Tanzanian Passport – History, Validity, Languages, Visa Requirements and More
The Tanzanian passport is issued to citizens of The United Republic of Tanzania by the Department of Immigration which is the competent authority responsible for issuing passports for international travel purposes. Established under Tanzania’s Department of Home Affairs (in Swahili: Wizara ya Mambo ya Ndani ya Nchi), the Immigration Department only issues passports to Tanzanian nationals. The Tanzanian passport is of three types: Service, Diplomatic and Ordinary.
In compliance with the integration plans of the East African Community, the United Republic of Tanzania has commenced the issuance of the latest East African format electronic passports as of January 2018.
The New Tanzanian Passport
Features E Passport Tanzania:
- Biometric identifier
- Advanced security features
- Electronic chip containing similar details as the old passport
- Passport holder’s digital picture
The Tanzanian Immigration Department issues the new Tanzania e passport under various colors – navy blue for Ordinary, red for Diplomatic, and green for Service passports. As of January 2018, the new ePassport is accessible to all Tanzanian citizens who need passports for the purpose of international travel. The previous ordinary passport was kept in use until January 2020, when it was officially put out of service and replaced with the new ePassport.
History of the Tanzanian Passport
Prior to the introduction and issuance of ePassports to Tanzanian nationals, the Tanzanian Passport Control Authority issued a machine-readable version of passports. Before then, during the 1970s, there existed another model where the passport holder’s data was either handwritten or typewritten due to the lack of computer technology at the time.
In comparison to the current Tanzanian ePassports, the color green was for the old Ordinary Tanzanian Passport, black for Diplomatic Passport, and blue for the Service Passport. The new Tanzanian ePassport is consistent with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s standards. The passport holder’s photograph, fingerprints, and signature would be acquired and saved digitally in a database upon the first issuing of the passport. However, the holder’s digital photograph would be the only thing coded in the physical passport in a 2D barcode. This, together with the personal identification information and holder’s picture, are laser-printed directly on the passport.
Validity of a Tanzanian Passport
From the date of issuance, a Tanzanian passport is typically valid for 10 years. Holders have to renew it upon expiration in order for them to continue traveling. However, holders who travel frequently can renew theirs a couple of months before expiration to avoid stress and inconvenience.
Tanzanian Passport Languages
Information contained in the Tanzanian passport is provided in Kiswahili (Tanzania’s national language) and English (the two official languages recognized in Tanzania). The data page containing details about the passport holder also includes captions translated in the two official languages.
Description
For Ordinary Tanzanian nationals, the new electronic Tanzanian passports are navy blue in colour, with the country’s coat of arms inscribed in gold in the center of the front cover. The coat of arms reads, “Uhuru na Umoja,” meaning “Freedom and Unity.” At the top is an inscription “East African Community,” which is followed by “The United Republic of Tanzania” inscribed in gold text above the coat of arms. At the bottom is an inscription of the words “Pasipoti” (meaning “Passport” in English) written in gold text too.
The Tanzanian passport’s first page comprises the passport note followed by the page containing the ID information of the passport holder. There are several designs made within the pages of the passport. These include the ‘big five game’ animals found in national parks in Tanzania and former President Julius Nyerere’s unification of Tanganyika and Zanzibar.
The following information is found on the data page:
- 1. Passport number
- 2. Type
- 3. State code
- 4. Name
- 5. Surname
- 6. Birthdate
- 7. Nationality
- 8. Issue date
- 9. Sex
- 10. Electronically printed signature
- 11. Issuing authority
- 12. Place of birth
- 13. Expiry date
East African Passport Tanzania
The East African passport is a regional passport that is issued to citizens of the East African Community (EAC) member states, including Tanzania. The passport allows for free movement of citizens within the EAC region without the need for a visa. The East African passport has enhanced security features and is designed to meet international standards.
Passport Requirements for Tanzania
To apply for a immigration tanzania passport, applicants must meet the following passport requirements Tanzania:
- Proof of Tanzanian citizenship: Applicants must provide evidence of their Tanzanian citizenship, such as a birth certificate or national ID card.
- Completed passport application form: The application form can be downloaded from the Tanzanian Immigration Services Department website or obtained in person at the nearest Tanzanian embassy or consulate.
