Tanzania's immigration authority has officially released a comprehensive list of 24 countries whose nationals are not eligible for a visa on arrival at its borders. Affected travelers must now secure a visa in advance or obtain special authorization from the Commissioner General of Immigration before traveling to Tanzania.
The restriction is outlined in updated guidelines published on the Tanzania Immigration portal, detailing the country's entry requirements for foreign nationals in 2026. The policy aims to regulate entry and enhance border security.
Full List of Countries Excluded from Visa on Arrival
According to the official guidance, nationals from the following 24 countries cannot obtain a visa on arrival in Tanzania: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Chad, Eritrea, Guinea Conakry, Guinea Bissau, Iran, Iraq, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine, Somalia, Syria, Sierra Leone, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Yemen.
Stateless persons and individuals holding refugee status are also subject to the same restriction and must apply for a visa before traveling.
What Affected Travelers Must Do
Nationals from the listed countries who intend to visit Tanzania are required to apply for and obtain a visa before arrival. Those who have received special permission from the Commissioner General of Immigration may present that authorization at the point of entry.
The restriction extends beyond country nationals. The guidance states that stateless persons and individuals recognized as refugees are similarly barred from obtaining a visa on arrival and must complete the visa application process before traveling to Tanzania.
Travellers from affected countries are advised to verify their requirements through the Tanzania Immigration portal well ahead of any planned journey to avoid being denied entry at the border.
Impact on Tourism and Related News
In a related development, Legit.ng previously reported that Tanzania's tourism sector had taken a serious hit following election-related killings in the country. Additionally, a Nigerian food critic, Opeyemi Famakin, recounted his experience in Tanzania when he told a female airport attendant 'Ikweji', a line from a popular Tanzanian song.
