KTtravel

We left Tanzania this morning after a wonderful safari (trip report to come later.) I did want to mention that Tanzania has enacted a new fee as of July 1 that requires a $10 payment per person in cash. Many passengers seemed unaware of this fee and, as there seems to be no change bureau or ATM machine at the airport, were in a bind. We did see a sign saying the fee was $40 per person for international departures and $10,000 TSH for domestic flights but the actual charge seemed to be $10 per person for international flights this morning. It was a good reminder for us to always carry a bit of extra cash!

P.S. There was some mention of tickets issued after the new rule possibly having the fee already included.

ShayTay

From which airport did you depart and where were you flying to? Departure taxes have usually been included in the air tickets, with the exception of a "domestic" departure tax from ZNZ to DAR. I'm headed to Tanzania soon and appreciate any info you can provide.

ShayTay

I did some quick research and see that the international departure tax was increased from $30 to $40. The $30 was aleady collected when the air tickets were purchased, so apparently they are collecting the additional $10 at the airports. The domestic departure tax also increased, from $5 to $8. If, for instance, you're flying from ZNZ to DAR, you most likely have paid $6 in the past (also included a $1 security fee.) Now, it appears it will be $9. I'm trying to get The Wild Source to confirm all of this.

sdb2

Thanks for the update. I guess Tanzania figured if Kenya could raise the departure fee they might as well do the same.

ShayTay

I looked those Kenyan changes up... $20 to $40 for international departures and KES 300 to KES 500 for domestic departures. Has anyone flown in Kenya since these took effect? Were they collecting the increases and, for domestic departures, were they collecting Kenyan shillings?

KTtravel

Hi ShayTay, your explanation about the fee amount makes sense. We were flying out from Kilimanjaro, Tanzania to Amsterdam with a transfer in Nairobi.

ShayTay

Thanks, KTtravel. My safari planner is getting all the details for me. We're going to Kenya, Tanzania and over to Zanzibar. Lots of flights are involved, so our group needs to know when we'll be expected to have the necessary cash and if we'll need local currency for the domestic tax in Kenya. I appreciate your "heads up" on this. Score another one for Fodors Africa Forum!

sandi

KTtravel - Thanks for the heads-up!

Been online with my peeps since first reading yesterday and this morning. This is all last minute without prior notice and outfitters (both Tanzania and Kenya) are scrambling to clarify and notify clients.

What I've learned so far:

For years, the departure fee from ZNZ was payable direct till they were eventually (believe 3/yrs ago) included in the actual ticket price. Now there's an additional USD$10/pp for International and $4/pp for Domestic departures from ZNZ airport, payable direct.

On departures from JRO, DAR, Mwanza, others TNZ airports for International flights (including to NBO/JKIA or NBO/WILson) where for years the fee had been included in the ticket price, as Precision Air (PW) the code share with Kenyan Air, the additional fee is USD$10/person
... and $4/pp for Domestic flights within Tanzania, on carriers as Regional Air, Coastal, etc.

At what point these new fees will be included in the actual ticket price, whether for International (as BA, KL, ET, EK, TK, etc.) or Domestic air carriers is unknown, but hopefully soon.

Can't say how these fees are being handled in Kenya on their departures.

This situation is certainly unfair to the visitors, but especially the outfitters who do their utmost to provide the best safari experience, but instead are scambling for information, when there hasn't been an official government statement to them.

I'd advise that travelers, regardless where in the world, NEVER leave themselves without funds on departing any country.

Will post if/as I learn more.

ShayTay

Thanks, Sandi. Let us know if you find out anything about Kenya. The international fee increase there is $20. The domestic fees are quoted in Kenyan shillings, which could be a problem if travelers haven't exchanged for shillings. Bill Given is working on this for our group, too.