Zanzibar Visa Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous island within Tanzania, which means visa rules apply to Tanzania as a whole — not Zanzibar independently. The good news: most Western travellers can get a visa on arrival at Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ), making entry simple and hassle-free. Here's everything you need to know.

Do I Need a Visa for Zanzibar?

Most nationalities require a visa to enter Tanzania/Zanzibar. However, the process is straightforward and can be done on arrival or in advance online. Citizens of East African Community member states (Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan) can enter without a visa.

Visa on Arrival

Citizens of the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, most EU countries and many other nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at Zanzibar Airport. The process is simple: fill out an arrival card on the plane, queue at the visa desk, pay the fee, and you're through.

• ✦Cost: $50 USD for most nationalities (pay in USD cash — crisp, undamaged notes)
• ✦Validity: Single-entry, valid for 90 days
• ✦Processing time: 15–30 minutes on arrival (longer if a busy flight has just landed)
• ✦What you need: Passport valid for 6+ months, return flight ticket, accommodation details
• ✦Children under 16: Free if travelling on a parent's passport; $50 if on their own passport

Tanzania e-Visa (Apply in Advance)

Tanzania now offers an e-Visa system that lets you apply and pay online before you travel. This is recommended if you want to avoid any queues on arrival. Apply at least 2 weeks before travel to allow processing time.

• ✦Apply at: immigration.go.tz (official Tanzania government portal)
• ✦Cost: $50 USD (same price as visa on arrival)
• ✦Processing time: 5–10 working days
• ✦Validity: Single-entry, 90 days
• ✦Print your e-Visa approval letter to show on arrival

Visa Requirements by Nationality

• ✦UK citizens: Visa required — available on arrival ($50) or e-Visa
• ✦US citizens: Visa required — available on arrival ($50) or e-Visa
• ✦EU citizens: Visa required — available on arrival ($50) or e-Visa
• ✦Australian citizens: Visa required — available on arrival ($50) or e-Visa
• ✦Canadian citizens: Visa required — available on arrival ($50) or e-Visa
• ✦EAC citizens (Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda etc): No visa required
• ✦South African citizens: Visa required — available on arrival ($50) or e-Visa

What to Bring Through Immigration

• ✦Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates
• ✦$50 USD in cash (or proof of e-Visa payment)
• ✦Return or onward flight ticket
• ✦Hotel booking confirmation or address where you'll be staying
• ✦Yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from a yellow fever risk country

Yellow Fever Certificate

If you are arriving from a country where yellow fever is endemic (including much of sub-Saharan Africa and parts of South America), you will be required to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate. If travelling from Europe, North America or Australia, this is not required.

Zanzibar Departure Tax

Tanzania charges a departure tax when leaving Zanzibar. This is almost always included in your airline ticket price these days, but if you purchased a very old or unusual fare, double-check. The tax is approximately $30–40 USD.