Tanzania has announced the removal of Nigerian citizens from its referred visa category, allowing travellers to apply for visas through normal procedures without invitation letters from Tanzanian individuals or companies. This move is expected to make travel, tourism, trade, and business relations between both countries easier. The change was confirmed by the Tanzanian Immigration Services Department, which stated that Nigerian citizens will now follow the normal visa application process like other eligible travellers.
The decision to remove Nigerians from the referred visa category follows amendments published in the Government Gazette number 246 of 2026. According to Immigration spokesperson Paul Mselle, the department made this decision to simplify the visa application process for Nigerian nationals. Before this change, Nigerians applying for Tanzanian visas had to provide a referral document, usually an invitation letter from an individual, organisation, or business based in Tanzania.
The extra requirement had made the visa process more stressful for some travellers, especially tourists, business owners, and Nigerians visiting the East African country for short trips. However, with the new update, Nigerian travellers can now apply through Tanzania's official immigration online portal or at designated entry points. This change is expected to strengthen economic and diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Tanzania.
The announcement has been welcomed by stakeholders who believe the move could improve trade and investment opportunities between both countries. Adeniran Timothy, director-general of the International Forum for Peace & Diplomacy (IFPD), described the development as a positive step towards improving trade and investment opportunities between both countries. He said Nigeria and Tanzania have the potential to unlock more than $10 billion in economic opportunities annually if both countries deepen cooperation.
Nigerian travellers have welcomed the update as Tanzania eased its visa application process. The change is expected to make it easier for Nigerians interested in tourism, business, education, and investment opportunities in Tanzania to travel without the previous referral requirements. This move is also seen as a positive step towards improving diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The International Forum for Peace & Diplomacy (IFPD) had previously discussed cross-border trade and investment opportunities between Nigeria and Tanzania, highlighting the potential to unlock over $10 billion annually. Timothy said Nigeria needs to reciprocate this diplomatic approach, adding that Nigeria-Tanzania bilateral relations have so much to contribute to Africa's development.
The removal of Nigerians from Tanzania's referred visa category is seen as a significant development in the relations between the two countries. With this change, Nigerian travellers can now look forward to a more streamlined visa application process, and businesses and investors can explore new opportunities in Tanzania without the previous bureaucratic hurdles.
Key points
- Tanzania removes Nigerians from its referred visa category, easing travel restrictions for Nigerian visitors.
- Nigerian travellers can now apply for Tanzanian visas through normal procedures without invitation letters.
- The move is expected to unlock over $10 billion in economic opportunities between Nigeria and Tanzania.
