Nigeria has been removed from Tanzania’s referral visa category. The Tanzania Immigration Department disclosed this in a statement. The change follows amendments to immigration regulations published in Government Gazette number 246 of 2026. Nigerian nationals will no longer need additional immigration clearance aside from securing a visa. The directive took effect immediately.
Tanzania’s referral visa system requires foreigners from listed countries to obtain extra clearance from immigration authorities before travelling. Countries in the category cannot use the visa-on-arrival process. They must apply in advance and wait for approval. The list included Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Chad, Eritrea, Iran, Iraq, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Somalia, Syria and Yemen. Nigeria was on that list. The removal follows diplomatic engagement between Abuja and Dodoma.
The Immigration Department said Nigerian nationals will now follow standard visa application procedures through the official immigration online portal or designated entry points. “With immediate effect, Nigerian nationals travelling to the United Republic of Tanzania are no longer subject to referral visa restrictions,” the statement said. The change simplifies travel for Nigerians visiting Tanzania for tourism, business, study or other permitted purposes.
The remaining 27 countries on the list include 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.
Winners: Nigerian travellers, who face fewer hurdles. Tanzanian tourism, which gains visitors. Businesses, which gain easier access. The Federal Government, which gains a diplomatic win. Losers: Immigration agents who processed the extra clearance. Countries still on the list. No serious losers.
Bottom Line: Nigeria is off Tanzania’s referral visa list. Travel is simpler. The diplomatic engagement worked. Nigeria should push for similar removals elsewhere.