Tanzania Removes Nigerians From Referred Visa Category: New Entry Rules, Fees and What Travellers Should Know
Tanzania has eased entry rules for Nigerian travellers by removing Nigeria from its Referred Visa Category. The decision, announced by the Tanzania Immigration Services Department, ends an extra clearance process that had made travel to the East African country slower and less predictable for Nigerians.
The change was published in a public notice issued under Government Gazette No. 246 of 2026. According to the department, Nigerian nationals travelling to the United Republic of Tanzania are, with immediate effect, no longer subject to referred visa restrictions. They now follow standard visa application procedures through the official immigration online portal or at designated entry points. The department’s chief spokesperson, ACI Paul J. Mselle, said the change followed the recently published amendments.
Under the old arrangement, a referred visa required special clearance from Tanzania’s Commissioner General of Immigration, or from the Commissioner of Immigration in Zanzibar, before a visa could be issued. Applicants were generally advised to wait for approval before booking flights or accommodation and to apply at least two months before their planned trip. Reports say Nigerians had to secure the visa before buying flight tickets, and the process could take close to two months. The category was designed to give closer scrutiny to applicants from certain countries, with oversight at a senior level.
With Nigeria removed, that additional step is gone. Travellers can now apply through the online portal, or obtain a visa at an official entry point, the same route open to most other nationalities. Tanzania’s immigration guidelines describe two options: applying online through the official website or getting a visa on arrival.
The reform does not mean visa-free entry. Tanzania’s immigration information still lists Nigeria among the Commonwealth countries whose citizens require visas. For tourism, Nigerians must apply for an Ordinary Visa, which costs $50 and allows a stay of up to 90 days. Visitors may also be asked to show a return ticket on arrival. Other countries still listed under the referred visa category include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Ethiopia and Eritrea, among others.
Tanzania’s immigration authorities recommend applying online before travelling and urge applicants to use only the official platform. They also warn that visa rules and conditions can change, so travellers should confirm current requirements before booking. With scams common in online visa services, using unofficial websites or agents who promise guaranteed approval carries a risk of losing money.
The change is likely to be welcomed by Nigerian tourists, business travellers, students and traders who visit Tanzania. Faster processing can reduce the cost and uncertainty of planning trips, particularly for those who previously had to delay bookings for weeks. It may also support trade and tourism links between the two countries, though officials have not said what prompted the decision.
Travellers should check their passport validity, keep supporting documents ready and confirm the latest fees on the official immigration portal before leaving.
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