Zanzibar is one of the most popular destinations in East Africa, attracting visitors with its white-sand beaches, historic Stone Town, and vibrant culture. If you are planning a trip to this island paradise, you need to understand the visa requirements. This guide covers everything you need to know about getting a visa for Zanzibar, including whether you need a separate visa, how to apply, and what documents to prepare.
Does Zanzibar Require a Separate Visa?
No. Zanzibar does not require a separate visa. Zanzibar is part of the United Republic of Tanzania, and the same visa that allows you to enter Tanzania Mainland also covers Zanzibar. You do not need to apply for an additional visa or pay extra fees to visit Zanzibar.
When applying for your Tanzania eVisa, you will be asked to select your first destination. Whether you choose Tanzania Mainland or Zanzibar, your visa covers both. You can freely travel between the mainland and Zanzibar without any additional immigration手续.
Tanzania Visa Requirements for Zanzibar
Since Zanzibar uses the same visa as Tanzania Mainland, the requirements are identical:
Passport requirements:
- Valid for at least six months from your date of entry
- At least one blank visa page
- Machine-readable passport
Documents needed:
- Passport bio page scan
- Recent passport-sized photo (color, plain background)
- Return or onward flight ticket
- Hotel booking or accommodation confirmation
Photo specifications:
- Color photograph with plain background
- Full face view, front-facing
- Eyes open, natural expression
- Maximum size: 45mm x 35mm
- No head coverings except for religious reasons
How to Get a Visa for Zanzibar
You have two options for obtaining your visa:
Option 1: Tanzania eVisa (Recommended)
Apply online at visa.immigration.go.tz before your trip. Processing takes 10 business days. Once approved, you receive a Visa Grant Notice to print and present at arrival.
Steps:
- Visit visa.immigration.go.tz
- Click “e-Services” then “e-Visa Application Form”
- Create an account or log in
- Select your visa type (Ordinary or Multiple Entry)
- Fill in personal and travel details
- Upload required documents
- Pay the fee online (Visa or Mastercard)
- Submit and wait for approval
- Print your Visa Grant Notice
- Present it at Zanzibar airport immigration
Option 2: Visa on Arrival
Get your visa at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Zanzibar. Fill out the form at the immigration counter, pay the fee, and receive your visa stamp.
Requirements for visa on arrival:
- Valid passport
- Completed visa application form (provided at airport)
- USD cash for the fee (or card if accepted)
- Return ticket
Visa Fees for Zanzibar
The visa fees are the same as for Tanzania Mainland:
| Visa Type | Fee (USD) | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary Visa | $50 | 90 days |
| Multiple Entry | $100 | 1 year |
| Business Visa | $250 | 90 days |
| Transit Visa | $30 | 7 days |
US passport holders must apply for the Multiple Entry Visa (USD 100).
Visa-Exempt Countries for Zanzibar
The same visa exemptions apply for Zanzibar as for Tanzania Mainland:
- East African Community (EAC) member states
- SADC member countries (except Comoros)
- Select Commonwealth countries (excluding UK, Canada, Nigeria, India, Pakistan, Australia, New Zealand)
If you are from a visa-exempt country, you can enter Zanzibar without a visa.
Traveling Between Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar
Once you have a valid Tanzania visa, you can travel freely between the mainland and Zanzibar:
By air:
- Multiple daily flights between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar
- Flight time: approximately 20-25 minutes
- Airlines: Precision Air, Coastal Aviation, Auric Air, and others
By ferry:
- Regular ferries between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar
- Journey time: approximately 1.5-2 hours
- Operators: Azam Marine, Sea Star, and others
No additional immigration手续 is required when traveling between the mainland and Zanzibar. Your Tanzania visa covers both.
Entry Points for Zanzibar
By air:
- Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ)
- Located about 7 km from Stone Town
- Main airport for Zanzibar
By sea:
- Zanzibar Harbor (Malindi Port)
- Ferries from Dar es Salaam dock here
- Located in Stone Town
Both entry points accept the Tanzania eVisa and visa on arrival.
