Tanzania eases visa access for US, Russia and Nigeria travelers, keeps restrictions on Niger, Mauritania and Iran

Countries affected: Tanzania, United States, Russia, Nigeria, Niger, Mauritania, Iran and Mali

Effective September 25 2026, Tanzania moved Nigeria from the referral visa category to the ordinary visa process, allowing Nigerian travelers to apply for a standard visa without prior clearance. Travelers from the United States and Russia already follow the ordinary visa process, with U.S. tourists required to obtain a multiple-entry visa for tourism.

Referral visa requirements remain for travelers from Niger, Mauritania, Iran, Mali and many other countries, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Chad, Eritrea, Guinea Conakry, Guinea Bissau, Iraq, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Pakistan, Palestine, Somalia, Syria, Sierra Leone, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Yemen. Applicants in this group must submit their applications online and wait for approval, with Tanzania advising them to apply at least two months before travel.

Citizens of Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Ghana, Botswana, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe may enter Tanzania without a visa. Starting October 1 2026, all foreign visitors will be required to purchase mandatory travel insurance costing $44 per person.