Tanzania removes Nigerians from referred visa category
Tanzania has ended special immigration clearance requirements for Nigerian travellers applying for visas, effective immediately. Nigerians must still obtain visas, however, and can use the standard online process or designated entry points. Tourist applicants are listed as eligible for an ordinary visa costing $50 and valid for up to 90 days.
Nigerian travellers to Tanzania no longer need special immigration clearance before applying for visas after Tanzania removed Nigeria from its Referred Visa Category. The Tanzania Immigration Services Department announced the change in a notice dated September 25 and published on its X account on Monday. It said the change followed amendments in Government Gazette No.
246 of 2026 and took effect immediately. The department said Nigerian nationals would now follow standard visa application procedures through Tanzania’s official online immigration portal or designated entry points. Under the previous referred-visa arrangement, nationals of listed countries had to obtain approval from the Office of the Commissioner General of Immigration before travelling.
Applicants had also been advised to submit their applications at least two months before their intended travel dates. The revised process does not make travel to Tanzania visa-free for Nigerians. Tanzania’s visa information continues to list Nigeria among Commonwealth countries whose citizens require visas, and Nigeria is not included on the country’s visa-free list.
Applicants may apply online or obtain a visa on arrival at an official entry point, although the immigration department recommends applying online. Standard applications are generally processed within 10 days, except those under the referral category. For tourism, Nigerian citizens are required to apply for an ordinary visa.
The stated fee is $50, with validity of up to 90 days. Applicants are advised to wait for a visa approval notification or Visa Grant Notice before travelling. The guidelines also require a passport valid for at least six months, with one unused visa page, and a return ticket on arrival.
Tanzania’s immigration authorities advised travellers to use only official platforms and warned that requirements may change.
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