Zanzibar Visa & Entry Requirements
Planning a Zanzibar holiday? Discover what you need to know about Tanzania visas, passport validity, mandatory inbound travel insurance, airport arrivals, and essential travel documents.
Do You Need a Visa to Visit Zanzibar?
Zanzibar is part of the United Republic of Tanzania. International visitors therefore follow Tanzania's immigration and visa requirements when traveling to Zanzibar.
Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality, passport, and purpose of travel. Some travelers are visa-exempt, others can apply online or obtain a visa on arrival, while certain nationalities must secure advance approval.
The safest approach is to verify your nationality-specific requirements directly with Tanzania Immigration before booking non-refundable travel arrangements.
Visit Official Tanzania eVisa Portal →Types of Tanzania Tourist Entry
Electronic Visa (eVisa)
Eligible travelers can submit their applications through the official Tanzania Immigration online portal before departure.
Visa on Arrival
Available to eligible nationalities at designated entry points. Advance online application is generally recommended to reduce uncertainty on arrival.
Visa-Exempt Travelers
Nationals of certain countries can enter Tanzania without obtaining a tourist visa. Exemptions depend on nationality and applicable immigration rules.
Zanzibar Passport Requirements
Travelers entering Tanzania should prepare the following documents before departure.
Valid Passport
Your passport should have at least six months of remaining validity and at least one unused visa page.
Return or Onward Ticket
Visitors should be prepared to present evidence of their intended departure from Tanzania.
Accommodation Details
Keep your hotel reservation, tour itinerary, and contact information for your host or tour operator accessible.
How to Apply for a Tanzania eVisa
For travelers who require a visa, the official online application process generally follows these steps.
Visit the Official Portal
Open visa.immigration.go.tz and select the appropriate visa application option.
Complete Your Details
Enter your passport information, travel purpose, intended dates, and first destination in Tanzania.
Upload Documents & Pay
Submit the required supporting documents and pay the applicable visa fee through the portal.
Wait for Approval
Monitor your application status. Travel with your visa approval and supporting documents.
Mandatory Zanzibar Travel Insurance
Zanzibar requires applicable foreign visitors to obtain official inbound travel insurance. This requirement is separate from the tourist visa.
Inbound Travel Insurance
Standard published adult premium for eligible foreign visitors.
Coverage is generally valid for up to 92 days, subject to the applicable policy conditions.
Reduced premiums or other arrangements may apply to children and qualifying travelers.
Official Zanzibar Insurance Portal →What Travelers Should Know
Travelers whose first point of entry into Tanzania is Zanzibar generally obtain the required inbound insurance through the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC).
Visitors entering through Mainland Tanzania generally use the National Insurance Corporation (NIC).
Under the published October 2026 clarification, visitors should not be required to purchase two mandatory policies merely because their trip includes both Zanzibar and Mainland Tanzania, provided their existing policy remains valid and applicable.
Keep your insurance certificate and QR code available for verification.
Official insurance information: Zanzibar Insurance Corporation
Visiting Kilimanjaro, Safari & Zanzibar?
Many travelers begin their Tanzania adventure by climbing Mount Kilimanjaro or exploring national parks such as Serengeti, Tarangire, and Ngorongoro before flying to Zanzibar.
A valid Tanzania visa can generally be used for travel between Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar without applying for a separate Zanzibar visa.
For mandatory inbound insurance, the first point of entry determines the appropriate provider. Travelers should retain their insurance documents throughout their journey.
Zanzibar Entry Checklist
Before departure, make sure you have prepared the documents relevant to your journey.
Health & Vaccination Entry Rules
Travelers should check the latest Tanzania health entry requirements before departure, particularly if they are arriving from or transiting through countries with yellow fever transmission risk.
Yellow fever vaccination certificates may be required depending on your travel origin and transit history. Requirements are not identical for every international traveler.
Consult an appropriate travel-health professional for personalized vaccination and malaria-prevention advice before your journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a separate visa for Zanzibar?
No. Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, and Tanzania's immigration visa system applies to both Zanzibar and Mainland Tanzania.
Can I get a visa on arrival in Zanzibar?
Eligible nationalities may obtain a visa on arrival at designated entry points. However, some travelers require advance approval. Applying online before travel is generally recommended.
How long must my passport be valid?
Tanzania Immigration requires at least six months of passport validity and at least one unused visa page for standard visa applications.
Is Zanzibar travel insurance mandatory?
Yes, for travelers covered by the mandatory inbound insurance requirement. Verify your eligibility, premium, and provider with ZIC or NIC according to your first point of entry.
Do I need to buy insurance twice for a safari and Zanzibar holiday?
Generally no. The October 2026 ZIC clarification states that travelers should not need duplicate mandatory insurance for the same insured journey, provided the existing policy remains valid and applicable.
Do children need their own visas?
Tanzania Immigration states that each passport holder, including minors, must have a separate visa application where a visa is required.
Can I travel from Zanzibar to Mainland Tanzania?
Yes, subject to your immigration status and entry conditions. Travel between Zanzibar and Mainland Tanzania does not normally require a separate tourist visa.
Official Travel Information Sources
Because visa, immigration, and insurance rules can change, travelers should confirm the latest requirements directly with the responsible authorities.
Tanzania Immigration – Official eVisa Portal
Tanzania Immigration – Visa Guidelines
Zanzibar Insurance Corporation – Inbound Insurance
Ready to Plan Your Zanzibar Holiday?
Discover Zanzibar's beautiful beaches, historic Stone Town, and unforgettable island experiences. Combine your holiday with Mount Kilimanjaro or a Tanzania wildlife safari.