Tanzania eases visa applications for Nigerians

Tanzania has removed Nigerian passport holders from its referred visa category.

The move effectively ends the requirement for special clearance before they can obtain a visa, making the process easier for Nigerians.

Observers believe the move may not be unconnected with the proposed Dangote East Africa Refinery which groundbreaking held on Wednesday, September 30.

It is believed the refinery will require many Nigerians travelling across East Africa with Tanzania set to benefit from the development. 

Tanzania Immigration Services Department, in a statement on its official X handle, said the decision was based on amendments published in government gazette No. 246 of 2026.

The statement by Paul Mselle, chief spokesperson of the Tanzania Immigration Services Department, reads: “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.’’

A referred visa is required for nationals of certain countries who need special clearance from Tanzania’s Commissioner General of Immigration or the Commissioner of Immigration (Zanzibar) before a visa can be issued.

Applicants in the category are often advised to wait for approval before making travel arrangements, including booking flight tickets or accommodation.

Before the latest change, Nigerians were subject to the referred visa requirement.

Other countries listed under Tanzania’s referred visa category include Afghanistan, Abkhazia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Chad, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Equatorial Guinea, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Palestine, Senegal, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Somaliland, Sierra Leone, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

The category also covers stateless persons and individuals with refugee status.

The removal means Nigerians travelling to Tanzania will follow the country’s standard visa application process without the additional referral clearance.