Tanzania: Tanzania Removes Special Visa Clearance for Nigerians

What the report says

Tanzania has removed Nigerian nationals from its referred visa category, meaning they no longer need special clearance before applying to enter the country. The change was reported by Vanguard and distributed by AllAfrica, citing a notice from the Tanzania Immigration Services Department dated September 25 and shared on its official X account on Monday.

According to the notice, the shift takes effect immediately and follows amendments published in Government Gazette No. 246 of 2026. Under the revised process, Nigerian travelers will use Tanzania’s standard visa application route, either through the official immigration online portal or at designated entry points, rather than waiting for referral approval first.

A referred visa is a system used by Tanzania for nationals of certain countries who must obtain extra clearance before a visa is issued. The report says Nigeria had been on that list before the latest amendment. Other countries and groups remain in the referred visa category, including several African, Asian and Middle Eastern states, as well as stateless people and recognized refugees.

The move is significant because it simplifies travel for Nigerian nationals and may reduce delays linked to the earlier approval process. More broadly, it reflects how immigration rules can be adjusted through official gazette updates and administrative notices.