Zanzibar, the beautiful island in East Africa, is a must-visit travel gem. However, it can become a “just-missed” destination if you don’t plan accordingly. Understanding Zanzibar travel requirements before you depart can save you unexpected delays, additional costs, or even denied entry at the border. Zanzibar’s admission criteria demand attention to detail, but with the right preparation, you can focus on planning your perfect getaway. This comprehensive guide will ensure you have everything needed for a smooth journey.
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Is Zanzibar Worth Visiting?
First things, first, is Zanzibar worth the hype? Check out our Is Zanzibar Worth Visiting Guide for details.
Zanzibar Travel Requirements: Passport Information
If you are traveling to Zanzibar from outside Tanzania, you will need a passport. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure travel date
FYI: Immigration officials require at least one blank page in your passport for visa stamps.
Zanzibar Visa Requirements
The island of Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous part of Tanzania; however, they have the same visa policy. There is no separate visa for Zanzibar. A Tanzania visa allows entry into both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.
| Aspect | Tanzania Visa | Zanzibar Visa | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Is it the same visa? | Yes | Yes | Zanzibar follows Tanzania’s visa policy |
| How to apply? | Online eVisa only | Online eVisa only | Mandatory as of January 30, 2025; visa on arrival suspended |
| Validity | Up to 90 days | Up to 90 days | Applies to both Tanzania and Zanzibar |
| Entry | Mainland Tanzania & Zanzibar | Mainland Tanzania & Zanzibar | One visa covers both Tanzania and Zanzibar |
| Fees | Only visa fee | Visa fee plus mandatory travel insurance fee | Insurance fee for stays up to 92 days is a Zanzibar travel requirement |
| Visa on arrival | No | No | eVisa required before travel |
| Documents required | Passport (6 months validity), travel proof, accommodation info | Passport (6 months validity), travel proof, accommodation info, proof of travel insurance | have both physical and digital copies of required documents |
Who Needs a Zanzibar Visa?
Depending on the home country citizenship, foreign nationals require a visa to enter Zanzibar. However, citizens of the following list of countries may enter Zanzibar visa-free for up to 90 days.
Zanzibar Visa Application Process
As of January 2025, the visa-on-arrival option has been suspended. All visa applicants must complete an electronic visa application form online via Tanzania’s e-visa portal before traveling.
- Visit the Tanzania eVisa official website.
- Complete the online application form with your personal and travel details.
- Upload scanned copies of your passport biodata page and a passport-sized photo.
- Pay the visa fee online. Visa, Master, debit, or credit cards are accepted.
- Wait for visa processing, which usually takes up to 10 working days. Once approved, you receive your eVisa by email, which must be printed and presented to the immigration officer upon arrival in Zanzibar.
Cost of Zanzibar Visa Options
Once your visa is paid for and approved, you are allowed to stay in Zanzibar for up to 90 days. The costs will vary based on the type of visa you are applying for.
| Visa Type | Visa Fee |
|---|---|
| Single-entry Tourist | $50 USD |
| Multiple-entry | $100 USD |
| Business visa | $250 USD |
| Transit visa | $30 USD |
Zanzibar Travel Requirements: Mandatory Travel Insurance
Effective October 1st, 2024, Zanzibar now requires all foreign travelers visiting the islands to purchase mandatory travel insurance. It is called Inbound Travel Insurance, and is issued by the government-owned Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC).
Key Info About Zanzibar Travel Insurance
- Cost: USD 44 per person (adults and children pay the same rate).
- Validity: Coverage is valid for up to 90-92 days, covering the entire duration of the visitor’s stay in Zanzibar.
- Coverage Includes: Medical expenses for emergencies, accidents, emergency evacuation, repatriation, lost baggage, passport/document loss, personal liability, baggage delay, theft, and legal expenses.
- Purchase: It must be purchased exclusively from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC), typically online before departure via the official Zanzibar tourism website or ZIC portal. Upon purchase, you will receive a QR code as proof of insurance to present to immigration upon arrival in Zanzibar.
- Applicability: This insurance is mandatory regardless of any prior travel or medical insurance you may already hold from your home country. This insurance is only applicable to Zanzibar, not the mainland of Tanzania.
