Zanzibar Visa Guide 2026
Zanzibar is part of the United Republic of Tanzania. You do not need a separate visa for Zanzibar - a standard Tanzania e-Visa covers both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.
Entry Requirements
- e-Visa: Required for most nationalities. Apply at visa.immigration.go.tz
- Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from date of entry
- Return ticket: Proof of onward or return travel
- Accommodation: Hotel booking or host invitation
- Yellow fever: Vaccination certificate required if arriving from an endemic country
- COVID-19: No requirements as of 2026
Mandatory Zanzibar Travel Insurance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Cost | Approximately $44 per person |
| Mandatory since | October 2024 |
| Provider | Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) |
| Where to pay | At the airport or seaport on arrival in Zanzibar |
| Covers | Emergency medical treatment and evacuation during your stay |
This is separate from any private travel insurance you may already have. Even if you have comprehensive travel insurance from your home country, you are still required to purchase the ZIC insurance. It is collected as part of the arrival process in Zanzibar.
See our travel insurance guide for more details on coverage.
Arriving in Zanzibar
By Air
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) receives international flights from Doha, Dubai, Muscat, Nairobi, Addis Ababa, and several European cities. Present your e-Visa grant notice at immigration.
By Ferry from Mainland
Ferries operate between Dar es Salaam and Stone Town (Zanzibar City). If you entered mainland Tanzania first, no additional visa check is needed for Zanzibar. Your Tanzania e-Visa covers both.
Direct Entry to Zanzibar
If Zanzibar is your first port of entry into Tanzania, you will clear immigration at Zanzibar airport or port. Have your printed e-Visa grant notice ready.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), though US Dollars are widely accepted
- Language: Swahili and English
- Religion: Predominantly Muslim - dress modestly outside beach resorts
- Time zone: East Africa Time (UTC+3)
- Electricity: 230V, UK-style plugs (Type G)
- Malaria: Present in Zanzibar - take antimalarial medication