The Tanzanian government has announced plans to review its visa system for Nigerian travellers, in a move aimed at making trips between the two countries smoother and more accessible. The pledge comes as Air Tanzania officially launched direct flights between Dar es Salaam and Lagos, strengthening ties between East and West Africa.

At the launch event in Lagos, Professor Godius Kahyararara, Permanent Secretary at Tanzania’s Ministry of Transport, said that measures to simplify visa access for Nigerians would be rolled out within a week.

“What I can promise is that within a week, there will be major changes in the visa system,” he said. “We have already discussed this with our colleagues in Nigeria and Tanzania, and it is one of the issues that must be resolved to ensure the direct flight benefits both countries.

“We have Nigerians who travel for tourism, and Zanzibar is their most attractive destination. Our research showed that they often take longer to reach Zanzibar because they travel through Addis Ababa or Nairobi, which are longer routes. Now, it will be possible to reach Tanzania in less than five hours.”

Strengthening Bilateral Ties

Tanzania’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Selestine Kakele, also underscored the significance of the new route. He described Nigeria as Africa’s second-largest economy and a vital partner for Tanzania in deepening regional cooperation.

“For us, this represents a great opportunity to open up Tanzania by establishing direct air transport services that connect our two nations,” Kakele said. “This connection will strengthen trade, investment, and people-to-people ties between Tanzania and Nigeria.”

Tourism, Trade, and Cargo Opportunities

Highlighting the broader economic potential of the new service, Air Tanzania’s Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Peter Ulanga, invited Nigerians to explore Tanzania’s world-renowned attractions, including the Serengeti National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Zanzibar’s pristine beaches.

Ulanga noted that beyond passenger flights, the airline is also expanding cargo services with a freighter capacity of 54 tons. This, he said, would create new trade opportunities between the two nations, from Nigerian yam exports to Tanzanian coffee shipments.

“With Lagos now in our network, Air Tanzania connects to 29 destinations across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, including Johannesburg, Nairobi, Dubai, Mumbai, and Guangzhou,” Ulanga said. “This is more than a new route. It is a rhythm of progress and a shared destiny for our people.”

Flight Schedule

The airline will operate three weekly flights from Dar es Salaam to Lagos on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, with return flights from Lagos scheduled for Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

By simplifying visa access and offering direct connections, both governments and Air Tanzania hope to unlock greater tourism, cultural exchange, and commercial flows, reinforcing a new chapter in Nigeria–Tanzania relations.