Tanzania has removed Nigeria from its Referred Visa Category, easing visa procedures for Nigerian travellers and potentially facilitating greater movement between the two countries.
The Tanzania Immigration Services Department announced the development in a public notice dated September 25, 2026, signed by its Chief Spokesperson, ACI Paul J. Mselle.
The department said the change followed amendments published in Government Gazette No. 246 of 2026 and took effect immediately.
Under the previous arrangement, Nigerian nationals were subject to an additional immigration clearance process before travelling to Tanzania.
Applicants in the referred category were required to apply well in advance and obtain approval before making firm travel arrangements.
With Nigeria’s removal from the category, Nigerian passport holders can now follow Tanzania’s standard visa application procedures through the country’s official immigration channels.
The development, however, does not mean that Nigerians can travel to Tanzania visa-free.
Nigerian citizens who require visas must still obtain the appropriate visa in accordance with Tanzania’s immigration requirements.
The change is expected to reduce an additional layer of administrative procedures and uncertainty for Nigerians planning trips to Tanzania for tourism, business, education, conferences and other purposes.
Tanzania is a major tourism destination in East Africa, with attractions including Mount Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Zanzibar.
The easing of visa procedures could therefore facilitate travel between the two countries and provide opportunities for businesses involved in tourism, hospitality, aviation and related services.
It could also make it easier for Nigerian businesspeople and investors to visit Tanzania, meet potential partners and explore commercial opportunities.
For Tanzanian businesses, Nigeria represents a sizeable market, while Tanzania provides Nigerian companies with access to an important East African economy.
The development could also encourage greater interaction between citizens of both countries in areas such as education, culture, entertainment, research and professional activities.
Visa-on-arrival clarification
One issue that remains important for Nigerian travellers is whether the removal from the Referred Visa Category automatically makes them eligible for a visa on arrival.
Tanzania’s immigration guidelines distinguish between nationals eligible for visa-on-arrival facilities and those who require prior approval or a different visa procedure.
The removal of Nigeria from the referred category should therefore not be interpreted automatically as confirmation that Nigerian passport holders can obtain visas on arrival.
Travellers are advised to check the latest requirements with the Tanzania Immigration Services Department or through its official visa portal before making travel arrangements.
The department’s online visa system allows eligible applicants to submit applications and monitor their status.
The removal of Nigeria from the Referred Visa Category represents a change in Tanzania’s immigration procedures and removes an additional clearance requirement previously applicable to Nigerian nationals.
The practical impact of the reform will depend on its implementation and how travellers, businesses and other stakeholders respond to the simplified procedure.
For Nigeria and Tanzania, the development provides an opportunity for easier movement and potentially greater interaction between citizens, businesses and institutions across West and East Africa.
