Nigeria Removed from Tanzania Referral
Understanding the requirements for a Tanzania Visa for Nigerians has taken a major turn following recent updates to Tanzania’s immigration framework. On 25 September 2026, the Tanzania Immigration Department issued a public notice confirming that Nigeria has been officially removed from Tanzania’s Referral Visa Category pursuant to Government Gazette No. 246 of 2026.
This landmark shift eliminates the requirement for pre-approval security vetting before applying for entry. However, obtaining a Tanzania Visa for Nigerians remains a mandatory requirement for leisure, corporate travel, and investment activities.
The visa requirements applicable to a Nigerian national will depend on the purpose and circumstances of the intended visit.
What Is Tanzania’s Referral Visa Category?
Tanzania’s Referral Visa system applies to nationals of certain countries whose visa applications require prior approval from the Commissioner General of Immigration before travelling to Tanzania.
This is different from the ordinary visa process.
A traveller whose nationality falls under the Referral Visa Category is generally required to submit a visa application in advance and wait for the required immigration approval before travelling. Such travellers should not assume that they can simply travel to Tanzania and obtain a visa on arrival.
The referral procedure therefore creates an additional immigration clearance step before travel.
Nigeria Has Been Removed from the Referral Visa Category
The removal of Nigeria means that Nigerian nationals are no longer subject to the additional referral-visa procedure solely because of their nationality.
Nigerian travellers will instead be subject to the ordinary immigration and visa requirements applicable to their particular circumstances.
This is particularly relevant to Nigerian:
- Business travellers
- Investors and entrepreneurs
- Tourists
- Employees and professionals
- Students
- Consultants
- Company directors
- Conference and event participants
- Visitors travelling for meetings or commercial activities
For businesses operating between Nigeria and Tanzania, the change may also simplify arrangements for Nigerian employees, consultants, investors, business partners and other professionals travelling to Tanzania.
Which Countries Remain on Tanzania’s Referral Visa List?
Following the removal of Nigeria, the countries remaining under the Referral Visa Category include:
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.
In addition, stateless persons and persons with refugee status are subject to specific advance-visa requirements and should not assume that they can obtain a visa upon arrival.
Does a Nigerian Citizen Now Enter Tanzania Without a Visa?
Not necessarily.
This is an important distinction.
Removal from the Referral Visa Category should not be interpreted as a blanket visa exemption for Nigerian nationals.
Instead, it means that Nigerian nationals are no longer required to undergo the additional referral-approval process applicable to nationals who remain on the referral list.
The traveller must still determine the appropriate immigration permission based on the purpose of travel.
For example, the immigration requirements may differ depending on whether the Nigerian national is travelling to Tanzania for:
- Tourism;
- Business activities;
- Employment;
- Investment;
- Consultancy;
- Study;
- Meetings or conferences; or
- Other permitted activities.
Travellers should therefore confirm the applicable visa or immigration status before making travel arrangements.
What Does This Mean for Nigerian Investors and Businesses?
The change is particularly relevant to Nigerian investors and companies considering Tanzania as an investment or expansion destination.
A Nigerian investor travelling to Tanzania to establish or manage a business may have immigration requirements that go beyond those of a short-term visitor.
Depending on the circumstances, an investor or business executive may need to address matters such as:
- Appropriate visa or entry permission;
- Company incorporation;
- Tax registration;
- Business licensing;
- Investment registration;
- Work permits;
- Residence permits;
- Immigration compliance; and
- Other sector-specific regulatory requirements.
Therefore, while the removal of Nigeria from the Referral Visa Category may simplify the entry process, it does not replace the other legal and regulatory requirements applicable to doing business in Tanzania.
Nigerian Employees and Professionals Travelling to Tanzania
The same distinction applies to Nigerian professionals who intend to work in Tanzania.
A person entering Tanzania for employment should not rely solely on a visitor or ordinary visa where a work permit and residence permission are required.
Employers should assess the appropriate immigration status before the employee travels or commences work.
This is particularly important for companies recruiting Nigerian:
- Engineers;
- Managers;
- Technical specialists;
- Consultants;
- Directors;
- Project personnel; and
- Other expatriate employees.
Early immigration planning can help businesses avoid delays, non-compliance and unnecessary costs.
What Nigerian Travellers Should Do Before Travelling
Although Nigeria has been removed from the Referral Visa Category, Nigerian nationals should still undertake the normal immigration checks before travelling to Tanzania.
Travellers should verify:
- The purpose of the proposed visit;
- The appropriate visa or immigration permission;
- Passport validity and travel documentation;
- Supporting documents required for the application;
- Whether work or residence authorization is required; and
- Any additional requirements applicable to the specific activity or sector.
Business travellers should also ensure that their proposed activities are permitted under the immigration status they intend to use.
A Practical Change for Nigeria–Tanzania Business Relations
The removal of Nigeria from the Referral Visa Category represents a significant procedural change for Nigerian nationals travelling to Tanzania.
For businesses, investors and professionals, the key benefit is the removal of the additional referral-approval layer that previously applied to Nigerian nationals.
However, businesses should avoid treating this change as a complete relaxation of Tanzania’s immigration requirements.
Entry permission, work authorization, residence authorization, business registration and sector-specific licensing are separate regulatory matters.
A Nigerian national may therefore be able to travel under the ordinary visa framework while still requiring additional authorization to undertake employment, establish a business or carry out regulated activities in Tanzania.
Tanzania Immigration and Business Advisory Support
GERPAT Solutions assists foreign investors, companies, expatriates and professionals with navigating Tanzania’s business establishment, immigration and regulatory environment.
Our services include:
- Tanzania visa and immigration advisory;
- Work permit applications;
- Residence permit applications;
- Special Pass and other immigration processes;
- Company incorporation and business registration;
- Tax and business registrations;
- Business licensing;
- Investment and regulatory compliance;
- Expatriate employment compliance; and
- Ongoing corporate and regulatory support.
For Nigerian nationals and Nigerian companies planning to enter the Tanzanian market, we can assist in assessing the appropriate immigration and business requirements based on the proposed activity.
Important: Immigration requirements can depend on nationality, purpose of travel, employment status, investment structure and other individual circumstances. Applicants should confirm the requirements applicable to their specific circumstances before travelling or commencing activities in Tanzania.
Let’s help you secure your permit in Tanzania. Kindly reach out to our team directly at www.gerpatsolutions.co.tz info@gerpatsolutions.co.tz, Mob: +255 742 826 955