Tanzania Removes Nigerians From Referred Visa Category, Eases Travel Rules

Tanzania has removed Nigerian nationals from its Referred Visa Category, ending the requirement for Nigerians to obtain additional immigration clearance before their visas could be issued. The Tanzania Immigration Services Department announced the change in a public notice dated September 25, 2026, following amendments published in Government Gazette No. 246 of 2026. The decision took effect immediately.

Under the previous system, Nigerian passport holders were required to undergo the referred visa process, which involved additional approval from Tanzania’s immigration authorities before a visa could be issued. Applicants under the category were also advised to apply well ahead of their intended travel dates and wait for approval before making travel arrangements.

With Nigeria’s removal from the category, Nigerian travellers can now follow Tanzania’s standard visa application procedures through the country’s official immigration online portal or designated entry points, depending on the applicable visa requirements.

However, the policy change does not make Tanzania visa-free for Nigerians. Nigerian citizens still require a visa where applicable, but the additional referral clearance is no longer required. The development is expected to make travel arrangements between Nigeria and Tanzania more straightforward for tourists, business travellers and other visitors who previously faced the additional referral procedure.

Tanzania’s Immigration Services Department has advised travellers to use its official immigration channels and check the current requirements before making travel arrangements, as visa regulations can change.