Overview

Traveling to Tanzania with children or minors requires careful preparation. Every child, regardless of age, must have their own eVisa to enter Tanzania. This includes infants, toddlers, and teenagers. The process is straightforward but requires specific documents and, in some cases, legal consent from parents or guardians.

Who Qualifies as a Minor?

• Minor: Any traveler under 18 years of age
• Infant: Under 2 years
• Child: 2–12 years
• Teenager: 13–17 years

Tanzania immigration law treats all travelers under 18 as minors, requiring additional documentation and, in some cases, parental consent.

Tanzania Immigration Law for Minors

Tanzania's Immigration Act and regulations require that all minors entering the country have:

• A valid passport (at least 6 months validity)
• An individual eVisa (no sharing with parents)
• Proof of relationship to accompanying adults
• Parental consent if not traveling with both parents

Legal Reference:

• Immigration Act, Cap. 54 (Revised Edition 2016)
• Official Tanzania Immigration website

Required Documents for Children

1. Valid Passport:
   • Must be valid for at least 6 months from arrival
   • Each child must have their own passport
2. Recent Passport Photo:
   • Color, clear background, no hats/glasses
3. Birth Certificate:
   • Shows parentage/guardianship
   • English translation if not in English
4. Parental Consent Letter:
   • Required if traveling with one parent or a guardian
   • Notarized and signed by non-traveling parent(s)
5. Travel Itinerary:
   • Flight bookings, accommodation, group leader contact
6. Vaccination Records:
   • Yellow fever certificate if arriving from a risk country
7. Guardianship/Adoption Papers:
   • If applicable

Parental Consent & Guardianship

• Both Parents Traveling: No extra consent needed
• One Parent Traveling: Notarized consent letter from absent parent required
• Guardian/Non-parent: Legal guardianship documents and consent from both parents
• Adopted Children: Adoption papers and parental consent

Sample Consent Letter: See Sample Parental Consent Letter

Step-by-Step Application Process for Minors

1. Prepare Documents: Passport, photo, birth certificate, consent letter
2. Start Application: Go to Tanzania eVisa portal
3. Select Visa Type: Choose the appropriate visa (Tourist, Transit, Business)
4. Complete Form: Enter child's details and upload documents
5. Pay Fees: Pay government and service fees
6. Submit Application: Receive reference number and track status
7. Print eVisa: Print approval letter for border control

Note: Each child must have a separate application, even if listed on a parent's passport.

Sample Parental Consent Letter

[Date]

To: Tanzania Immigration Authorities

I, [Parent Name], holder of passport number [Parent Passport Number], hereby give my full consent for my child, [Child Name], holder of passport number [Child Passport Number], to travel to Tanzania from [Departure Date] to [Return Date] accompanied by [Accompanying Adult Name, Relationship].

Signature: ______________________
Contact: [Phone/Email]
Notarized by: [Notary Name, Stamp]

Special Cases: Split Families, Adoption, and Guardians

• Split Families: If parents are separated/divorced, both must provide consent or legal custody documents
• Adopted Children: Bring adoption decree and parental consent
• Guardians: Must show legal guardianship and consent from parents
• Minors Traveling Alone: Strongly discouraged; must have full documentation and written consent
• Court Orders: If one parent is deceased or has lost custody, provide death certificate or court order

Traveling as a Group or with School Trips

• School Groups: Each child must have their own eVisa and consent letter
• Chaperones: Must carry group list, emergency contacts, and all documents
• Tour Groups: Same requirements as families; each child needs a separate eVisa
• Sample Group Application:
  • List all children and chaperones
  • Attach consent letters for each child
  • Provide group leader's contact and itinerary

Real-World Scenarios & Edge Cases

Scenario 1: Child with One Parent

• Mother and child traveling, father not present
• Notarized consent letter from father required

Scenario 2: School Trip

• 10 children, 2 teachers
• Each child: eVisa, consent letter, birth certificate
• Teachers: Group list, emergency contacts

Scenario 3: Adopted Child

• Adoption decree, parental consent, birth certificate

Scenario 4: Child with Expired Passport

• Application denied; must renew passport before applying

Scenario 5: Child with Different Surname

• Provide birth certificate and legal documents showing relationship

Scenario 6: Emergency Medical Travel

• Medical certificate, urgent processing request, all standard documents

Legal References & Official Resources

• Tanzania Immigration Act
• Official eVisa Portal
• UNICEF: Child Travel Guidelines
• IATA Travel Centre

Tips for Smooth Entry with Children

• Keep all documents organized and accessible
• Print extra copies of eVisas and consent letters
• Ensure all names match across documents
• Prepare for questions at immigration about relationships and travel plans
• Check vaccination requirements for children
• Arrive early at the airport
• Have emergency contacts ready
• Carry snacks, entertainment, and comfort items for children

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I include my child on my eVisa?
No, every child needs their own eVisa.

What if my child is on my passport?
They still need a separate eVisa application.

Do infants need an eVisa?
Yes, even newborns require their own eVisa.

What if one parent is not traveling?
A notarized consent letter from the absent parent is required.

What if my child is traveling with a school group?
Each child must have their own eVisa and consent from parents/guardians.

What if my child's surname is different from mine?
Provide birth certificate and legal documents showing relationship.

What if my child's application is denied?
Check for missing documents, correct and reapply. Contact support if needed.

Can minors travel alone to Tanzania?
Strongly discouraged. Full documentation and written consent required.

What if my child has dual citizenship?
Apply with the passport they will use to enter Tanzania.

Are there special requirements for medical travel?
Yes, provide medical certificate and urgent processing request.

What if one parent is deceased?
Provide death certificate and consent from surviving parent.

Can I apply for multiple children at once?
Yes, but each child must have a separate application and documents.

What if my child's passport is expiring soon?
Renew the passport before applying.

Do adopted children need extra documents?
Yes, adoption decree and parental consent.

What if my child is a Tanzanian resident but not a citizen?
Check with the Tanzanian embassy for residency requirements.

What if my child is denied boarding?
Contact airline and immigration support immediately.

Troubleshooting & Common Issues

• Missing Documents: Double-check all uploads
• Unclear Consent Letter: Use the sample provided and notarize
• Passport Expiring Soon: Renew before applying
• Photo Rejected: Use a recent, clear photo
• Application Delays: Apply at least 1 month before travel
• Payment Issues: Try another card or contact your bank
• Wrong Email: Double-check for typos
• Denied at Border: Have all originals and copies ready

Summary & Checklist

• Each child has their own passport (6+ months validity)
• Recent passport photo
• Birth certificate (with translation if needed)
• Parental consent letter (if required)
• Travel itinerary
• Vaccination records
• Guardianship/adoption papers (if applicable)
• All documents uploaded and printed
• Application submitted at least 1 month before travel
• Emergency contacts and backup plans ready

Traveling to Tanzania with children is safe and straightforward if you prepare all documents in advance. For the latest updates, always check the official Tanzania Immigration website or contact your nearest Tanzanian embassy.