Tanzania entry requirements for Nigeria passport holders

Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked

Nigerian passport holders need a visa to enter Tanzania. You must arrange this before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival option for Nigerian citizens. Start the application well ahead of your trip to avoid delays.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Tanzania visaYou cannot get this visa online or on arrival; plan the application well ahead.
Apply at an embassy or consulate
A visa is required for Nigerian passport holders. You must apply in person at the nearest Tanzanian embassy or consulate before travel. There is no eVisa option for Nigerian nationals.Required
Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date before booking anything.
At least 6 months beyond your intended stay
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Tanzania.Required
Blank passport pagesThe visa and entry stamp need a clean page.
At least 1 blank page
Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp.Required
Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see this at the border.
Proof of departure
You must have a confirmed return or onward flight ticket showing you will leave Tanzania before your visa or permitted stay expires.Required
Proof of sufficient fundsBank statements or cash can help satisfy this check.
For your stay
You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses while in Tanzania.Recommended
Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any online arrival form.
Not required
No separate arrival declaration form is required for Tanzania for Nigerian passport holders.Not required
No visa on arrival — plan ahead
Nigerian citizens cannot get a Tanzania visa at the airport or border. You must have a visa issued by a Tanzanian embassy or consulate before you fly. Arriving without one means you'll be refused entry and sent back.
Yellow fever certificate is mandatory
Carry your original yellow fever vaccination certificate with you. Immigration officials in Tanzania will ask to see it. If you don't have it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport, which can be a hassle.

What happens at the border

1
Contact the Tanzanian embassy or consulate
Find the nearest Tanzanian diplomatic mission (e.g., in Abuja or Lagos). Call or check their website to confirm visa application procedures, required documents, and whether you need an appointment.
2
Prepare your application package
Gather all required documents: passport, photos, completed form, flight itinerary, hotel booking, yellow fever certificate, and visa fee. Make photocopies of everything for your records.
3
Submit your application in person or by mail
Deliver your application to the embassy or consulate. Some missions accept mail-in applications, but many require a personal appearance for biometrics. Follow the specific instructions given by the embassy.
4
Wait for processing
Processing times vary — typically 5 to 10 working days, but can take longer. Check with the embassy for current timelines. Do not book non-refundable flights until you have your visa.
5
Collect your passport with visa
Once approved, you'll get your passport back with the visa sticker. Verify that your name, passport number, and validity dates are correct before leaving the embassy.
6
Arrive in Tanzania and go through immigration
At the airport (e.g., Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam or Kilimanjaro International Airport), present your passport with visa, yellow fever certificate, and any other documents requested. Answer questions about your stay and have your return ticket ready.
Download Tanzania Entry Checklist
PDF · Nigeria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Multiple-entry visa
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity12 months from date of issue
Cost$100

For business or frequent travel; apply at Tanzanian embassy.

Ordinary visa (extendable)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from date of issue
Cost$50

Can be extended in Tanzania for up to 6 months total.

work visa
Class A Work Permit
2 years, renewable
$500 USD (approx. 200,000 NGN) per year
For skilled professionals with a job offer from a Tanzanian employer. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Class C)
2 years, renewable
$1,000 USD (approx. 400,000 NGN) per year
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in Tanzania. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
student visa
Student Pass
Duration of course, renewable
$50 USD (approx. 20,000 NGN) per year
For enrolled students at recognized Tanzanian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of financial support.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Single-entry visa (up to 90 days)Payable at Tanzanian embassy or on arrival at designated ports (if eligible).$50 (or equivalent in TZS)
Multiple-entry visa (up to 12 months)For frequent travelers; issued by Tanzanian embassy.$100 (or equivalent in TZS)
Visa extension (per 3 months)Apply at Immigration Headquarters in Dar es Salaam or regional offices.$100 (or equivalent in TZS)
Exit feeNo separate exit fee for most travelers; confirm with airline.Included in airfare

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%

Approval probability calculator

Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.

Transiting through Tanzania

Transit visa required

Nigerian passport holders require a transit visa even for airside transit through Tanzania.

Exceptions & conditions
  • Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
Transit hubsJulius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) · Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) · Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ)

Health & vaccines for Tanzania

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (Nigeria is endemic).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, Polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Present throughout Tanzania, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.

Dengue FeverModerate risk

Outbreaks occur in urban areas; use mosquito repellent.

CholeraLow risk

Rare in tourists; avoid unsafe water and food.

Malaria risk: high

High risk nationwide, especially in rural and lowland areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil) strongly recommended.

Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.

Immigration offices for extensions

Dar es Salaam
Tanzania Immigration Headquarters
Samora Avenue, Dar es Salaam
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30

Main office for extensions and permits; bring passport, visa, and fee.

Arusha
Arusha Regional Immigration Office
Boma Road, Arusha
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30

Popular for tourists on safari; extensions processed here.

Practical information for NG travellers

Country basics
CapitalDodoma
LanguageSwahili, English
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyTanzanian Shilling (TZS)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 2,621.51 TZS
updated Jul 3
Time zone
Local timeUTC+3
vs New York+8h (EST) / +7h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+11h (PST) / +10h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
D,GType D, G — US plugs do not fit. Bring a universal adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Do not drink tap water. Use sealed bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Police112
Medical112
US EmbassyFind contact

Nearby destinations you can also visit

Countries close to Tanzania — with your same passport.

Frequently asked questions

No. Nigerian passport holders are not eligible for visa on arrival. You must obtain a visa from a Tanzanian embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing typically takes 5 to 10 working days, but it can be longer depending on the embassy's workload and whether you apply by mail or in person. It's best to apply at least 3-4 weeks before your planned departure.
The fee varies depending on the visa type (single entry, multiple entry, etc.) and is set by the Tanzanian embassy. Contact the embassy directly for the current fee schedule. Expect to pay in the embassy's accepted currency (often US dollars or Nigerian Naira).
Yes. Tanzania requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, which includes Nigeria. Without the certificate, you may be denied entry or required to be vaccinated on arrival (which may involve a fee and potential delay).
No. The Tanzania visa for Nigerian citizens is not extendable. You must leave the country before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or other penalties.
If you are transiting through Tanzania and will not pass through immigration (i.e., staying airside), you may not need a visa. However, if you plan to leave the airport or stay overnight, you will need a visa. Check with your airline and the Tanzanian embassy for transit visa requirements.
Tanzania has a High Commission in Abuja. There may also be a consulate in Lagos. Check the official website or contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tanzania for the most current addresses and contact details.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.