Tanzania removes Nigeria from referral visa list September
Tanzania's Immigration Services Department has removed Nigerian nationals from its 'referred visa' category, effective September 25, 2026.
Tanzania has removed Nigerians from the referred visa category, effective immediately. The country's Immigration Services Department announced the removal of special visa clearance for Nigerian travellers effective September 25, 2026.
The department's Chief Spokesperson, Paul Mselle, signed the public notice confirming the decision. The notice, which followed published amendments in the Government Gazette number 246 of 2026, was effective as soon as it was issued. The Immigration Department informed the public that citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria have been officially removed from the Referred Visa Category.
With immediate effect, Nigerian nationals travelling to Tanzania are no longer subject to referred visa restrictions. They will now follow standard visa application procedures through the official immigration online portal or designated entry points.
What the change means for travellers
Nigerian nationals can now apply through the ordinary visa process using Tanzania’s immigration online portal or designated entry points. The change does not waive visa requirements; travellers still need an applicable visa to enter Tanzania.
The notice does not say that Nigerian passport holders have become visa-exempt or qualify for a visa on arrival. The change concerns advance approval, not the requirement to obtain a visa. Tanzania’s system separates ordinary visa applications from categories that require advance approval.
Before the removal, Nigerians applying for Tanzanian visas were required to submit an invitation letter from entities based in Tanzania. Under that previous procedure, applicants were advised to submit requests at least two months before travel due to the additional approval process. The electronic visa system covers both Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar under the same entry system. Visa rules can change without prior notice according to Tanzanian guidance, and some passport categories continue to require advance approval.
Visa costs and system details
The ordinary visa process now applies to Nigerian applicants. Published 2026 visa guidance lists the following costs:
| Visa Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Ordinary Single-Entry | US$50 |
| Multiple-Entry | US$100 |
This system covers travel to both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.
Reaction and context
Adeniran Timothy, the director-general of the International Forum for Peace & Diplomacy (IFPD), welcomed the announcement. Timothy, who previously served as Special Envoy on Trade & Investment to the East Africa Community, stated that Nigeria and Tanzania have $10 billion in economic potential to unlock. He called on the Nigerian government to reciprocate the removal of visa restrictions.
The announcement was reported with a headline highlighting the removal from the referral visa list. The notice removes Nigerians from the nationalities covered by the referral visa requirement under Government Gazette No. 246 of 2026.
Paul Mselle said: "Chief Spokesperson Paul Mselle signed the notice." Nigerian nationals will now follow standard visa application procedures through Tanzania’s official immigration online portal or designated entry points.