FYI: You will be DENIED entry into Zanzibar if you do not have Inbound Travel Insurance. So, plan accordingly and purchase it well in advance of your travel to Zanzibar.
Additional Zanzibar Travel Entry Requirements
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of onward/return tickets.
- A yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required if you are traveling from a country where the risk of yellow fever is high.
Tip: Have both printed and digital copies of each travel document just in case.
Entry into Zanzibar Travel Requirements
Zanzibar Entry Points
As a traveler, you must enter Zanzibar through designated and official entry points equipped with immigration facilities.
Entry Through the Zanzibar Airport
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) in Zanzibar City is the primary airport serving Zanzibar with international flights and connections from the United Republic of Tanzania.
Entry Through Ferry and Sea Ports
You can arrive by ferry from Dar es Salaam or other Tanzanian ports to the Zanzibar ferry terminal.
Zanzibar Entry Immigration Process
The Zanzibar entry immigration processing time can vary, but usually ranges from 15 to 60 minutes, depending on the volume of arrivals.
You must present your valid passport (with at least six months’ validity) and a printed copy of your approved eVisa confirmation. If you are exempt from visa requirements or have alternative permits, present relevant documents accordingly.
Upon arrival at the Abeid Amani Karume International Airport or the ferry terminal, you will be required to complete and sign an arrival declaration card that includes personal and travel details.
Proceed to the immigration officer’s counter, where you will show your passport, the arrival declaration card, and your visa confirmation.
The immigration officer may ask you questions about your travel plans, including purpose of visit, proof of onward or return travel, and accommodation details.
The immigration officer will take biometric data (photo or fingerprints) as part of the entry process. If your entry into Zanzibar is approved, your passport will be stamped.
You must also provide proof of payment for the mandatory Zanzibar travel insurance fee.
Tip: We recommend having $100 (USD) in cash to cover any fees or unexpected charges.
Zanzibar Policies and Regulations to Be Aware Of
Amount of Foreign Currency
You are allowed to bring foreign currency into Zanzibar, but if you carry more than USD 10,000 (or its equivalent), you must declare it upon arrival and departure.
Once in Zanzibar, you cannot use foreign currency for local transactions. All payments for goods and services must be made in Tanzanian shillings. You can exchange your foreign currency at licensed banks or bureaux de change.
In summary:
- Declare over USD 10,000 in foreign currency at the border.
- Use Tanzanian shillings for all purchases.
- Exchange foreign currency only at authorized locations.
Respect Local Laws
Not knowing the laws of the land is not an excuse for breaking them. We recommend that you research detailed information to gain a better understanding of how local authorities enforce the law.
Single-use Plastic Bags
Zanzibar has banned single-use plastic bags, so avoid bringing them to prevent fines.
Drones
To bring and fly a drone in Zanzibar, you must follow Tanzania’s strict drone regulations and secure all required permits.
To avoid penalties, it is best to check with the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) and local Zanzibar authorities before planning drone activities.
Tourist Vehicle Permits
Starting November 1, 2025, daily permits for tourist vehicles are discontinued. If you plan to drive while in Zanzibar, you must obtain longer-term permits (monthly or more).
Cultural Respect
While in Zanzibar, prioritize modest, respectful dressing and behavior consistent with local Islamic and cultural norms to ensure a positive and trouble-free visit.
This includes covering shoulders and knees in public areas, avoiding provocative attire, respecting local customs, and complying with the regulations and enforcement by authorities.
Final Thoughts About Zanzibar Travel Requirements
The right documentation and advanced planning make all the difference when planning a trip to Zanzibar. It is our hope that this guide provides you with the essential information needed to better prepare for your journey and minimize the likelihood of encountering common entry complications and procedural delays.
Please note that travel requirements are subject to change, so always verify the most up-to-date information with official sources before your departure date.
With proper planning and the right paperwork in hand, you’ll be well-positioned to turn your Zanzibar travel dreams into reality. Soon, you will be discovering why it remains one of the world’s most sought-after destinations.
Happy travels!
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