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Arrival & Visa

Preparing for your journey to this Tanzanian paradise is straightforward. To ensure a smooth start to your adventure, please review the essential requirements for visas and mandatory local insurance.

Step-by-Step Arrival Guide at Zanzibar Airport

Before reaching the visa counter, all visitors must show proof of the mandatory Zanzibar travel insurance (ZIC). The cost is approximately USD 44 and it's valid for up to 92 days. Your personal travel insurance does not replace this requirement.

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Mandatory Travel Insurance

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Zanzibar Visa: eVisa or Visa on Arrival?

You have two options to enter Zanzibar:

  • eVisa (recommended): Apply online at least one week before departure. Once approved, proceed directly to passport control – no waiting at the visa counter.

  • Visa on Arrival: Fill out a short application form at the airport. A digital photo is taken on-site (no printed photo needed). Pay the fee at a separate counter – cash or credit card accepted.

Once your visa is confirmed, join the passport control queue to receive your official entry stamp. Make sure you have a passport valid for at least 6 months, your accommodation confirmation, and a return or onward ticket ready to present.

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Passport Control

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Baggage Claim & Customs

Collect your luggage from the carousel and proceed through customs. Nothing out of the ordinary – just standard airport procedure.

Tip: Purchasing in advance saves significant time and lets you skip the airport counter entirely.

Bright living room with modern inventory
Bright living room with modern inventory
Tourist Visa

Find essential information on tourist and retirement visas, mandatory insurance requirements, and health preparations for your journey.

Retirement Visa

Explore your options for renting apartments and discover the best neighborhoods to call home on the island.

Uncover the island's premier accommodations, dining highlights, and activities, while learning essential tips for a safe and respectful visit.

Insurance & Vaccines

Arrival Procedure at the Airport

Whether you're looking for practical Zanzibar travel tips for first-time visitors or dreaming about how to move to Zanzibar permanently, you've found the right place. Explore Zanzibar brings together expert knowledge on local culture, travel preparation, and authentic experiences – all in one trusted guide to traveling and living in Zanzibar, Tanzania. From short getaways to life-changing relocations, we cover everything you need to make the most of this stunning island.

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A serene seaside scene with a dhow sailboat gliding across turquoise waters. In the foreground, a person walks along a sandy shore carrying an item on their head. The scene is quiet and expansive, with gentle waves and a distant horizon.

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Travel Experts

Your ultimate resource for local insights and unforgettable experiences

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Zanzibar is a paradise! The culture, beaches, and people made my trip unforgettable and enriching.

Emily R.

A tropical beach scene with a colorful signpost pointing towards various countries. There is a thatched-roof hut in the background surrounded by lush palm trees. Crystal-clear blue water and rocky coastline create a picturesque seaside atmosphere.
A tropical beach scene with a colorful signpost pointing towards various countries. There is a thatched-roof hut in the background surrounded by lush palm trees. Crystal-clear blue water and rocky coastline create a picturesque seaside atmosphere.

Living in Zanzibar has been a dream come true. The community is welcoming and vibrant every day.

John D.

A street scene with people walking, some in swimwear, indicating a casual, leisure atmosphere. The street is lined with trees providing shade, and there are establishments such as a hairdresser and cafes with outdoor seating. A large sign promotes excursions to tourist destinations. The presence of families suggests a vacation setting.
A street scene with people walking, some in swimwear, indicating a casual, leisure atmosphere. The street is lined with trees providing shade, and there are establishments such as a hairdresser and cafes with outdoor seating. A large sign promotes excursions to tourist destinations. The presence of families suggests a vacation setting.
★★★★★
★★★★★
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