Tanzania Imposes New Tax on International Air Travellers

Travelling to Tanzania by air will soon become more expensive, with a new levy set to take effect from November 1, 2025. The Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) has announced the introduction of a Passenger Facilitation Fee (VI Tax) aimed at financing a modern passenger information management system.

The levy will apply to all arriving and departing foreign passengers, with airlines expected to pass the cost directly to travellers through ticket prices. The tax will be charged at $45 for one-way tickets and $90 for return tickets.

According to the TCAA, the revenue will support the installation and maintenance of two key systems: the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) and the electronic Border Control System (eBCS). These technologies are designed to strengthen airport immigration controls, improve data security, and enhance regulatory compliance.

Exemptions will apply only to infants under two years old, airline crew, and passengers involuntarily rerouted. The levy will be collected at the point of ticket sale, shown separately on receipts, and fully refundable in cases of unused or cancelled tickets.

TCAA explained that the absence of these systems was identified as a shortcoming during the 2023 Universal Security Audit Programme by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). “Introducing the fee for APIS/eBCS ensures the system remains efficient, secure, and financially sustainable while distributing costs fairly among stakeholders,” the authority said in a statement.

However, the tax has drawn criticism from aviation experts and industry stakeholders. Sean Mendis, a former COO of Africa World Airlines, argued that the levy far exceeds the actual costs of maintaining such systems. “It is no doubt being used as a general revenue raising initiative under the cover of security,” he said.

The African Airlines Association (AFRAA) has also warned against the growing trend of governments imposing higher aviation taxes, cautioning that these measures could stifle air travel growth across the continent.

Concerns have been raised about the broader impact on Tanzania’s tourism sector, a key foreign exchange earner. In June, authorities also announced a mandatory $44 travel insurance for all visitors, set to take effect in January 2026. With both measures combined, the cost of visiting Tanzania could rise by more than $200 compared to 2024 levels.

Tourism stakeholders warn that these additional costs risk discouraging visitors. “Tanzania seems to believe it can raise charges without hurting visitor numbers, but once combined with the mandatory insurance, it may reduce discretionary travel,” said one industry analyst.

As Tanzania balances the need for modernised border systems with tourism competitiveness, the new tax is likely to remain a contentious issue among airlines, travellers, and the hospitality industry.