- Two (2) recent passport-sized photos: The photos must be taken within the last six months and meet the specifications for passport size and quality.
- Payment of passport fee: The fee for a Tanzanian passport varies depending on the type of passport and processing time.
- Fingerprints and biometric data: Applicants must provide their fingerprints and biometric data, including a facial image, in person at a designated collection center.
- Previous passport (if applicable): Applicants who are renewing their passport must provide their previous passport.
Visa Requirements
According to the Henley visa restrictions index, Tanzanian nationals have visa-free access and visas on arrival to 72 territories and countries territories, ranking the Tanzanian passport 77th (level with the Kenyan Passport) with respect to global travel freedom as of November 13, 2021.
Tanzania Passport Visa Free Countries
Some examples visa free countries for Tanzanian passport or visa-on-arrival include:
- Kenya
- Uganda
- Rwanda
- Burundi
- Seychelles
- Mauritius
- Malawi
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
- Botswana
- Namibia
- South Africa
- Lesotho
- Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland)
- Mozambique
Visas To Enter Tanzania
Tanzania visa for Indian passport
Indian passport holders are required to obtain a visa to visit Tanzania. The Tanzanian government offers three types of visas for Indian passport holders:
- Single-entry visa
- Multiple-entry visa
- Transit visa
You can apply for a tanzania visa indian passport online through the Tanzanian Immigration Services Department website or in person at the nearest Tanzanian embassy or consulate.
Tanzania visa for Nigerian passport
Nigerian passport holders are required to obtain a visa to enter Tanzania. Tanzania visa for Nigeria passport holders is available as single-entry, multiple-entry, and transit visa, depending on the purpose and length of their stay in Tanzania.
Tanzania visa for US passport holders
US passport holders need a visa to enter Tanzania. Tanzanian visas for US passport holders are available as single-entry, multiple-entry, and transit visas, depending on the purpose and length of their stay in Tanzania.
Tanzania Passport Application Process
If you wish to apply for tanzanian passport, there’s a specific process you must go through. You can either do a tanzania online passport application or a tanzania embassy passport application.
Here’s a guide on how to do your tanzania passport application:
Step One – Obtain an application form
The online passport application form tanzania can be downloaded from the Tanzanian Immigration Services Department website or obtained in person from the Immigration office.
Find the tanzania passport application form pdf here!
Step Two – Complete the application form
Fill out the application form completely and accurately with all the required information, including personal details, contact information, and passport details. Be sure to sign and date the form.
Step Three – Gather required documents
Gather all the required documents, including a copy of your national ID or birth certificate, two Tanzania passport photo, and the application fee.
The tanzania passport photo requirements are as follows:
- The passport size photo tanzania is 45mm x 35mm.
- Photos must be in color and taken against a plain white background
- The photo should be of high quality and resolution, and printed on good quality photo paper
- The applicant should not wear glasses or headwear, except for religious reasons
- The applicant’s expression should be neutral, with the mouth closed.
Step Four – Submit the application
Submit the completed application form and required documents to the Immigration office in person or through an authorized agent.
Step Five – Pay the application fee
Pay the application fee at the designated bank or payment center. The fees for passports vary depending on the type of passport, number of pages, and processing time.
Step Six – Schedule an interview
Once the application has been submitted, you will be required to schedule an interview at the Immigration office. The interview is to verify your identity and to collect biometric data, including fingerprints and a digital photo.
Step Seven – Collect your passport
The final step of your online passport application tanzania is to collect your passport. After the interview and processing time, you will receive a notification to collect your passport. You must bring the notification slip and your ID to collect your passport.
Tanzania Passport Cost
The cost for the Tanzania electronic passport is $90 paid online.
Tanzania Passport Stamp
The Tanzania passport stamp is an entry or exit stamp placed in a passport by Tanzanian immigration officials at the port of entry or exit. The stamp indicates that the passport holder has been granted permission to enter or exit Tanzania.
Temporary Passport Tanzania
Tanzania issues temporary passports to citizens who need to travel urgently but do not have enough time to get a regular passport. Temporary passports are valid for only one trip and cannot be renewed.
