Tanzania has dropped Nigerians from its referred-visa list, ending a rule that made travellers from Nigeria seek special clearance before they could be granted visas.
The country’s Immigration Services Department announced the change in a notice dated September 25 and shared on its official X account on Monday. Paul Mselle, the department’s chief spokesperson, said the decision took effect immediately and followed amendments published in Government Gazette No. 246 of 2026.
Under the old arrangement, Nigerians in the referred category needed the approval of the Commissioner-General of Immigration before travelling and were advised to file applications at least two months ahead of their trips.
That layer is now gone. Nigerians can simply follow Tanzania’s standard visa process through the official online portal or at designated entry points, although the department recommends applying online before travelling.
Travel is not visa-free. Nigeria is not on Tanzania’s current visa-free list, so passports still need a visa for entry. The standard online application is generally processed within 10 days, and the fee for a tourism visa is $50 with validity of up to 90 days.
Travellers also need passports valid for at least six months with one unused visa page, and officials may ask for a return ticket at the airport. The department has warned applicants to use only its official online platform to avoid impostor sites.
The change removes the longest source of delay in travel between both countries. Demand should rise as more people make trips connected to the AFCON 2027 qualifiers, where Nigeria and Tanzania are in the same qualifying group.
Sources: TheCable, LEADERSHIP, Punch
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