In accordance with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) guidelines, no hand-written passports would be accepted worldwide after 2014. Government of India has decided to introduce Machine Readable Passport (MRPs) w.e.f. 26 August, 2007. Under the proposed system, passport applicants at the Consulate General of India should apply online on the web site (embassy.passportindia.gov.in) After filling in details, a Web File Number on the Passport Application Form shall be generated, and a print-out needs to be taken by the applicant.

The printed application form along with required documents including photograph (3.5 cm X 3.5 cm) and fee may be submitted at the Consular Section from where it will be sent for printing at the Central Processing Centre of the Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi as the Consulate does not have the Machine Readable Passport printing facilities. After printing of the passports, these would be couriered back to the Consulate for signature and delivery to the applicants. This process may take two to three weeks. All applicants are advised to cooperate and submit their applications at least three-four weeks in advance in order to avoid inconvenience.

Steps for applying online Machine Readable Passport:

1. Go to website https://embassy.passportindia.gov.in
2. Select/click 'Online Registration Column'.
3. For Indian Mission select     'TANZANIA-ZANZIBAR'
4. Select Service desired  viz.
   -Fresh Passport
   -Re-issue of passport
   -New Passport in lieu of damaged/lost passport,
   - Passport for children upto 15 years of age
5. Complete the application form
6. Save the online registration form. Take a print-out of the same.
7. Submit the hard copy of the online registration form to the Consulate along with the supporting documents and required fee.