Tanzania Removes Nigerians From Referred Visa Category, Eases Entry Process

 Tanzania has removed Nigerian nationals from its Referred Visa Category, eliminating the additional immigration clearance previously required before a visa could be issued.

 The change took effect immediately following amendments published in Tanzania’s Government Gazette No. 246 of 2026. Tanzania’s Immigration Services Department confirmed that Nigerian travellers will now follow the country’s standard visa application procedures through the official immigration portal or designated entry points. 

 Under the previous referred-visa arrangement, Nigerians were required to obtain special clearance from the Commissioner General of Immigration before travelling. Applicants in the category were advised to submit their applications well in advance and wait for approval before making travel arrangements. 

 The revised rules remove that additional clearance requirement for Nigerian passport holders. The change, however, does not make Tanzania visa-free for Nigerians. Nigerian nationals remain subject to Tanzania’s ordinary visa requirements. For tourism, the applicable category is an Ordinary Visa, with the standard fee listed at US$50 and validity of up to 90 days. 

 Nigerian travellers can therefore apply through Tanzania’s standard visa channels without first securing the special referral approval that previously applied to them.

 The policy change follows an amendment to Tanzania’s immigration regulations and represents a change in the administrative treatment of Nigerian travellers rather than a waiver of Tanzania’s general visa requirements.

 Travellers should also verify the applicable requirements before departure, as Tanzania’s immigration authorities state that visa conditions and referral classifications may be reviewed from time to time.