Tanzania has removed Nigerian nationals from its Referred Visa Category, ending the additional immigration clearance previously required before their visa applications could be processed. The change, confirmed by Tanzania’s Immigration Services Department on September 25, follows amendments published in Government Gazette No. 246 of 2026.
Nigerian passport holders will now follow Tanzania’s standard visa process rather than seeking separate referral approval. The change does not make travel visa-free: Nigerian travellers must still obtain the appropriate Tanzanian visa through the country’s normal application channels and meet the applicable entry requirements.
Under the previous arrangement, Nigerian applicants faced additional immigration scrutiny and were advised to apply well ahead of their intended travel dates. Removing that step gives travellers and travel agents greater certainty when planning trips, particularly for business travel, tourism, conferences and other journeys with fixed dates.
The policy change also removes a procedural barrier between two major African markets. Nigeria is an important source of outbound business and leisure travel, while Tanzania is a significant tourism destination in East Africa. Simpler visa procedures may make it easier for Nigerian travellers to consider Tanzania, although the eventual effect on visitor numbers will also depend on factors such as air connectivity, fares, destination marketing and overall travel costs.
Tanzania continues to maintain a Referred Visa Category for nationals of other countries whose applications require additional immigration approval. Travel agents handling Nigerian bookings should therefore update their visa guidance while continuing to check the latest requirements with the Tanzania Immigration Services Department before finalising travel arrangements.
For the African travel trade, the change is a targeted adjustment to Tanzania’s visa regime, but one that removes an additional administrative step from travel between West and East Africa.
