June 7, 2024
In a significant development for Tanzania’s tourism sector, the previously challenging Referral Visa process is set to be improved following a crucial meeting that took place yesterday. The meeting, held in Zanzibar, brought together key stakeholders, including all tour operators in the region, the Commissioner of Tourism, and the Commissioner of Immigration.
The discussions focused on the modifications to the Referral Visa process, which had its processing responsibility amended to include a review by a desk under the presidency. An official agreement is expected to be signed this week, paving the way for the reactivation of the visa.
Once the agreement is in place, the revised Referral Visa is anticipated to be approved and issued within a timeframe of 7 to 10 days, but no more than two weeks. This move is expected to significantly benefit the tourism industry, ensuring a smoother and more efficient visa application process for visitors planning to explore the beautiful destinations in Tanzania.
What Does This Mean For Nigeria Travellers?
The recent challenges in processing Tanzania Referral Visas, particularly affecting Nigerian travelers, are set to ease significantly. With the new agreement, processing times are expected to be reduced, allowing agents to better predict timelines and enhance travel planning to Tanzania.
Tanzania has been a leading destination for the Nigerian travel market, recognized for its exceptional tourism offerings. In the past two years, Tanzania has received several awards and accolades, including:
- The World Travel Awards’ “Africa’s Leading Destination”
- Recognition by National Geographic as one of the “Top 10 Travel Destinations”
- TripAdvisor’s “Travelers’ Choice” for multiple attractions, such as Serengeti National Park and Mount Kilimanjaro
This new agreement will ensure more effective processing of visas, providing a smoother experience for travelers. Additionally, it opens up other opportunities, such as the Tanzania Resident Visas and work permits, which Afari Travels & Tours is able to provide for any nationality.