Tanzania's Immigration Services Department has announced the removal of Nigerian nationals from its referred visa category, a classification that previously required additional scrutiny and procedural requirements before entry into the country could be approved. The announcement was made through the department's official Instagram account on September 28, 2026, and was signed by Chief Spokesperson ACI Paul J. Mselle. This change follows amendments published in Government Gazette number 246 of 2026.
The reclassification means that Nigerian citizens intending to visit Tanzania will now be directed through routine visa application procedures, either via Tanzania's official immigration online portal or at designated ports of entry. This adjustment places Nigerian travellers on the same procedural footing as nationals from numerous other countries already processed through standard channels. The policy shift took effect immediately upon the announcement, with no transitional period.
The official notice contained no provisions for a transitional period, indicating that Nigerian nationals already in the process of applying for Tanzanian visas at the time of the publication would therefore be subject to the revised procedures without delay. The development marks a notable shift in travel arrangements between the two African nations, simplifying the path for Nigerian citizens seeking to enter Tanzania for tourism, business, or other purposes.
Tanzania's Immigration Services Department did not provide additional detail on what prompted the removal of Nigeria from the referred category at this time, beyond citing the gazette amendments as the formal basis for the change. The move is expected to ease travel restrictions and promote bilateral relations between the two countries.
The change in visa policy for Nigerians is a significant development in the relations between Tanzania and Nigeria, two prominent countries in Africa. Nigerian citizens will now face the same visa requirements as citizens of many other countries, streamlining the process of obtaining a visa for travel to Tanzania.
Earlier this year, Singapore published a list of countries whose nationals are required to hold a valid visa before travelling to Singapore, including Nigeria. The list also included other African nations such as Egypt, Algeria, Libya, Morocco, Mali, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, and Tunisia.
The removal of Nigeria from Tanzania's referred visa category is a positive step towards enhancing travel and economic ties between the two nations. It is expected that this change will have a positive impact on the relationship between Tanzania and Nigeria, and may also lead to increased travel and trade between the two countries.
Key points
- Nigerian nationals are no longer required to undergo extra visa clearance when travelling to Tanzania.
- The change in visa policy follows amendments published in Government Gazette number 246 of 2026.
- The policy shift took effect immediately upon the announcement, with no transitional period.
