Privileges and Immunities for Foreign Diplomats are governed by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961 as well as the Diplomatic and Consular Immunities and Privileges Act, No. 5 of 1986.

1.INTRODUCTION

Diplomatic Privileges and Immunities 

Privileges and Immunities for Foreign Diplomats are governed by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961 as well as the Diplomatic and Consular Immunities and Privileges Act, No. 5 of 1986.

Consular Offices are covered under the 1963 Vienna Convention on Consular Relations and the Diplomatic and Consular Privileges and Immunities Act No. 5 of 1986. Such privileges are similar to those accorded to members of the Diplomatic Staff.

The Ministry will also be guided by other Convections such as the General Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the African Union (AU), the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations together with other International Instruments to which Tanzania is a party.

2. PROCEDURE FOR THE COMMENCEMENT AND TERMINATION OF A DIPLOMATIC TOUR OF DUTY TO THE UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA

Notification of Arrivals

In accordance with Article 10 of the Vienna Convection on Diplomatic Relations, the appointment and arrival of any member of a Foreign Mission, family members and private servants must be notified by the Mission to the Protocol Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co - operation by a Verbal Note, prior to their arrival in Tanzania.

A new Ambassador/High Commissioner including Non-Resident Heads of mission shall be met on His/Her arrival in Tanzania by a representative of the Protocol Department provided that travel arrangements and itinerary is communicated in advance to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation.

Presentation of Credentials

A new Ambassador/High Commissioner is obligated to present a copy of his/ her Letters of Credence to the Honourable Minister for Foreign Affairs before the official presenting his/her Letters of Credentials and the predecessor’s Letters of Recall to the Excellency President The Chief of Protocol shall notify the Ambassadors/High Commissioner the date and time for his/her audience with the Honourable Minister and the presentation of credential ceremony with the His Excellency President.

The dress code for the presentation of credential ceremony shall be:

• Gentlemen - Dark Suit or Traditional Dress/Uniform
• Ladies - Formal/Traditional Dress

Departure Formalities upon Completion of Tour of Duty

• On completion of a tour of duty, Heads of Mission and Mission Staff should notify in writing the Protocol Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation thirty [30] days prior to the date of their impending departure.
• The departing Ambassador/High Commissioner shall be seen off at the airport by a representative of the Protocol Department. 
• Mission are expected to inform the Protocol  Division of their departing staff members in advance giving names and ranks prior to their final departure.
• Identity cards, and air port passes for departing heads of mission and other members of mission must be returned to the Protocol Division of the ministry of Foreign Affairs, within seven days of the date of departure.

Official Calls
The Protocol Department shall assist in making appointments for customary call on for the incoming Ambassador/High Commissioner on His Excellency the President, the Vice President, the Prime Minister and the President of Zanzibar.

3. VISAS, RESIDENCE PERMITS, IDENTITY CARDS, WORK PERMITS, AIRPORT PASSES AND USE OF VIP LOUNGE

Visas

According to the practice of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the following persons are regarded as family members as referred to in Article 37 of the Vienna Convection on Diplomatic Relations:
i. Spouses.
ii. Unmarried dependant children under 18.
iii. Unmarried dependant children who are physically or mentally disabled.
iv. Parents forming part of the household of the Diplomatic agent.

Members of missions of countries whose nationals are required to hold visas for entering Tanzania must apply for visas for themselves, their family members as well as dependants accompanying them.  An application for a visa should be made at the appropriate Tanzania Mission well in advance of their departure for Tanzania.  

Prior to the Officers arrival in Tanzania, Missions are required to submit a Verbal Note to the Protocol Department together with a duly filled - in application form, three passport size photographs and a valid passport copy of the applicant. Residence permits are valid for a period of two years, and have to be renewed thereafter.