Date of publication:

01/07/2026

United Republic of Tanzania (the)

Do domestic laws and policies recognize a valid travel document issued by another State for forcibly displaced and stateless persons?

ANALYSIS

Assessment by population

Asylum-seekers
Analysis

In Tanzania, the recognition of foreign-issued travel documents as formal proof of identity is primarily governed by the Immigration Act of 1995 and its subsequent regulations. While these laws outline the procedures for the entry, stay, and departure of foreign nationals, they do not explicitly clarify the extent to which foreign travel documents are recognized as formal identification beyond immigration contexts. However, in practice, refugees are allowed to enter the country with their foreign passports and use them to register as asylum seekers. In such cases, the passport serves as formal documentation and proof of identity during the refugee status determination process and beyond. Despite the absence of explicit legal provisions, this practice facilitates initial registration and helps establish legal identity within the national system.

    LAW & POLICY

    Related provisions of domestic law or policy

    The Refugee Act

    Legal provision

    Section 30.1 - Registration of refugees and asylum seekers

    The Director shall register and keep records of all asylum seekers and refugees present and the designated areas established in Tanzania and for this purpose he shall be deemed to be the Registrar of asylum seeker and refugees provided that he may delegate in writing this function to settlement officer or refugee officers.

    Passports and Travel Documents Act

    Legal provision

    Section 8.6 - Validity of passports and travel documents

    A Geneva convention travel document shall be valid for all countries for a period of two years subject to renewal for another two years, provided that, the total period shall not exceed eight years in aggregate.