Tanzania has recorded an increase in the number of foreign visitors entering the country between July 2025 and April 2026, a development attributed to improved government policies, stronger border management systems and continued efforts to promote tourism, investment and public services under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration.
The Minister for Home Affairs, Patrobas Katambi, told Parliament in Dodoma on May 25, 2026, that a total of 2,005,209 visitors entered Tanzania during the period, compared to 1,839,342 who arrived in the same period of the 2024/25 financial year.
The increase reflects what the government describes as a more attractive environment for international travel and investment.
According to the minister, the rise in arrivals is linked to ongoing reforms aimed at improving efficiency in immigration services, strengthening security at entry points and enhancing Tanzania’s global image as a safe and welcoming destination.
Tourism growth and expanding business opportunities were also cited as key contributing factors.
During the same reporting period, movement of Tanzanians across borders also increased. A total of 476,190 Tanzanians travelled out of the country between July 2025 and April 2026, compared to 400,434 who travelled abroad in the previous corresponding period. At the same time, 443,561 Tanzanians returned home, up from 376,011 recorded earlier.
Officials say this trend reflects growing international engagement by Tanzanians in areas such as education, trade, business, and official travel, as well as improved mobility facilitated by government systems.
The minister also highlighted developments in travel documentation. He said 78,583 passports were issued to Tanzanians during the period under review, compared to 114,448 passports issued in the same period of 2024/25.
The variation in issuance has not been immediately attributed to a single cause, though authorities suggest it may reflect changing demand patterns and administrative cycles.
In addition, 226,400 emergency travel documents were issued, up from 204,387 issued in the previous year. These documents support citizens requiring urgent travel arrangements while completing standard passport processes.
Katambi said the Immigration Department continues to strengthen systems to manage increasing cross-border movement while maintaining national security.
He noted that Tanzania has intensified efforts to address illegal immigration, particularly in border regions with high levels of cross-border activity.
As part of these measures, special immigration zones have been established in Kagera and Kigoma regions to improve monitoring, coordination and enforcement in strategic entry and exit points.
The department is also conducting regular patrols and operations aimed at identifying and addressing cases of illegal stay in the country.
The government has also announced plans to expand similar control zones to other strategic areas with high population movement and cross-border interaction.
Katambi further called on citizens to cooperate with immigration authorities by reporting individuals suspected of living in the country illegally or violating immigration laws.
He stressed that public participation remains key in strengthening national security and ensuring Tanzania continues to remain safe and orderly.
Overall, the government says the rise in visitor numbers reflects growing confidence in Tanzania’s economy and reinforces its position as a competitive destination for tourism, trade, and investment in the region.
