Tanzania Removes Nigerians From Referral Visa List, Eases Visa Process
The Tanzanian government has removed Nigerian nationals from its referred visa category, allowing Nigerians to apply for visas through the country’s standard procedures without requiring a referral from an individual or organisation based in Tanzania.
The decision was announced by the Tanzania Immigration Services Department in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Paul Mselle.
According to the department, Nigerians were officially removed from the referred visa category following amendments published in Government Gazette Number 246 of 2026.
“The Immigration Department informs the public that citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria have been officially removed from the Referred Visa Category,” the statement said.
Before the policy change, Nigerians seeking Tanzanian visas were required to provide an invitation letter or referral from an individual or organisation in Tanzania as part of their applications.
Under the new arrangement, Nigerian travellers can apply through the country’s regular visa procedures.
“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 department said.
The development has been welcomed by Adeniran Timothy, Director-General of the International Forum for Peace & Diplomacy (IFPD), who described the move as an opportunity to strengthen economic and diplomatic relations between both countries.
Timothy said Nigeria and Tanzania had significant potential for increased trade and investment, estimating that bilateral economic opportunities could exceed $10 billion annually.
“At the @ifpd_official Council of Emissaries in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, one of our key discussions with the East African Community was the cross-border trade and investment opportunities between Nigeria and Tanzania, with the potential to unlock over $10 billion annually,” he said in a social media statement.
He also urged the Nigerian government to consider reciprocating Tanzania’s gesture.
“Having previously served as Special Envoy on Trade & Investment to the East Africa Community (EAC), I am delighted that we can now welcome the removal of Nigerian nationals from Tanzania’s Referred Visa Category,” Timothy said.
“Nigeria needs to reciprocate this diplomatic approach. Nigeria-Tanzania bilateral relations have so much to contribute to Africa’s development.”
The policy change is expected to simplify travel arrangements for Nigerians visiting Tanzania for business, tourism and other legitimate purposes.
