Nigerians travelling to Tanzania will no longer be required to obtain special immigration clearance before applying for visas after Nigeria was removed from the country’s Referred Visa Category.
The Tanzania Immigration Services Department made the announcement in a notice dated September 25, 2026, signed by its Chief Spokesperson, ACI Paul Mselle, and posted on its X handle on Monday.
The department stated that the change came about as a result of amendments published in Government Gazette No. 246 of 2026 and took effect immediately.
“With immediate effect, Nigerian nationals traveling to the United Republic of Tanzania are no longer subject to referred visa restrictions and will follow standard visa application procedures through the official immigration online portal or designated entry points,” the notice stated.
Under Tanzania’s earlier referral visa system, citizens of countries in that category had to secure approval from the Office of the Commissioner General of Immigration prior to their travel.
They were likewise encouraged to file their applications no later than two months ahead of their planned travel dates.
With the revised arrangement, Nigerian nationals may now use Tanzania’s standard visa procedures via the official online portal or at designated entry points.
Based on the Tanzania Immigration Services visa guidelines, a visa can be obtained in two ways: by applying online through the official immigration website or by getting a visa on arrival at an official entry point. The department advises applicants to use the online application option.
Nevertheless, Nigeria’s removal from the Referred Visa Category does not exempt Nigerian travelers from needing a visa. Tanzania’s official visa information includes Nigeria among the Commonwealth countries whose citizens must obtain visas, and Nigeria is not on the country’s current visa-free list.
Per the immigration guidelines, the standard online visa application is typically processed within 10 days, apart from applications in the referral category. Applicants should wait until they receive their visa approval notification or Visa Grant Notice before setting out on their journey.
The guidelines further specify that applicants must hold passports valid for no less than six months, with at least one unused visa page, and that visitors must show a return ticket when they arrive in Tanzania.
For tourism purposes, Nigerian nationals must apply for an ordinary visa. The stated cost of an ordinary visa is $50, and it is valid for up to 90 days.
The Tanzania Immigration Services Department urges visa applicants to rely solely on its official online platform and cautions that visa rules and conditions are subject to change.
