisho cha Taifa) or other proof of Tanzanian citizenship
- Two recent passport-size photographs (white background, 45mm x 35mm)
- Payment of applicable fees
- Personal appearance required for biometric data capture
For Renewals
- Current or expired Tanzanian passport
- Completed application form
- Two passport-size photographs
- Proof of residence in the country (utility bill, residence permit, etc.)
- Payment of applicable fees
- Personal appearance for biometrics
For Children (Under 16)
- Child's birth certificate
- Passport of at least one parent (Tanzanian citizen)
- Consent letter from both parents (if only one parent attending)
- Two passport photos of the child
- Child must be present for photo and, if over 12, fingerprints
Application Process
- Contact your embassy: Call or email to confirm requirements, fees, and book an appointment
- Gather documents: Prepare all required originals and copies
- Visit in person: Attend the embassy with all documents. Biometric data (fingerprints and photo) must be captured
- Pay fees: Pay the applicable fee (check accepted payment methods with your embassy)
- Wait for processing: Applications are forwarded to the Immigration Department in Dar es Salaam
- Collection: Collect your passport from the embassy or arrange postal delivery where available
Important Notes
- You cannot apply for a passport by post - personal appearance is mandatory for biometrics
- An authorised representative cannot submit on your behalf for passport applications
- Processing times are approximate and may vary based on embassy workload
- Keep your receipt/reference number for tracking your application
- Report lost or stolen passports to both local police and your nearest embassy immediately
Related Services
Official Resources
Need to Apply for a Passport?
Find your nearest Tanzania embassy to start the application process