Zanzibar e-Visa & Entry Requirements
Zanzibar is part of the United Republic of Tanzania, so there's no separate "Zanzibar visa" to apply for. If you need a visa to visit Tanzania, that same visa covers Zanzibar too — whether you fly in directly or arrive after a few days on a Tanzania safari. This guide walks through who needs one, how to apply, what it costs, and the one extra document Zanzibar asks for that mainland Tanzania doesn't.
Who actually needs a visa?
Most nationalities do, including travellers from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and most of the European Union. A smaller group of countries — mainly East African Community members and a handful of others with reciprocal agreements — can enter without one. Because the list changes from time to time, it's worth checking your own nationality against the current list on Tanzania's official immigration site before you book flights, rather than relying on what a friend did last year.
e-Visa or visa on arrival?
You have two options, and for most travellers they lead to the same visa — just a different amount of waiting.
Applying online (e-Visa) means filling in a form, uploading a passport photo and your documents, and paying by card before you fly. Processing is usually quick, but Tanzania's own guidance recommends applying at least ten days ahead in case they need more information from you. Once approved, you'll get a Visa Grant Notice by email — print it, or save it somewhere you can show it offline, since it's what you present at immigration.
Getting a visa on arrival is still possible for most eligible nationalities at official entry points, including Zanzibar's airport. It works well if your travel plans came together late. The trade-off is time: you'll be filling in the same form and paying the same fee in person, in a queue, after a long flight — not the best start to a beach holiday.
A short list of nationalities can't get a visa on arrival at all and must apply online in advance. If you're unsure which group you fall into, it's a five-minute check on the immigration portal — much better to find out now than at the check-in desk.
How to apply for the e-Visa
- Go to the official Tanzania Immigration Services e-Visa portal and create an account with your email.
- Choose "Ordinary Visa" for a standard tourist trip (US passport holders apply for the Multiple Entry visa instead — see fees below).
- Fill in your trip details. If Zanzibar is your only stop, list it as your destination; if you're combining it with a mainland safari, you can still enter through either point on the same visa.
- Upload a passport-style photo, your passport bio page, and proof of a return or onward ticket.
- Pay the visa fee by card and submit. You'll get a confirmation email and can track the application with your ID number.
- Wait for your Visa Grant Notice before you travel — it's not a formality, and immigration officers can still decline entry if something doesn't check out.
What you'll need at the airport
- A passport valid for at least six months from your entry date, with a blank page for the visa stamp
- Your Visa Grant Notice (printed or saved on your phone), if you applied online
- A return or onward flight ticket
- Proof of the mandatory Zanzibar travel insurance (more on this below)
- A yellow fever certificate, but only if you're arriving from a country where yellow fever is present
Visa fees at a glance
| Visa type | Who it's for | Fee | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ordinary (single entry) | Most nationalities, tourism | $50 | Up to 90 days |
| Multiple entry | US passport holders, tourism | $100 | Up to 12 months* |
| Transit | Passing through to another country | $30 | Up to 7 days |
*Each individual stay is still capped at 90 days, even though the visa itself stays valid for a year.
The one extra step Zanzibar adds: travel insurance
Since October 2024, everyone entering Zanzibar has had to show proof of Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) cover, regardless of any travel insurance you've already bought at home. It currently costs around $44, covers you for up to 92 days, and can be bought online in advance or at the point of entry. Buying it online and saving the confirmation or QR code on your phone is the easier route — it means one less form to fill in after a long flight.
A few honest tips
Apply for your e-Visa earlier than you think you need to, especially if you're travelling in the July–September or December–January peak seasons when processing can slow down. Keep a digital and a printed copy of every document — phone batteries and airport wifi have a way of failing at the worst moment. And if anything about your situation is unusual — a one-way ticket, a stopover of several weeks, dual nationality — it's worth emailing Tanzania Immigration directly rather than guessing, since the rules for those cases aren't always spelled out clearly online.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a separate visa for Zanzibar?
No. Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, so the standard Tanzania e-Visa or visa on arrival covers entry to Zanzibar as well as the mainland.
Can I get a Zanzibar visa on arrival?
Most eligible nationalities can, at Zanzibar's airport and other official entry points. A small number of nationalities must apply online in advance instead — check the current list before you travel.
Do I need travel insurance to enter Zanzibar?
Yes. Since October 2024, Zanzibar has required all visitors to show proof of ZIC insurance on arrival, separate from any personal travel insurance you may already hold.
How long does the e-Visa take to process?
Often within a few days, but Tanzania Immigration recommends applying at least ten days before you travel in case they request additional documents.
Visa rules and fees can change without notice, and this guide reflects our understanding of the requirements as of September 2026. Before you book flights, please confirm the current rules for your nationality on the official Tanzania Immigration Services portal, or speak to your nearest Tanzanian embassy or consulate.