Tanzania Removes Nigerians From Referral Visa Category

Tanzania has removed Nigerian nationals from its Referral Visa Category, ending a requirement that subjected Nigerian travellers to additional visa restrictions before travelling to the country.

The Tanzania Immigration Services Department announced the change in a public notice dated September 25, 2026, saying the amendment had been published in Government Gazette No. 246 of 2026.

“With immediate effect, Nigerian nationals traveling to the United Republic of Tanzania are no longer subject to referred visa restrictions,” the Immigration Department said.

The department added that Nigerian nationals will now follow the standard visa application procedures through Tanzania’s official online immigration portal or designated entry points.

The change removes Nigeria from a category under which certain foreign nationals are required to obtain additional approval before travelling to Tanzania. Under Tanzania’s visa guidelines, nationals whose countries fall under the Referral Visa Category are required to submit their applications online and wait for approval before beginning their journey, or obtain approval from the Commissioner General of Immigration. Applicants in the category are also advised to apply at least two months before their intended travel date.

Tanzania’s Immigration Services Department says its referral visa list can be reviewed from time to time, meaning countries can be added to or removed from the category through changes to the applicable regulations.

The latest notice was issued by Assistant Commissioner of Immigration Paul J. M selle, Chief Spokesperson of Tanzania’s Immigration Services Department, and represents an immediate change in the treatment of Nigerian nationals travelling to the United Republic of Tanzania.

The move means Nigerian travellers will no longer face the additional referral-visa procedure identified in Tanzania’s previous visa framework. They will instead use the country’s ordinary visa application channels and comply with the standard requirements applicable to their travel category.

Tanzania operates an electronic visa system through which foreign travellers can submit applications, make payments and receive notifications on the progress of their applications. The Immigration Department advises applicants to obtain their visa approval before travelling where a visa is required.

The change marks a notable adjustment in Tanzania-Nigeria travel arrangements and could make travel between the two countries more straightforward for Nigerian nationals visiting Tanzania for purposes such as tourism, business, meetings or family visits.

The Immigration Department’s notice did not state the specific reasons behind Nigeria’s removal from the Referral Visa Category. It simply confirmed that the change follows amendments published in Government Gazette No. 246 of 2026 and takes effect immediately.