Living in Tanzania
Information for British citizens moving to or living in Tanzania, including guidance on residency, employment and healthcare
This guide sets out essential information for British citizens moving to or living in Tanzania. Read about how our High Commission in Dar es Salaam can help.
This information is provided as a guide only. You should get definitive information from the Tanzanian authorities. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is not liable for any inaccuracies in this information.
Support for British Nationals Abroad: A Guide sets out how British nationals can stay safe abroad and how the FCDO can help if you do get into difficulty.
Read general guidance on moving or retiring abroad.
To stay up to date, follow the British High Commission Dar es Salaam on Facebook and Twitter.
Before you go
See our travel advice for Tanzania for up-to-date information on entry requirements, local laws and customs, safety and emergencies.
Visas and residency
Check the entry requirements for Tanzaniain our travel advice.
For further information about visas visit the Tanzanian immigration website.
Passports and travel
You can apply for or renew your British passport from Tanzania.
Check the Tanzania travel advice for passport validity requirements.
Healthcare in Tanzania
You can register for healthcare as a resident in Tanzania. Visit the National Health Insurance Fund website for more information.
If you choose not to register for public healthcare, make sure you have private healthcare cover for Tanzania. A list of English-speaking doctors in Tanzania is available on GOV.UK.
NOTE: UK Travel insurance providers will not generally cover your healthcare costs if you live overseas.
Medicine
If you are on a prescription for any medication you should ensure you have a supply of it, or are able to obtain it when in Tanzania. Certain medicines may not be available in Tanzania (including major brands readily available in the UK), and you may be prohibited from taking them into the country. You should consult your GP before travelling to Tanzania to find out about any alternative medication.
Read the guidance if you need to travel with medicines
Working in Tanzania
If you are planning to move to Tanzania and work, you may need a visa. Read the Tanzanian government’s guidance on working in Tanzania as a foreign national and how to get a visa.
To apply for a job you may need to provide:
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a police clearance report from the Ministry of Home Affairs
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proof of your qualifications
Teachers need a police clearance report before jobs are offered to them. In order to get a Police Clearance Report you can contact the Ministry of Home Affairs on following address
Identification Bureau Criminal Investigation Department P O BOX 9094 Dar es Salaam Tel: +255 22 2110006 or +255 713 216 144
Studying in Tanzania
If you plan to study in Tanzania, you must meet all visa requirements before you travel
Contact the relevant higher education provider in Tanzania to check what fees you have to pay.
Tax
You should get professional advice on paying tax in Tanzania. Find an English-speaking lawyer in Tanzania
Read guidance on:
tax if you leave the UK to live abroad
tax on your UK income if you live abroad
tax if you get a pension and live abroad
paying National Insurance while abroad to protect your State Pension and entitlement to other benefits and allowances.
Benefits
Check which UK benefits you can claim while abroad and how to claim them.
Many income-related benefits such as Pension Credit and Housing Benefit cannot be paid if you’re abroad for more than 4 weeks.
Pensions
Read State Pension guidance if you have lived in Australia, Canada or New Zealand and you are claiming or waiting to claim your UK State Pension.
If you retire in Tanzania, you can claim your UK State Pension or new UK State Pension. Contact the International Pension Centre for further information.
Social security pensions are available for Tanzanian nationals only. British nationals living in Tanzania are not entitled to local social security pensions.
Life certificates for UK State Pensions
If you get a ‘life certificate’ from the UK Pension Service, you must respond as soon as possible. Your payments may be suspended if you do not.
Money and banking
Visit the Tanzania Travel Advice to read about using currency, ATMs and bank cards in Tanzania.
Accommodation and buying property
Foreign nationals cannot buy land in Tanzania, unless it is for investment purposes. Seek independent legal advice before entering into any agreements.
Driving in Tanzania
Read the guidance on driving abroad and what actions you must do to drive legally in Tanzania.
If you’re asked for a letter authenticating, certifying or validating your UK driver’s licence, you should contact your UK issuing office (eg the DVLA).
For guidance on travelling by road in Tanzania see the Tanzania Travel Advice.
If you wish to take your vehicle with you, see guidance on taking your vehicle out of the UK.
Residents are expected to get a Tanzanian driving licence. You can contact Traffic Police Headquarters by telephone on +255 22 2110487 to get a Tanzanian driving licence. The offices are located along Kivokoni area in City Centre.
Disabled drivers
If you have a UK Blue Badge and live in Tanzania, you must return it to the original UK issuing authority.
Voting
You may be able to vote in some UK elections. You can:
Births, deaths, marriage and civil partnership
Births
If your child is born in Tanzania you should register the birth with the local authorities. You can then register with the UK authorities and apply for a UK birth certificate.
If your child has British nationality, you do not need to register the birth with the UK authorities to apply for a British passport.
Deaths
If someone dies in Tanzania read our guidance on:
Marriage and civil partnership
Find out how you can get married or get a civil partnership abroad.
Pets
Read the guidance on taking your pet abroad. Find out how you can apply to import your pet into Tanzania.
Emergencies
Dial 112 for the police, ambulance or fire brigade, or to report a missing child.
If you have been the victim of a rape or sexual assault in Tanzania, read the guidance on what to do and where to get support in cases of rape and sexual assault. See also guidance for victims of rape and sexual assault abroad.
If you’re the victim of a crime, have been arrested, or are affected by a crisis, contact the British High Commission Dar es Salaam.
Read the guidance on international parental child abduction if your child may be at risk of this.
If you need legal advice, see the list of English speaking lawyers in Tanzania.
Returning to the UK
Read the guidance on returning to the UK permanently which includes information on bringing family members, tax and access to services.
Disclaimer
This information is provided as a general guide and is based upon information provided to the embassy by the relevant local authorities and may be subject to change at any time with little or no notice. The FCDO and the British embassy will not be liable for any inaccuracies in this information. British nationals wishing to obtain any further information must contact the relevant local authority.
Last updated 17 February 2023 + show all updates
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Guidance reviewed in full and republished with updates to all sections.
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First published.
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Updated Document
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Coronavirus section added with a link to guidance on vaccines.
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