Tanzania Introduces New Passenger Fee and Mandatory Insurance for International Travellers
From 1 November 2025, Tanzania will implement a new Passenger Facilitation Fee for all foreign travellers—including Kenyans—flying in and out of the country. This move, formalized under the VI Tax Code, marks a significant shift in the cost structure for regional and international air travel to and from Tanzania, with direct implications for the East African travel industry.
Under the new regulations, passengers will pay KSh 5,814 (US\$45) for a one-way international ticket and KSh 11,628 (US\$90) for a return ticket. The fee will be automatically included in the ticket price and collected by airlines at the point of sale, streamlining the process for both travellers and carriers. Refunds will be available for flights that are cancelled or unused, ensuring a degree of flexibility for passengers whose plans change unexpectedly.
There are a few notable exemptions: children under two years old, airline crew, and rerouted passengers will not be subject to the new levy. These exemptions are designed to minimize the impact on families, operational staff, and those affected by irregular operations, while still capturing revenue from the majority of international travellers.
The Tanzanian government has stated that the new fee will be used to fund the rollout of Advanced Passenger Information (API) and Electronic Border Control Systems (eBCS). These technologies are intended to enhance border security, streamline immigration procedures, and improve the overall efficiency of passenger processing at Tanzanian airports. For the travel sector, this investment in digital infrastructure is expected to reduce bottlenecks, improve the traveller experience, and align Tanzania with global best practices in border management.
However, the changes do not stop there. Beginning in January 2026, Tanzania will also require mandatory inbound travel insurance for all non-EAC/SADC visitors. The insurance, costing approximately KSh 5,700 for trips up to 92 days, is designed to ensure that all foreign visitors have adequate coverage for medical emergencies and other unforeseen events during their stay. This requirement is part of a broader trend across Africa to protect both travellers and national health systems, while also generating additional revenue for the state.
For the East African travel industry, these new measures present both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, the investment in border technology and the introduction of mandatory insurance could enhance Tanzania’s reputation as a safe and well-managed destination, reassuring international visitors and supporting the country’s tourism ambitions. On the other hand, the additional costs may influence travel decisions, particularly for price-sensitive regional travellers such as Kenyans and other East Africans who frequently visit Tanzania for business, leisure, or family reasons.
Industry observers are already debating the potential impact of these changes on travel patterns. Some predict that the new levy and insurance requirement could dampen demand for short-haul trips, especially among regional travellers who are accustomed to low-cost, spontaneous travel. Others argue that the improvements in border security and traveller protection will ultimately boost confidence and attract higher-value visitors, offsetting any short-term decline in volume.
For travel professionals, the key will be to communicate these changes clearly to clients, adjust package pricing, and explore new ways to add value—such as bundled insurance or enhanced customer support. Airlines and tour operators may also need to adapt their marketing strategies, emphasizing the benefits of improved security and streamlined entry procedures while helping travellers navigate the new requirements.
As Tanzania moves forward with these reforms, the country is positioning itself at the forefront of digital transformation in African border management. The success of these initiatives will depend on effective implementation, transparent communication, and ongoing collaboration with regional partners to ensure that the benefits of increased security and efficiency are balanced against the need to keep travel accessible and attractive for all.
Ultimately, the introduction of the Passenger Facilitation Fee and mandatory travel insurance signals a new era for Tanzania’s aviation and tourism sectors—one that prioritizes security, resilience, and modernization, but also challenges the industry to innovate and adapt in a rapidly changing landscape.
