Tanzania has removed Nigeria from its referred visa list, allowing Nigerian travellers to apply for entry visas without undergoing the previously required special clearance.

The Tanzania Immigration Services Department announced the change in a notice dated September 25 and published on its official X account on Monday.

Paul Mselle, Chief Spokesperson of the department, said the decision followed amendments contained in Government Gazette No. 246 of 2026.

“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,” the statement said.

Under Tanzania’s referred visa system, nationals of certain countries are required to obtain approval from the Commissioner General of Immigration or the Commissioner of Immigration in Zanzibar before their visas can be issued.

Applicants under the system are also advised to await approval before making travel arrangements such as booking flights and accommodation.

Nigeria was previously among the countries subject to the additional clearance requirement.

Countries still 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 applies to stateless persons and individuals with refugee status.

With the latest change, Nigerian travellers to Tanzania will now be able to use the country’s regular visa application process without seeking additional referral clearance.