Tanzanian passport gains more clout globally, new report shows

The country’s passport is now accepted in 73 destinations worldwide compared to 71 midway through the previous year.

This upward trajectory, experts said on Thursday, signalled a promising future for Tanzania as far as potential economic, educational and diplomatic advantages that come with a robust passport are concerned.

The Immigration Force Commissioner of Citizenship and Passport, Mr Gerald Kihinga, attributed the success to strategic initiatives spearheaded by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, emphasising the government’s commitment to securing more opportunities abroad for Tanzanians.

“This situation has not happened by accident. The government has continued to open up and seek opportunities such as education and employment for Tanzanians abroad. This has continued to be an incentive for us to further improve our passport,” he said.

Ongoing negotiations with several countries to allow Tanzanians’ entry under the visa-free category are other pivotal gains in expanding the passport’s reach.

“We are currently in negotiations with several countries seeking permission for Tanzanians to enter those countries without seeking visa,” Mr Kihinga said.

An expert in international relations, Dr Kuti Buberwa, underscored the manifold benefits that come with a flourishing passport.

“This is good news for serious businesses. Jobs can be created abroad as well as investments, and owners become Diasporas who, in turn, send remittances back home. This will translate into the country’s development,” he said.

Dr Buberwa added that when the passport has the ability to reach many countries, it becomes a great opportunity for a huge number of education scholarships available in various countries across the globe.

“When they go to study abroad, they receive skills, knowledge, and technology that, when they return home, they use to bring more development to the country.”

As the Tanzanian passport maintains its tenth slot as the most powerful in Africa, experts stress the importance of recognising the broader implications.

Beyond the convenience of travel, a powerful passport becomes a catalyst for economic opportunities, strengthens diplomatic ties, promotes cultural exchange, empowers citizens, and attracts global talent, they say.

An economic expert from Mzumbe University, Dr Dorothy Moshi, emphasised the need for the government to continue its efforts to establish bilateral ties.

“What is needed is for the government to continue its efforts to find as many bilateral ties as possible to continue giving our passport more strength. This can make it easier to get more visa-free entry to more countries,” she suggested.

While Tanzania secures its position as the tenth most powerful passport in Africa, it’s noteworthy that Kenya holds the 8th slot, being the only country in the East African region to surpass Tanzania in passport strength.

Seychelles claims the top spot in Africa, followed by Mauritius, South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, eSwatini, Kenya, Malawi, and Tanzania, respectively, according to the Henley and Partners Passport Index.

Henley and Partners, renowned for their focus on residence and citizenship by investment, underline the broader significance of a powerful passport.

“A powerful passport is a conduit to economic opportunity and well-being. Far more than a travel document that defines our freedom of movement, a strong passport also provides significant financial freedoms in terms of international investment and business opportunities,” the partners say.

In a world that is increasingly interconnected, Tanzanians are urged to recognise the potential benefits of investing in the strength of their passports.

“As many African nations aim to position themselves as key players in the global arena, Tanzania’s soaring passport strength becomes a beacon of promise, contributing to the collective progress of the continent and fostering a brighter future for our citizens,” stressed Dr Moshi.