Zanzibar-Specific Travel Tips
Yellow Fever certificate:
Zanzibar requires a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from or have transited through a country with yellow fever risk. This includes many African and South American countries.
Health requirements:
- Malaria is present in Zanzibar. Take antimalarial medication as prescribed by your doctor.
- Drink bottled or purified water
- Use insect repellent, especially during evening hours
Currency:
The Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) is the local currency. USD is widely accepted at hotels and tourist establishments. ATMs are available in Stone Town.
Best time to visit:
- June to October: Dry season, best weather
- December to February: Short dry season, warm temperatures
- March to May: Long rains, some businesses may close
- November: Short rains, usually brief afternoon showers
Zanzibar Visa for Specific Nationalities
US Citizens:
Must apply for the Multiple Entry Visa (USD 100). Can apply online or get visa on arrival at Zanzibar airport.
UK Citizens:
Need a visa. Can apply for Ordinary Visa (USD 50) or Multiple Entry (USD 100). Available online or on arrival.
Indian Citizens:
Need a visa. Ordinary Visa (USD 50) available online or on arrival. Business Visa (USD 250) if traveling for professional purposes.
EU Citizens:
Need a visa. Ordinary Visa (USD 50) is the most common option. Available online or on arrival.
Chinese Citizens:
Need a visa. Available online or on arrival. Ordinary Visa (USD 50) for tourism.
Referral Country Nationals:
Citizens of countries in the referral category (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Syria, Yemen, etc.) must apply online and wait for approval before traveling. They cannot get visa on arrival.
Common Questions About Zanzibar Visas
Can I visit Zanzibar without a visa?
Only if you are from a visa-exempt country. Most nationalities need a Tanzania visa to visit Zanzibar.
Do I need a separate visa for Zanzibar if I already have a Tanzania visa?
No. Your Tanzania visa covers both the mainland and Zanzibar.
Can I get a visa on arrival in Zanzibar?
Yes. Visa on arrival is available at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport and at the harbor.
Is Zanzibar visa-free for any nationalities?
Yes. Citizens of EAC member states, most SADC countries, and select Commonwealth nations do not need a visa.
How long can I stay in Zanzibar?
Your stay duration depends on your visa type. The Ordinary Visa allows up to 90 days. The Multiple Entry Visa allows multiple stays within 1 year.
Planning Your Zanzibar Trip
Once your visa is sorted, here are key things to plan:
Flights:
- International flights land at Zanzibar (ZNZ) or Dar es Salaam (DAR)
- If arriving in Dar es Salaam, take a connecting flight or ferry to Zanzibar
Accommodation:
- Stone Town: Historic area with boutique hotels and guesthouses
- Nungwi/Kendwa: Beach resorts on the north coast
- Paje/Jambiani: Beach areas on the east coast
- Michamvi: Quiet beaches on the east coast
Activities:
- Explore Stone Town (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Visit Prison Island and see giant tortoises
- Snorkeling and diving at Mnemba Atoll
- Spice tours
- Jozani Forest (red colobus monkeys)
- Sunset dhow cruises
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a separate visa for Zanzibar?
No. Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, and the same visa covers both the mainland and Zanzibar. No additional visa or fee is required.
Can I get a visa on arrival at Zanzibar airport?
Yes. Visa on arrival is available at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport. Bring USD cash and your passport. Processing typically takes 15-30 minutes.
How much is the visa fee for Zanzibar?
The same as Tanzania Mainland: USD 50 for Ordinary Visa, USD 100 for Multiple Entry, USD 250 for Business Visa, and USD 30 for Transit Visa.
Do I need a Yellow Fever certificate for Zanzibar?
Yes, if you are arriving from or have transited through a country with yellow fever risk. Check the latest health requirements before your trip.
Can I travel from Tanzania Mainland to Zanzibar with my visa?
Yes. Your Tanzania visa allows free movement between the mainland and Zanzibar. No additional手续 is needed.
What is the best way to get to Zanzibar from Dar es Salaam?
You can fly (20-25 minutes) or take a ferry (1.5-2 hours). Flights are faster but more expensive. Ferries are affordable and scenic.
