Notarial and documentary services guide for Tanzania
Letters, informative notes and documentary services available from the British High Commission Dar es Salaam.
Overview
The British High Commission can provide a limited range of documentary services for British nationals in Tanzania. British consular officers in Commonwealth countries such as Tanzania have no powers under the Commissioners for Oaths Act 1889, as read with the Consular Relations Act 1968, to undertake notarial acts, witnessing a signature, make a certified copy of a document or administer oaths, affirmations or affidavits. If you require these services you should contact a local notary or lawyer.
The British High Commission can issue you a standard letter to confirm that we do not offer these services.
Services we provide in Tanzania
- letter of ‘no objection’ for those adopting from overseas
- generic informative notes
Letter of ‘No Objection’ for Adoption by British nationals resident in Tanzania
British nationals resident in Tanzania who wish to adopt a child from a country other than the UK may be required to get a certificate of no objection from the British High Commission.
You must first get independent legal advice about where your residency is and then swear a statement witnessed by a lawyer.
You should also visit the following websites before applying for a certificate:
- information on designated countries
- adoption: statutory guidance - 2013
- register as a British citizen: Children born out of the UK
- UK Visas and Immigration
There are 3 versions of the certificate depending on where the adoption took place and the legislation under which the child was (or is being) adopted. They are:
Adoption automatically recognised in the UK
The adoption took place before 3 January 2014 from a country named in The Adoption (Designation of Overseas Adoptions) Order 1973 known as “the designated list” and The Adoption (Designation of Overseas Adoptions) (Variation) Order 1993.
Adoption automatically recognised in England, Wales, Northern Ireland or Scotland
The adoption took place or will take place on or after 3 January 2014 from a country named in The Adoption (Recognition of Overseas Adoptions) Order 2013 or in The Adoption (Recognition of Overseas Adoptions) (Scotland) Regulations 2013 and its amendment.
Adoptions which are not automatically recognised in the UK
The adoption is taking place in a country not named in The Adoption (Recognition of Overseas Adoptions) Order 2013 or in The Adoption (Recognition of Overseas Adoptions) (Scotland) Regulations 2013 and its amendment.
Generic information notes we provide
Letter confirming that we cannot provide notarial services or certificates.
You can collect a stamped signed copy of the consular letter confirming that we cannot provide notarial services or certificates of no impediment, by appointment. If you are unable to come in person, a third person can come and collect the letter on your behalf. This is a free service and no consular fees are charged. It is not necessary to bring any form of documentation to collect the letter.
Book an appointment to collect this letter at the British High Commission Dar es Salaam
Letter confirming the British Government has no objection to dual nationality.
We can provide a letter confirming the British government has no objection to British nationals obtaining the citizenship of another country or citizens of another country applying for British nationality. You can collect a stamped signed copy of this consular letter by appointment. If you are unable to come in person, a third person can come and collect the letter on your behalf. This is a free service and no consular fees are charged. It is not necessary to bring any form of documentation to collect the letter.
Book an appointment to collect this letter at the British High Commission Dar es Salaam
Letter regarding the British Government’s confirmation of nationality.
We can provide a letter stating the British government cannot definitively confirm nationality, but that a British passport should be sufficient to confirm nationality. You can collect a stamped signed copy of this consular letter by appointment. If you are unable to come in person, a third person can come and collect the letter on your behalf. This is a free service and no consular fees are charged. It is not necessary to bring any form of documentation to collect the letter.
Book an appointment to collect this letter at the British High Commission Dar es Salaam
Letter confirming that a British passport shows the nationality of a citizen.
We can provide a letter confirming that a British passport clearly shows the national status of the citizen on the bio data page. You can collect a stamped signed copy of this consular letter by appointment. If you are unable to come in person, a third person can come and collect the letter on your behalf. This is a free service and no consular fees are charged. It is not necessary to bring any form of documentation to collect the letter.
Book an appointment to collect this letter at the British High Commission Dar es Salaam
Letter confirming that the British Government allows its citizens to hold two passports.
We can provide a letter confirming the British government allows its citizens to hold more than one valid passport. You can collect a stamped signed copy of this consular letter by appointment. If you are unable to come in person, a third person can come and collect the letter on your behalf. This is a free service and no consular fees are charged. It is not necessary to bring any form of documentation to collect the letter.
Book an appointment to collect this letter at the British High Commission Dar es Salaam
Fees
Fees for consular services are paid at the British High Commission on the day of application and can be paid in cash only (Tanzanian Shillings only).
Services provided elsewhere
Legalise a document
This service is for customers who require confirmation that the signature or seal on a document is genuine. It does not certify the authenticity of a document or give approval of its content. UK public documents can be legalised by the Legalisation Office.
Witness life certificates
We no longer witness life certificates for British nationals claiming a British pension abroad. Please refer to the list of people working in a recognised profession who can do this for you.
Certifying copies of British passports and other documents
Certifying copies of British passports and other documents can be done by a local notary or lawyer.
Data protection
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office holds and uses data for purposes notified to the Information Commissioner under the Data Protection Act 1998. Such personal data may be disclosed to other UK government departments and public authorities.
Disclaimer
This information is provided as a general guide and is based upon information provided to the High Commission by the relevant authorities and may be subject to change at any time with little or no notice. Accordingly the FCDO and the British High Commission will not be liable for any inaccuracies in this information. For all notarial and legalisation services it is the responsibility of the customer to ascertain the precise requirements of the person requesting the notarial or legalisation service and to satisfy themselves that the service provided by the British High Commission will be accepted.
Updates to this page
Last updated 23 July 2018 + show all updates
-
We have made updates on the Notarial and documentary services guide for Tanzania
-
First published.