Tanzania has removed Nigerian nationals from its referred visa category, ending the requirement for special clearance before they can obtain a visa.
The Tanzania Immigration Services Department announced the development in a notice dated September 25 and shared on its official X handle on Monday.
The statement signed by Paul Mselle, chief spokesperson of the Tanzania Immigration Services Department, said the decision followed amendments published in government gazette No. 246 of 2026.
“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 statement reads.
A referred visa is required for nationals of certain countries who need special clearance from Tanzania’s commissioner general of immigration or the commissioner of immigration (Zanzibar) before a visa can be issued.
Applicants in the category are often advised to wait for approval before making travel arrangements, including booking flight tickets or accommodation.
Before the latest change, Nigeria was among the countries whose nationals were subject to the referred visa requirement.
Other countries currently listed under Tanzania’s referred visa category include Afghanistan, Abkhazia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Chad, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Equatorial Guinea, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Palestine, Senegal, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Somaliland, Sierra Leone, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
The category also covers stateless persons and individuals with refugee status.
The removal means Nigerians travelling to Tanzania will now follow the country’s standard visa application process without the additional referral clearance.
