Tanzania has removed Nigerian citizens from its referred visa category, allowing Nigerians to apply for visas through standard immigration procedures without requiring an invitation or referral from an individual or company based in the East African country.
The decision was confirmed by Paul Mselle, spokesperson for Tanzania’s Immigration Services Department, following amendments published in Government Gazette No. 246 of 2026.
“The Immigration Department informs the public that citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria have been officially removed from the Referred Visa Category,” the department said.
Under the revised policy, Nigerians travelling to Tanzania will no longer be required to provide invitation letters from Tanzanian individuals or organisations as part of their visa applications.
The Immigration Services Department said Nigerian nationals can now apply through the official online visa portal or designated entry points, subject to the country’s standard immigration requirements.
Previously, Nigerians were required to obtain referrals from individuals or organisations in Tanzania before their visa applications could be processed. The requirement added an extra step for business travellers, tourists and other Nigerian visitors to the country.
The policy change is expected to simplify travel procedures and potentially support stronger business, tourism and investment links between Nigeria and Tanzania.
Adeniran Timothy, Director-General of the International Forum for Peace & Diplomacy (IFPD), welcomed the development and called on the Nigerian government to consider reciprocating the move.
Timothy said Nigeria and Tanzania had the potential to unlock more than $10 billion in annual economic opportunities through stronger bilateral trade and investment relations.
He disclosed that cross-border trade and investment opportunities between the two countries had featured in discussions at the IFPD Council of Emissaries in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, involving the East African Community (EAC).
Having previously served as Special Envoy on Trade and Investment to the EAC, Timothy described the visa policy change as an opportunity to deepen diplomatic and economic cooperation between Nigeria and Tanzania.
He urged Nigeria to consider reciprocal measures, arguing that improved travel arrangements could facilitate business engagements, investment flows and broader economic integration across Africa.
The development comes amid wider efforts to strengthen intra-African trade and cooperation, with easier movement for businesspeople, investors and other travellers seen as a potential facilitator of commercial partnerships and regional economic activity.
Leave a Reply