Tanzania Introduces New Passenger Tax Raising Travel Expenses for Tourists

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Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – Tanzania is rolling out a new levy on incoming international air travellers, with the charge to take effect on November 1, 2025. The Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) instituted the fee to finance cutting-edge airport technologies for upgraded border controls and sharper tracking of passenger records. Although the stated priority is to reinforce border security, the policy will inevitably add to the fares of those landing in the East African nation.

The fee, formally designated the Passenger Facilitation Fee (marketed as VI Tax), has been set at USD 45 for a single leg and USD 90 for a return on every international passenger. Carriers will add the sum to airfares at the time of booking or check-in, putting the burden directly on the buyer. The passenger community is apprehensive, and the country’s tourism representatives worry the fresh charge will widen the cost barrier at a time of fragile economic bouncing back for the region’s tourism.

Purpose of the Tax: Modernising Airport Systems

The TCAA has stated that the proceeds from the VI Tax will be used to fund the installation and maintenance of an Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS) and an Electronic Border Control System (eBCS). These systems are designed to improve immigration controls and ensure data privacy and cybersecurity compliance. Tanzania has faced challenges due to the absence of these systems, which were flagged during a 2023 security audit by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

The implementation of these systems aims to provide long-term benefits by streamlining immigration processes and improving security at Tanzanian airports. However, the TCAA noted that the high cost of implementing and maintaining these systems, including data processing and compliance with regulatory standards, has led to the introduction of the tax. Without the additional funds, it would be difficult to maintain these systems sustainably.

Who Is Exempt from the Tax?

While the new tax will affect most international travellers, certain groups will be exempt. Infants under two years old, airline crew members, and passengers who are involuntarily rerouted due to flight changes will not be required to pay the tax. The VI Tax will be collected at the point of sale and will be clearly displayed on the ticket. Passengers who cancel their trips or do not use their tickets will receive full refunds for the tax paid.

Impact on Tanzania’s Tourism Industry

Tourism is one of Tanzania’s most important industries, contributing significantly to the country’s foreign exchange earnings. The new tax comes at a time when Tanzania has already introduced a mandatory travel insurance fee for international visitors. The travel insurance fee, set at USD 44, is expected to take effect in January 2026, further adding to the cost of visiting Tanzania.

Many tourism experts and stakeholders have expressed concern about the impact of these new taxes on Tanzania’s tourism sector. The combination of the mandatory insurance fee and the new Passenger Facilitation Fee could result in an additional USD 200 or more in travel costs for visitors to Tanzania. This price increase could make the country a less attractive destination for tourists, especially when compared to other East African countries with more affordable travel options.

Could These Taxes Affect Tourism Growth?

Tanzania’s tourism sector has been experiencing growth in recent years, attracting international visitors to explore its renowned natural wonders, such as Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti National Park, and Zanzibar. However, with the addition of new taxes, tourism experts have raised concerns about the potential negative impact on visitor numbers.

Sean Mendis, an aviation expert and former COO of Africa World Airlines, highlighted that although these taxes may be justifiable for security reasons, their high rates might be seen as a revenue-generating tactic under the guise of improving airport systems. The new fees could lead to a rise in airfares for tourists, which may result in lower discretionary travel growth, especially for budget-conscious travellers.

The introduction of these taxes could deter some international tourists, particularly those who may be on the fence about visiting Tanzania due to rising costs. This is especially true for travellers coming from regions with already high travel expenses, such as Europe and North America.

Tanzania’s Growing Focus on Aviation and Tourism Infrastructure

Despite the concerns, the government views the new tax as essential to modernising Tanzania’s aviation infrastructure and enhancing the security of air travel in the country. With a growing focus on developing the aviation sector, Tanzania is investing in advanced technologies to manage passenger information and improve immigration processes, ensuring that the country remains compliant with international standards.

For those planning to visit Tanzania, it is important to be aware of the new tax and its potential impact on travel costs. While the intention behind the fee is to enhance airport security and streamline immigration controls, the added expense could affect the overall affordability of travel to the country.

Looking Ahead: Will the New Tax Have a Lasting Impact?

Tanzania’s push to modernise its aviation network now includes the new Passenger Facilitation Fee, a move the government argues is vital for boosting security and tightening international regulatory compliance. Still, how this levy will play out over the longer haul for the tourism sector is difficult to gauge. As the extra charge is woven into the travel routine, the country must find the right equilibrium between financing upgraded runway lights and terminals and keeping Kilimanjaro trekking, Zanzibar beach time, and Serengeti migration safaris within the budgets of holidaymakers and adventure seekers worldwide.

Operators, travel planners, and the holidaymakers themselves will watch whether the fee noticeably alters air ticket pricing or the overall Tanzanian holiday bill. The government insists that a modernised aviation footprint is a ceiling the tourism economy must reach. The challenge is to ensure that this ceiling is raised without the floor of the industry sagging dangerously low.