Ready to take off to Tanzania? Your wallet too! Starting November 1, 2025, a new tax will be added to the ticket price: 45 dollars for a one-way trip and 90 dollars for a round trip, collected by the airlines, refunded in case of cancellation, and with an exemption for children under two years old. The goal? To finance a passenger control system, in line with the mandatory insurance already imposed on Zanzibar since 2024 (44 dollars for 92 days, including emergency care and repatriation).
Traveling to Tanzania will cost more. Starting November 1, 2025, a new tax will be added to the price of plane tickets: 45 $ for a one-way trip and 90 $ for a round trip, directly collected by the airlines. Children under two years old are exempt, and the tax is refunded in case of cancellation. These funds will finance an advanced passenger information system. This is part of the continuation of a mandatory insurance already imposed on visitors to Zanzibar since 2024.
Following the introduction of mandatory insurance for certain destinations in the archipelago, the United Republic of Tanzania announces a tax on air arrivals that will come into effect on November 1, 2025. Specifically, every international traveler will pay 45 $ (about 38.50 €) for a one-way ticket or 90 $ (about 77 €) for a round trip. This amount will be included in the ticket price, with no additional steps at the counter.
How much, when, and for whom?
The schedule is clear: the tax applies to flights arriving from November 1, 2025. Children under two years old are not subject to it. In the event of a cancellation of the flight, it is refundable just like certain airport taxes. A way to make the bill more digestible if your itinerary changes at the last minute.
How is it collected and what is it for?
The airlines will collect these fees directly on behalf of the government. According to the Tanzanian Civil Aviation Authority, the revenues will finance the installation of an advanced passenger information system to verify the eligibility of each individual before arrival. In clear terms: more control in advance, and fewer unpleasant surprises upon landing.
Mandatory insurance: the other bill already in place
This new tax is part of a trend of tightening rules for visitors. Since October 1, 2024, tourists traveling to Zanzibar must purchase a mandatory insurance valid for 92 days at 44 $, covering notably emergency medical expenses and repatriation. To understand the local procedures and the steps to anticipate, consult this practical point on the new travel tax to be paid before your departure for Zanzibar.
What impact on your budget and plans?
On a round trip, the line “Tanzania tax” will show 90 $ per adult. For a couple, that rises to 180 $; for a family with a child over two years old, 270 $. Additionally, if applicable, include the mandatory insurance of 44 $ if you pass through Zanzibar. This total can make some travelers hesitate or shorten their stay, a risk already noted by industry observers: read the analysis of tourism experts on the impact of new taxes and the reduction of vacations.
Increasing costs in the aviation sector
Tanzania is not an isolated case: elsewhere, the increase in air passenger tax fuels the debate on the purchasing power of travelers and the competitiveness of destinations. To broaden the perspective, check out this analysis on the increase in air passenger tax and its impacts, as well as this overview of new developments in 2025 for tourists.
Before takeoff: quick checklist
• Ensure that the arrival tax is included in the price of your ticket starting from November 1, 2025.
• In case of cancellation, confirm with the airline the details of the refund of the taxes.
• If you are traveling with young children, note the exemption for children under two years old.
• If your itinerary includes Zanzibar, purchase the mandatory insurance (92 days, 44 $) before departure and keep your receipts.
• Anticipate the correct transmission of your passenger data: spelling of the name, passport number, date of birth… A detail that avoids many cold sweats at the counter.
A global movement?
Many countries are adjusting their tourist taxes to finance infrastructure and controls. Regular travelers are already observing this in North America or Europe. To compare policies abroad, take a look at the file dedicated to tourist taxes in the United States. This global context helps to understand why certain destinations, like Tanzania, are strengthening their admission and security measures while seeking new sources of funding.
For safari enthusiasts, Zanzibar’s beaches, and ascents of Kilimanjaro, the calculator is therefore invited into the suitcase. The good news, however, is that the tax is automatically collected and refundable in case of cancellation, keeping logistics simple. It’s up to you to adjust the itinerary, duration, or season to keep the Tanzanian dream within budget, without cutting back on adventure.
