MWE Correspondent
Tanzania is weighing plans to establish a specialised one-stop centre that would bring together a dedicated police unit and the Immigration Department to handle issues involving tourists and other foreigners entering, visiting or working in the country.
The initiative is widely viewed as a practical move to improve service delivery, strengthen security and enhance the country’s image as a welcoming destination.
The proposal is inspired by the success of the Tourism and Diplomatic Police Unit operating in the Northern Zone, which has earned recognition for addressing a wide range of challenges faced by visitors. Over time, the unit has built a reputation for offering coordinated, responsive and visitor-friendly services, helping to resolve disputes, security concerns and administrative issues that often arise when foreigners interact with local authorities.
Speaking in Arusha, Superintendent of Police Waziri Ibrahim Tenga, head of the Tourism and Diplomatic Police Unit, said the planned centre would simplify procedures that are currently handled by separate institutions. He explained that integrating police and immigration services under one roof would reduce delays, improve coordination and make it easier for visitors and foreign residents to access assistance when needed.
SP Tenga noted that the Northern Zone unit is the first of its kind in East Africa and has gained international recognition for its role in supporting foreigners and the travel industry. Its effectiveness, he said, is rooted in close collaboration between law enforcement agencies, diplomatic missions and tourism stakeholders, a model that authorities now hope to replicate nationally.
Through this approach, the unit has established strong working links with embassies, foreign travel agents and key tourism actors, enabling faster responses to emergencies and sensitive cases. This cooperation has helped build trust between visitors and authorities, an essential factor in sustaining growth within the tourism sector.
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Analysts say the proposal comes at a time when Tanzania is seeking to consolidate its position as one of Africa’s leading destinations, known for its wildlife, cultural heritage and natural landscapes. They argue that effective visitor protection and streamlined administrative processes are as important as promoting attractions.
If implemented, the one-stop centre would also support broader government efforts to modernise public services and improve institutional coordination. International best practices involving tourism police show that specialised units can significantly boost visitor confidence and reduce incidents affecting tourists.
At the same time, experts emphasise that efficient handling of immigration processes is increasingly critical as countries compete for tourists, investors and skilled foreign workers. Complicated or slow procedures can undermine a destination’s appeal, regardless of its attractions.
Stakeholders in the travel industry have welcomed the ongoing discussions, describing the proposal as a logical extension of reforms already underway. They believe expanding the Northern Zone experience nationwide could strengthen safety, improve service delivery and further support the continued growth of the tourism sector.
While details on implementation are still under discussion, officials say consultations are continuing. If approved, the initiative could mark an important step toward positioning Tanzania as a destination that not only attracts visitors, but also offers efficient, coordinated and visitor-centred public services.
