Tanzania Removes Nigerians From Referred Visa Category: New Visa Rules

Tanzania Removes Nigerians From Referred Visa Category

Tanzania has officially removed Nigerian citizens from its Referred Visa Category, allowing Nigerians to apply for Tanzanian visas through standard procedures without requiring an invitation or referral from an individual or organisation based in Tanzania.

The decision was confirmed by Paul Mselle, spokesperson for Tanzania’s Immigration Services Department, following amendments published in Government Gazette Number 246 of 2026.

According to the Immigration Department, the change takes effect immediately.

“The Immigration Department informs the public that citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria have been officially removed from the Referred Visa Category, following published amendments in the Government Gazette number 246 of 2026,” the statement said.

Nigerians No Longer Require a Tanzanian Referral

Previously, Nigerians applying for Tanzanian visas were required to submit an invitation letter from an individual, organisation, or company based in Tanzania as part of their visa application.

That requirement has now been removed.

The Tanzanian Immigration Services Department said Nigerian nationals travelling to Tanzania will now follow the country's standard visa application procedures.

“With immediate effect, Nigerian nationals travelling 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 Immigration Department added.

The change provides a more straightforward Tanzania visa application process for Nigerians, although travellers must still meet the applicable immigration and entry requirements.

What the New Tanzania Visa Policy Means for Nigerians

The removal from the Referred Visa Category means Nigerian passport holders no longer need to obtain the previously required referral or invitation from a Tanzanian-based individual or organisation before submitting their visa application.

Nigerians travelling to Tanzania for tourism, business, conferences, investment, medical travel, education or other permitted purposes should follow the appropriate visa procedures for their trip.

Travellers should also ensure that their passports and supporting documents meet the requirements specified by Tanzanian immigration authorities.

The change should not be interpreted as an automatic visa-free entry arrangement for Nigerians. Eligible travellers should confirm the visa category and current entry requirements before travelling.

Nigeria-Tanzania Trade and Investment Opportunities

The development also comes as Nigeria and Tanzania explore opportunities to strengthen bilateral relations, particularly in trade and investment.

Adeniran Timothy, Director-General of the International Forum for Peace & Diplomacy (IFPD), welcomed Tanzania's decision and highlighted the potential for increased economic cooperation between the two countries.

According to Mr Timothy, Nigeria and Tanzania have the potential to unlock more than $10 billion annually through cross-border trade and investment opportunities.

“At the @ifpd_official Council of Emissaries in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, one of our key discussions with the East African Community was the cross-border trade and investment opportunities between Nigeria and Tanzania, with the potential to unlock over $10 billion annually,” Mr Timothy said.

He also called for Nigeria to reciprocate Tanzania's move.

“Having previously served as Special Envoy on Trade & Investment to the East Africa Community (EAC), I am delighted that we can now welcome the removal of Nigerian nationals from Tanzania’s Referred Visa Category. Nigeria needs to reciprocate this diplomatic approach. Nigeria-Tanzania bilateral relations have so much to contribute to Africa’s development,” he added.

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The removal of the referral requirement may make the visa application process more convenient for Nigerian travellers, but applicants should still verify the latest requirements through official Tanzanian immigration channels before submitting an application or making final travel arrangements.

Tanzania Visa for Nigerians: What Travellers Should Do

Nigerians planning a trip to Tanzania should:

Check the latest Tanzanian visa requirements. Use the official immigration online portal or designated application channels. Prepare a valid Nigerian passport and required supporting documents. Confirm the correct visa category based on the purpose of travel. Verify entry requirements before departure. Seek professional travel assistance where necessary. Conclusion

Tanzania's removal of Nigerian citizens from the Referred Visa Category marks a significant change in the country's visa procedures for Nigerian travellers.

Nigerians can now follow the standard Tanzania visa application process without the previously required referral from a Tanzanian individual or organisation.

The development could also support greater movement between Nigeria and Tanzania and create additional opportunities for tourism, business, trade and investment between the two countries.

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