Your Tanzania Trip Just Got a New Tax (But Don't Sweat It)

Planning a trip to Tanzania and wondering about all the little details? We've got you covered with a quick heads-up about something you might have heard some whispers about.

Tanzania is introducing a new fee, officially called the Passenger Facilitation Fee (VI Tax). But don't let the official-sounding name worry you. The best part? You won't have to deal with it on arrival. This new fee is just another line item that will be added to the price of your airline ticket. Easy peasy.

Think of it like the other fees you’re already used to, even if you don't notice them. Things like the Airport Service Tax and a Safety Fee are already tucked into your fare. This new tax is simply joining the club to help fund some new tech that will make getting in and out of the country a smoother process.

Now, while this might mean a slight bump in average ticket prices—$45 for a one-way and $90 for a return—it's not likely to send prices to the moon. We all know how much ticket prices bounce around with the seasons, airline sales, and when you book. So far, it hasn’t caused a major ripple, and while it's not a positive thing, it's just one small part of the total cost.

The bottom line? Some countries have higher airport taxes and some have lower. But if you’ve been dreaming of visiting this incredible place and can find a ticket with a price you're happy with, that's all that matters. Because once you're on the ground, exploring the Serengeti or soaking up the sun on a Zanzibar beach, you won't be thinking about passenger facilitation fees, but when you'll have your next Mojito...

Karibu Zanzibar!