Tanzania removes visa clearance for Nigerians: What to know
Tanzania has removed Nigerian passport holders from its Referred Visa Category, ending the requirement for Nigerians to obtain special immigration clearance before a visa can be issued.
The change took effect immediately following amendments published in Tanzania’s Government Gazette No. 246 of 2026, according to the Tanzania Immigration Services Department.
The development makes the visa process simpler for Nigerians travelling to Tanzania. However, it does not mean Tanzania is now visa-free for Nigerians.
Here is what the new rule means for Nigerian travellers.
What changed in Tanzania’s visa rules for Nigerians?
Before the latest change, Nigeria was included in Tanzania’s Referred Visa Category.
Travellers from countries on the referral list had to obtain additional clearance from Tanzania’s Commissioner General of Immigration before their visas could be issued.
That process also came with an important restriction. Applicants were advised to wait for approval before booking flights, accommodation or making other travel arrangements.
Tanzania has now removed Nigeria from that category.
The country’s immigration department said Nigerians travelling to Tanzania will now follow the standard visa application procedure through the official online portal or designated entry points.
Does this mean Nigerians can travel to Tanzania without a visa?
No.
This is the key point Nigerian travellers need to understand.
Removing Nigeria from the Referred Visa Category only removes the special clearance requirement. It does not remove Tanzania’s visa requirement for Nigerian passport holders.
Tanzania’s official visa system still lists Nigeria among countries whose citizens require visas, while the country’s visa-free list does not include Nigeria.
Therefore, Nigerians planning to visit Tanzania should still obtain the appropriate visa before travelling.
What is a referred visa?
A referred visa is an additional immigration screening arrangement used for nationals of certain countries.
Under the previous system, a Nigerian applying for a Tanzanian visa could not simply complete the normal process and wait for the visa.
The application required referral to Tanzania’s immigration authorities for additional clearance.
Applicants under the referral system were advised to submit applications well ahead of their travel dates and wait for approval before making non-refundable travel arrangements.
Nigeria’s removal means that additional referral stage no longer applies to Nigerian nationals.
How can Nigerians now apply for a Tanzania visa?
Nigerians can use Tanzania’s standard visa application process.
The official Tanzania Electronic Visa Application System allows applicants to complete the application online, upload the required documents, make payment and track the application.
The Tanzania Immigration Services Department also recommends using its official online visa platform rather than third-party websites.
Applicants should select the correct visa category for their purpose of travel.
What documents do Nigerian travellers need?
The exact requirements depend on the type of visa being requested.
For the ordinary tourist visa, Tanzania’s immigration guidelines require documents including a valid passport, a recent passport photograph and evidence of a return ticket.
The passport must have at least six months’ validity and at least one unused visa page.
Travellers should also provide any additional documents requested for their particular trip.
For example, someone travelling for business, study or an official assignment may need documents supporting the stated purpose of the visit.
How much is a Tanzania tourist visa?
Tanzania’s immigration guidelines list the fee for an ordinary single-entry visa at $50, with validity of up to 90 days.
The same guidelines state that ordinary visa holders cannot use the visa to work or conduct business in Tanzania.
Nigerians travelling for purposes other than tourism should therefore apply under the appropriate visa category instead of assuming that a tourist visa covers their activities.
Can Nigerians apply online?
Yes.
Tanzania operates an electronic visa platform where applicants can start a new application, submit their details and track the application.
The official system requires applicants to provide information such as their email address, passport number and passport-issuing country when starting an application.
Applicants should wait for the relevant visa notification or approval before travelling.
A visa or Visa Grant Notice does not automatically guarantee entry, as immigration officers can still assess travellers against the country’s entry requirements at the border.
What does the new rule mean for Nigerians?
The immediate benefit is the removal of an extra layer of immigration clearance.
Previously, a Nigerian traveller could face a longer process because the application fell under Tanzania’s referred visa system.
That is no longer the case.
Nigerian applicants can now use the country’s standard visa procedure without seeking the additional referral clearance that previously applied to them.
However, travellers should not confuse easier visa processing with visa-free entry.
Nigerian passport holders still need to meet Tanzania’s visa and entry requirements.
Which countries are still under Tanzania’s referred visa system?
Nigeria’s removal does not mean Tanzania has abolished the referred visa category.
The category continues to cover nationals of several countries, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Chad, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Palestine, Somalia, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, among others.
The list can be reviewed by Tanzanian authorities from time to time.
For Nigerians, however, the important change is that the country is no longer on that referral list.
What should Nigerians travelling to Tanzania do?
Nigerians planning a trip should still apply for the correct Tanzanian visa and check the latest requirements before booking their journey.
They should also ensure that their passport has the required validity and that supporting documents are ready.
Most importantly, travellers should remember the distinction:
Tanzania has removed special visa clearance for Nigerians, but it has not made Tanzania visa-free for Nigerian passport holders.
The new rule simply means Nigerians will now go through the standard visa application process without the additional referred-visa clearance.