Tanzania removes Nigerians from additional referral-visa clearance list
Tanzania’s Immigration Department says Nigerian nationals will no longer need additional clearance under the country’s referral-visa system. The change, effective immediately, means Nigerians must still obtain a visa but can use standard application procedures through the official online portal or designated entry points.
Tanzania has removed Nigerian nationals from its referral-visa category, ending the requirement for additional immigration clearance before travel, according to the country’s Immigration Department. The department announced the change in a statement issued last Friday. It said Nigeria had been removed from the category following amendments published in Government Gazette number 246 of 2026.
The directive took effect immediately. Nigerians travelling to Tanzania will still need to secure a visa, but they will no longer be subject to the extra referral process and can use standard application procedures through Tanzania’s official online portal or designated entry points. The change is expected to simplify travel arrangements for Nigerians visiting Tanzania for tourism, business, study or other permitted purposes.
The supplied material does not state how many Nigerian travellers are affected or explain the reasons for the regulatory amendment beyond the reference to the published changes. Under Tanzania’s referral-visa system, nationals of listed countries generally must apply in advance and wait for approval from immigration authorities. They cannot rely on the ordinary visa-on-arrival process.
The department’s list still includes 27 other countries. They are Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Chad, Djibouti, Eritrea, Equatorial Guinea, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Lebanon, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Pakistan, Palestine, Senegal, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Somaliland, Sierra Leone, Syria, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Yemen. The revised treatment means Nigerian applicants will follow the ordinary visa route rather than seeking separate referral approval.
The department’s statement described the change as an official removal from the category, rather than a temporary waiver. The new arrangement applies to Nigerian nationals travelling to the United Republic of Tanzania and concerns immigration clearance requirements. Travellers must continue to meet the country’s standard visa conditions through the channels identified by the department.
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