Removal of Nigerian Nationals from Tanzania's Referral Visa Category
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Tanzania has removed Nigeria from its Referral Visa Category, following a public notice issued by the Immigration Department on September 25, 2026 and amendments published in Government Gazette No. 246 of 2026. This article explains what the change means for Nigerian nationals travelling to Tanzania, the countries that remain under the Referral Visa regime, and the visa and immigration requirements travellers should still consider.
Source: https://victoryattorneys.co.tz/
A significant shift in Tanzania’s immigration framework is expected to make travel to Tanzania more accessible for Nigerian nationals.
Following a public notice issued by the Immigration Department on September 25, 2026, the Federal Republic of Nigeria was removed from Tanzania’s Referral Visa Category, pursuant to the amendments published in Government Gazette No. 246 of 2026.
1. Understanding Tanzania’s Referral Visa Regime
A referral visa is a special visa arrangement applicable to nationals of certain countries whose entry into Tanzania requires prior approval from the Commissioner General of Immigration.
Unlike travellers eligible to obtain a visa through the ordinary visa process, nationals falling under the Referral Visa Category are required to apply for and obtain the necessary approval before travelling to Tanzania. They cannot simply obtain the relevant visa upon arrival at a port of entry without prior approval.
Therefore, the referral process introduces an additional immigration clearance requirement, requiring the prospective traveller to submit an application in advance and await approval before travelling to Tanzania.
Countries Remaining Under the Referral Visa Category
Following the removal of Nigeria, nationals of the following countries remain subject to the Referral Visa requirements:
Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Chad, Eritrea, Guinea Conakry, Guinea Bissau, Iran, Iraq, Kyrgyz Republic (Kyrgyzstan), Lebanon, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Pakistan, Palestine, Somalia, Syria, Sierra Leone, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Yemen.
2. What Does Removal of Nigeria Mean?
The removal of Nigeria from the Referral Visa Category eliminated an additional procedural layer that had previously applied to Nigerian nationals seeking to travel to Tanzania.
Nigerian nationals will now follow ordinary immigration procedures applicable to their particular purpose and circumstances of travel. While this does not mean that Nigerian nationals are generally exempt from Tanzania’s visa requirements, it removes the additional referral approval requirement that previously applied to them.
This change is particularly relevant to business travellers, investors, tourists, employees, professionals, students and other Nigerian nationals travelling to Tanzania.
This may ease travel arrangements for Tanzanian and international businesses that regularly engage Nigerian employees, consultants, investors, business partners and other professionals.
Important Considerations for Travellers
Nigerian nationals intending to travel to Tanzania should still confirm the visa requirements applicable to their specific purpose of travel before making travel arrangements. The removal of Nigeria from the Referral Visa Category does not, in itself, constitute a general exemption from Tanzania’s visa requirements.
Travellers should also ensure that their passports, supporting documentation and other immigration requirements are in order to ensure that the appropriate visa is successfully obtained.
Our Immigration Services
Victory Attorneys & Consultants provides immigration legal services and advisory support to individuals, businesses, investors, expatriates and organisations seeking to navigate Tanzania’s immigration framework.
Our services include visa applications, immigration compliance, residence permits, work permits, passes, immigration advisory and related regulatory processes.
We remain available to assist clients with their immigration requirements and provide practical legal guidance on the procedures applicable to their specific circumstances.
For further information or immigration assistance, please contact us via: info@victoryattorneys.co.tz
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