≡-Tanzania Rolls Out New Air Travel Fee For Foreign Visitors, With Airlines Voicing Concerns – Viral of Today

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August 27, 2025Tanzania introduction of a mandatory air travel fee for foreign travelers, set to take effect on November 1, 2025, is raising concerns within the aviation industry due to its potential impact on tourism and airline operations. The new fee, aimed at funding enhanced security systems, including Advanced Passenger Information (API) and Electronic Border Control (eBMC), has been implemented to strengthen national security. However, airlines worry that the added financial burden, coupled with already high operational costs, could discourage travelers and further strain an industry already grappling with heavy taxation.Tanzania Introduces Mandatory Air Travel Fee for Foreign Travelers, Raising Concerns Among AirlinesTanzania has introduced a new air travel fee for all international travelers, including those from Kenya, starting from November 1, 2025. The move, announced by the Tanzanian government, mandates that all foreign passengers, upon arrival or departure, will be required to pay a facilitation fee. This new charge, set by the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA), is set to affect tourists and business travelers alike, as it comes into effect in just a few months.The newly imposed fees are structured at $45 for a one-way ticket and $90 for a return flight, which roughly converts to Ksh5,814 and Ksh11,628, respectively. The fee will be collected by airlines at the time of ticket purchase. Notably, children under the age of two will be exempt from paying this charge.Purpose of the Fee: Enhanced Security and Border ControlThe Tanzanian government has stated that these new fees are designed to fund the installation of more sophisticated security systems at airports. These systems, namely Advanced Passenger Information (API) and Electronic Border Control (eBMC), are part of the country’s efforts to modernize its border security measures. The API system will ensure that passenger information is sent to the government before departure, enabling authorities to assess whether a passenger should be allowed to enter Tanzania.The TCAA has explained that these measures are crucial for enhancing safety and preventing potential security threats, as the collected data will assist in making more informed decisions about who is permitted to travel to Tanzania. The systems are expected to streamline the border control process while improving the country’s overall security infrastructure.Impact on the Aviation IndustryDespite the government’s rationale for the new fees, the announcement has sparked concerns within the aviation industry. Airlines, which are already grappling with high taxes and regulatory burdens in Africa, have expressed fears that the new fees may place an additional strain on the sector. The imposition of these charges comes at a time when many African airlines are struggling with high operational costs and declining passenger numbers.Some airline representatives worry that the mandatory fee could discourage potential tourists and business travelers, who might be deterred by the extra cost on top of existing travel expenses. Furthermore, airlines may face operational challenges in implementing the fee, as it will require them to collect the money at the time of booking and coordinate with the Tanzanian government on a regular basis.Refund Policy for Cancellations and No-ShowsWhile the new fee has caused unease, the government has stated that it will provide full refunds to passengers who cancel their tickets or fail to travel. This refund policy aims to ensure that travelers who do not make their journeys will not lose their money on the facilitation fee, which is a relatively rare provision in similar charges imposed by other countries.However, the refund process may add a layer of complexity for airlines and travelers, as there will be additional administrative steps involved in processing these refunds. The logistical requirements could create further complications in an already strained industry.A Pattern of Increasing Restrictions on ForeignersThis new air travel fee follows closely on the heels of another policy shift introduced by the Tanzanian government in September 2025. Just a month before announcing the travel fee, the government placed new restrictions on foreigners seeking to establish businesses in Tanzania. These regulations are part of a broader push by the Tanzanian government to regulate foreign investments more tightly, which has drawn mixed reactions from the international business community.The combination of tighter business regulations and the introduction of new travel fees has raised concerns that Tanzania may be becoming less welcoming to foreigners, especially those looking to do business or visit the country for tourism. While the government argues that these measures are essential for economic development and national security, critics contend that they could have unintended negative consequences, particularly for the country’s tourism and airline industries.Tourism and Business in Tanzania: What’s at Stake?Tourism is one of Tanzania’s most important economic sectors, with millions of visitors flocking to the country every year to explore its renowned natural attractions, such as Mount Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti National Park, and the island of Zanzibar. The country also attracts business travelers, many of whom are drawn to its growing industries and investment opportunities. However, there are concerns that these new policies could deter both groups.The increased travel costs, coupled with restrictions on foreign business activities, may discourage potential investors and visitors from choosing Tanzania as their destination of choice. Airlines operating in the region are already under financial strain, and the added burden of collecting this new fee could further strain their operations, especially in an industry where profitability is already difficult to maintain.A Closer Look at Tanzania’s Economic StrategyTanzania’s new travel fee and business restrictions form part of a broader economic strategy aimed at promoting national security and controlling the flow of foreign capital. The government is seeking to maintain control over key industries and limit the influence of foreign entities in sensitive sectors.While these measures are likely to provide the government with greater oversight and increased funding for security initiatives, there is a fine balance to strike between protecting national interests and maintaining a welcoming environment for international visitors and investors. The fear is that these changes could create a perception of Tanzania as an increasingly difficult place for foreigners to visit or do business, ultimately leading to a decline in international interest.Looking Ahead: What Does the Future Hold for Tanzania’s Aviation Sector?As the implementation date of the new travel fees draws closer, it remains to be seen how they will affect the broader aviation sector in Tanzania and across East Africa. Airlines may have to adjust their pricing models and customer service strategies to accommodate the added costs and potential disruptions. Additionally, the tourism industry could face challenges in attracting international travelers, particularly those who may find the added fees a deterrent.Tanzania’s economic policies, including these new travel fees and business restrictions, will be closely watched by neighboring countries and international stakeholders. The success or failure of these initiatives will have implications not only for Tanzania but for the wider East African region, which is heavily dependent on travel and tourism for economic growth.Tanzania new mandatory air travel fee for foreign visitors, set to begin in November 2025, is causing concern among airlines due to its potential to increase travel costs and strain an already burdened industry. The fee is intended to fund advanced security systems but could discourage tourism and complicate airline operations.While the Tanzanian government’s new travel fee aims to enhance security and border control, it has raised concerns among airlines and the business community. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether these measures will ultimately benefit the country’s economy or have a detrimental effect on its tourism and aviation sectors.

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