Date of publication:
01/08/2026
United Republic of Tanzania (the)
Do domestic laws and policies allow forcibly displaced and stateless persons to bring their property and other assets to the country at the time of admission, and to take their property and other assets with them during repatriation or relocation?
Assessment by population
Analysis
Tanzania’s legal framework includes provisions that regulate the handling of property and personal assets by refugees, particularly at the point of entry, during their stay, and upon voluntary repatriation or relocation. These guidelines are primarily embedded within the broader customs and immigration laws, as well as refugee-related regulations, and are designed to ensure that the movement of goods complies with national laws governing imports, exports, and the control of restricted items.
Upon arrival, refugees may bring personal belongings into the country, but these are subject to customs inspections and must conform to Tanzanian laws concerning prohibited or taxable goods. The framework aims to strike a balance between safeguarding national interests and allowing refugees to retain essential personal property. In cases of repatriation or resettlement, procedures are in place—often coordinated through government and humanitarian actors—to facilitate the legal export or transfer of personal belongings, though this may depend on bilateral agreements or specific repatriation protocols.
While these regulations exist, their implementation often involves coordination between agencies such as the Tanzania Revenue Authority, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and UNHCR. The legal structure, though not always detailed specifically for refugees, reflects broader trade and customs controls, ensuring that refugee movements of property align with national economic and security considerations.
Related provisions of domestic law or policy
The Refugee Act
- Year: 1999
- Type: Domestic law
- Rights Category: Asylum
- Link to external source: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6b50bf.html
Legal provision
Section 22.2 - Repatriation of Refugees
A refugee who leaves Tanzania on voluntary repatriation... may take with him any movable property which he lawfully owns provided he complies with any existing procedures or laws covering such property or the exportation of such property.
Customs Regulations
- Year: 1954
- Type: Domestic law
- Rights Category: Nationality & facilitated naturalization, Work & Workplace rights
- Link to external source: https://media.tanzlii.org/media/legislation/316546/source_file/2f31ff0cf1e3b890/1954-1.pdf
Legal provision
Regulation 22 - Importation of Personal Effects
Personal and household effects: - Wearing apparel; - Personal and household effects; - Goods up to 500 dollars.
Regulation 34 - Exportation of Personal Effects
Baggage is cleared at the first airport of entry in Tanzania. Exempt: baggage of transit passengers with a destination outside of Tanzania.