Do I need a visa to travel to Zanzibar in Tanzania?

Zanzibar, although an island with a strong cultural identity, is an integral part of Tanzania. Consequently, the visa rules for entering Zanzibar are the same as those for mainland Tanzania. Whether you're planning a short or long stay, it's crucial to check the specific visa requirements according to your nationality to avoid any nasty surprises on arrival. On this page, we'll guide you through the information you need to prepare for your trip to Zanzibar with peace of mind.

From the UK, USA and Australia: A visa is required to enter Zanzibar (Tanzania). For simplicity, we recommend that you apply for a Tanzania e-visa by clicking on the button below.

Countries requiring a visa for Zanzibar: in brief

• Required for many countries: The majority of international travellers require a visa to enter Zanzibar.
• Multiple visa options: Visas for Zanzibar can be obtained online via e-Visa, on arrival, or via a Tanzanian embassy.
• Valid passport : To obtain a visa, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry into Tanzania.
• Limited length of stay: Tourist visas for Zanzibar generally allow a maximum stay of 90 days, with the possibility of extension under certain conditions.
• Additional documents required: In addition to the visa, travellers must provide a recent passport photo, a return or onward ticket and proof of accommodation.

Presentation of the general rules concerning visas for Zanzibar:

To enter Zanzibar, it is important to understand that the archipelago follows the same visa rules as mainland Tanzania.

Types of visa available for Zanzibar:

Depending on the purpose of your visit, several types of visa are available to enter Tanzania, and therefore Zanzibar:

• Tourist visa : This is the visa most commonly used by travellers coming to Zanzibar on holiday. It generally allows a maximum stay of 90 days for nationals of most countries.
• Business visa: If you are travelling to Zanzibar for business reasons, the business visa is the most appropriate. It authorises stays for business activities, conferences or other professional engagements.
• Transit visa: This visa is intended for travellers transiting through Tanzania on their way to another country and who are not planning an extended stay in the country.
• Diplomatic visa: Official government representatives and diplomats on mission may obtain a diplomatic visa, which confers certain privileges.

General conditions for obtaining a visa for Zanzibar:

To obtain a visa for Zanzibar, travellers must meet several general conditions:

• Passport validity : Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected entry into Tanzania. It must also have at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps.
• Application form: A visa application form must be duly completed. This form can be submitted online (in the case of an e-Visa) or in person on arrival, or at an embassy or consulate.
• Photographs: Recent passport photographs must be provided with your visa application. Specific photo requirements must be met.
• Visa fees: A fee must be paid to obtain a visa for Zanzibar. These fees vary according to the type of visa, the length of stay and the nationality of the applicant.
• Proof of travel: You will need to provide proof of travel, such as a return or onward ticket, as well as proof of accommodation during your stay in Zanzibar.

List of countries requiring a visa for Zanzibar :

Most foreign citizens, with the exception of certain exempted countries, require a visa to enter Zanzibar, whether for tourism, business or other purposes.

Tanzania requires visas for nationals of many countries. Here are some examples of countries whose citizens must obtain a visa to enter Zanzibar:

• France
• United States
• Canada
• United Kingdom
• Australia
• India
• China
• Russia
• South Africa
• Japan
• Brazil

List of visa-exempt countries for Zanzibar :

Zanzibar, like the rest of Tanzania, grants visa exemptions to certain countries, allowing their citizens to enter the territory without having to obtain a visa first. These exemptions are generally based on bilateral agreements or special diplomatic relations between Tanzania and these countries.

Nationals of the following countries can enter Tanzania, and therefore Zanzibar, without a visa for tourist or short-term stays:

• Kenya
• Uganda
• Rwanda
• Burundi
• Botswana
• Namibia
• Ghana
• Cyprus
• Malaysia
• Seychelles

For citizens of exempted countries, the length of stay authorised without a visa generally varies between 30 and 90 days.

How do I obtain a visa for Zanzibar?

You can obtain your visa on arrival, online via e-Visa, or before you leave via a Tanzanian embassy. Here are details of each method to help you choose the most appropriate for your situation.

Online visa (E-Visa) for Tanzania

To avoid queues on arrival, many travellers now choose to apply for a visa online before they leave, via the e-Visa system set up by Tanzania.

• Procedure: To obtain an e-Visa, you need to visit an approved site and complete the online application form.
• Documents required: The documents needed to complete your application include a passport valid for at least six months after your entry into Tanzania, a recent passport photo, a return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation.
• Processing time: The processing time for an e-Visa is generally 2 to 10 working days.
• Cost : Fees for an e-Visa are similar to those for a visa on arrival, i.e. around USD 50. Payment is made online by credit card.
• Validity: Like the visa on arrival, the e-Visa is generally valid for a stay of 90 days.

Visa on arrival in Tanzania

Another option for travellers is to obtain a visa on arrival in Tanzania, including Zanzibar. Here's how it works:

• Process: On arrival at Zanzibar International Airport (or any other point of entry into Tanzania), you will be directed to a dedicated counter where you will complete a visa application form. You will need to provide a recent passport photo and present your passport, which must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of entry.
• Cost: Fees for a visa on arrival vary according to your nationality and the type of visa you are applying for. For a standard tourist visa, the fee is usually around USD 50-100, payable in cash (in US dollars) or by credit card.
• Duration: Visas on arrival are generally issued for a maximum of 90 days, depending on the reason for your visit.
• How to apply: In addition to a valid passport, you must be able to prove that you have sufficient funds for your stay and a return or onward ticket. It is also advisable to keep a copy of your accommodation booking.

Visa via an embassy or consulate

For those who prefer to have their visa in hand before they travel, or for longer stays or specific purposes, it is possible to obtain a visa by going to a Tanzanian embassy or consulate.

• Steps: You need to go to the Tanzanian embassy or consulate closest to where you live. The process involves filling in an application form, providing the necessary documents (passport, passport photo, travel tickets, proof of accommodation), and paying the visa fee.
• Documents required: In addition to the standard documents (passport, photo, return ticket, proof of funds), additional documents may be required depending on the type of visa requested, such as a letter of invitation for a business visa.
• Processing time: The processing time for a visa obtained via an embassy may vary, ranging from a few days to several weeks depending on the period and the complexity of the application.
• Cost : Fees vary depending on the type of visa and the nationality of the applicant, but are generally similar to those for other methods (around USD 50-100).