To apply for a temporary Tanzania immigration passport, citizens will need to go to their nearest passport office with the following documents:
- A completed passport application form
- Two recent passport-sized photos
- A letter explaining why a temporary passport is needed
- A copy of their national identity card or birth certificate
- Proof of travel such as an airline ticket or itinerary
Once the application is submitted, the passport will usually be ready within a few days. It is important to note that temporary passports are not accepted in all countries, so it is essential to check with the destination country’s embassy or consulate to confirm their acceptance of a temporary passport.
Tanzanian Passport Renewal
The Tanzania embassy passport renewal works like this:
- Collect the required documents, including the old passport, two passport-sized photos, a birth certificate, a copy of your resident permit or visa, and payment of the renewal fee.
- Fill out the passport renewal application form online or in person at the nearest Tanzanian embassy or consulate. The form will require personal information, contact information, passport information, and travel information.
- Submit the application form and required documents to the Tanzanian embassy or consulate, along with the renewal fee payment. You may need to schedule an appointment for an interview or fingerprinting.
- Wait for the renewal process to be completed. The processing time for a Tanzanian passport renewal varies and can take up to several weeks.
- Once the renewal is complete, collect your new passport and verify that all information is correct before leaving the embassy or consulate.
Tanzania Passport Renewal in USA
In order to renew Tanzanian passport in USA, follow these steps:
- Download and fill out the passport application form from the Tanzanian embassy website.
- Prepare two passport-sized photos taken within the last six months.
- Get a money order or certified check for the passport fee, which can be found on the embassy website.
- Make an appointment to visit the Tanzanian embassy or consulate nearest you to submit your application and supporting documents.
- Bring the completed application form, passport photos, passport fee, your old passport, and any other supporting documents (such as a copy of your birth certificate or Tanzanian ID card) to your appointment.
- After processing, you will be notified when your new passport is ready for pickup.
Tanzania New Passport – FAQs
Can I travel to Tanzania without a passport?
No, you cannot travel to Tanzania without a passport.
How to get a passport in Tanzania?
Here’s a quick guide on how to get tanzanian passport. You need to visit the immigration office, provide the required documents and fees, and follow the application process. Once your application is approved, you will be issued a Tanzanian passport that you can use for international travel.
What are the Tanzania passport requirements?
The requirements for obtaining a Tanzanian passport may vary depending on the type of passport being applied for, but generally, the following documents are required:
- Completed passport application form
- Two recent passport-sized photographs
- Copy of national identification card or birth certificate
- Copy of current passport or travel documents, if applicable
- Proof of citizenship or residency in Tanzania
- Payment of applicable fees
What’s the applicant passport size photo Tanzania?
The applicant passport size photo for Tanzania must be 2 inches by 2 inches (or 5.08 cm by 5.08 cm) with a white background
What’s the Tanzania visa passport photo size?
The Tanzania visa passport photo size is 2 inches by 2 inches (or 5.08 cm by 5.08 cm).
How to renew Tanzanian passport in USA?
To renew a Tanzanian passport in the USA, you need to complete an online application form on the Tanzanian Immigration Services website. You will also need to submit a passport photo, a copy of your previous passport, and pay the renewal fee. Once your application is approved, you can pick up your new passport at the Tanzanian Embassy or Consulate in the USA.
Do I need a passport to travel to Tanzania?
Yes, you need a passport to travel to Tanzania. A passport is a mandatory travel document that allows foreign nationals to enter and exit Tanzania.
Can I go to Tanzania without a passport?
No, you cannot go to Tanzania without a passport.
Can I travel from Kenya to Tanzania without a passport?
No, you cannot travel from Kenya to Tanzania without a passport
Do South African passport holders need a visa for Tanzania?
Yes, South African passport holders require a visa to enter Tanzania.
What are the Tanzanian passport visa free countries?
Tanzanian passport holders can visit several countries without a visa or obtain a visa upon arrival. Some of the visa-free or visa-on-arrival countries for Tanzanian passport holders include Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Comoros, Mauritius, Seychelles, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Singapore.
What does “barua ya maombi ya passport Tanzania” mean?
Barua ya maombi ya passport Tanzania” means “Tanzania passport application letter” in Swahili, which is the official language of Tanzania.
For more articles related to Laws of Tanzania (Acts), click here!
