Frequently Asked Questions

Arrival & Visa

Do I need a separate visa for Zanzibar or is a Tanzania visa enough?

You do not need a separate visa for Zanzibar. One Tanzania visa – whether eVisa or visa on arrival – covers both the mainland and Zanzibar. Simply apply once through the official Tanzania Immigration portal.

Is travel insurance mandatory for Zanzibar – and what does it cost?

Yes, Zanzibar travel insurance is mandatory for all international visitors. The official ZIC insurance costs approximately USD 44 and is valid for 92 days. Your personal travel insurance does not count as a replacement. You can purchase it in advance at the official Zanzibar government portal.

Can I get a Zanzibar visa on arrival at the airport?

Yes. Zanzibar visa on arrival is available at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport for most nationalities at a cost of USD 50. However, applying for a Zanzibar eVisa at least one week in advance is strongly recommended to avoid queues of up to 90 minutes during peak season.

How long does immigration take at Zanzibar Airport?

With a pre-purchased eVisa and ZIC insurance, Zanzibar airport immigration typically takes 20–30 minutes. Without an eVisa, expect 60–90 minutes during busy travel periods such as July–August and December–January.

Can I pay the Zanzibar visa fee by credit card or do I need cash?

Credit card payment is accepted at the Zanzibar visa on arrival counter in most cases. However, it is strongly recommended to carry USD cash as a backup, as card terminals occasionally experience technical issues.

Where can I get a local SIM card at the airport?

You can purchase a local SIM card directly after baggage claim for about $25. This is highly recommended for anyone who needs stable and fast internet, as it is generally more reliable and faster than E-Sims during your stay.

What documents should I keep ready during the arrival process?

It is important to keep your passport, visa (or e-visa confirmation), and your mandatory Zanzibar travel insurance QR code or document easily accessible. There are staff members at multiple points throughout the airport who will ask to see these documents several times during the process.

Zanzibar Tourist Visa

Do I need to bring a passport photo for my Zanzibar visa application?

No. If you apply on arrival at Zanzibar Airport, a digital photo is taken directly at the visa counter – no printed passport photo is required.

What address do I enter on the Zanzibar visa application form?

You need to provide a local address in Zanzibar. If you are staying at or visiting Fumba Town, simply enter "Fumba Town" – it is well-known to Zanzibar immigration authorities and widely accepted on arrival forms.

How much does the Zanzibar tourist visa cost – and how can I pay?

The standard Zanzibar tourist visa costs USD 50 for most nationalities (USD 100 for US citizens). Payment is accepted in cash (USD) or by credit card. Carrying USD cash as a backup is strongly recommended in case of card terminal issues.

How can I extend my stay beyond the 90-day Zanzibar tourist visa limit?

If you wish to stay longer than 90 days, a common approach is a short visa run to Kenya (approx. USD 100 return flight). Upon re-entering Zanzibar the following day, you can apply for a fresh 90-day tourist visa. Alternatively, you can apply for a formal extension at the Immigration Office in Zanzibar before your current visa expires.

Should I apply for my Tanzania eVisa online or get a Zanzibar visa on arrival?

Applying for the Tanzania eVisa online in advance is strongly recommended. Visa on arrival processing at Zanzibar Airport can take 30–90 minutes, especially during peak season. Applying online via the official portal saves significant time and stress after a long flight.

Which website should I use to apply for the Tanzania eVisa – and which should I avoid?

Always apply through the official Tanzania Immigration portal at visa.immigration.go.tz. Many third-party websites charge excessive service fees for the same application. There is no need to use any other platform – the official portal is straightforward and secure.

What is the step-by-step process for getting a visa at the airport?

If you choose to apply on arrival, you must first fill out a short application form provided in the hall. You then take this form to the visa counter where your data is processed, proceed to a separate counter to pay the $50 fee, and finally head to passport control to receive your official entry stamp.

What specific details should I provide for "budget" and "occupation" on the form?

The official application form requires a few specific entries: it is common to list a budget of $1,000 for your stay. For the occupation field, you may list your current job title or simply state "self-employed".

Zanzibar Retirement Visa

Can I live permanently in Zanzibar as a retiree?

Yes. Zanzibar offers specific residency options for retired foreigners through the Tanzania Class C Residence Permit. Communities like Fumba Town are designed for long-term international residents and make retiring in Zanzibar permanently both practical and enjoyable.

How long does the Zanzibar visa application take?

Visa on arrival at the airport takes approximately 30–60 minutes, longer during peak season. Applying for a Tanzania eVisa online is strongly recommended – processing time is 3–10 business days. For a formal residency permit such as the Zanzibar Retirement Visa, plan for 4–8 weeks processing time.

Do I need travel insurance for Zanzibar?

Yes, it is mandatory. Since October 1, 2024, the Zanzibar Travel Insurance (ZIC) is required for all visitors – in addition to any existing international health coverage. Cost: USD 44 per person (family discounts available). Purchase it online in advance or pay on arrival at the airport.

Can I extend my Zanzibar visa?

Yes. The tourist visa is valid for up to 90 days. For a longer stay, the "visa run" is a common option: a short flight to Kenya (approx. USD 100) and upon re-entry the next day, a new 90-day tourist visa can be obtained. For permanent living in Zanzibar, the Zanzibar Retirement Visa or Tanzania Class C Residence Permit is the right path – often linked to a property investment.

Can I work in Zanzibar on a tourist or retirement visa?

Remote work for foreign employers is entirely possible in Zanzibar – Fumba Town offers excellent fiber-optic infrastructure for this. However, local employment with a Tanzanian company requires a separate Work Permit. Tourist and retirement visas do not generally permit local employment.

Bietet der Kauf einer Immobilie Vorteile für den Residenzstatus?

Ja, eine Investition in Immobilien, beispielsweise in Projekten wie Fumba Town, kann den Zugang zu einem sogenannten „Golden Visa“ oder langfristigen Residenzrechten ermöglichen,. Dies ist eine beliebte Option für Rentner und Pensionäre, die einen dauerhaften Plan B oder einen festen Zweitwohnsitz auf Sansibar suchen,.

Wie ist die medizinische Versorgung für Senioren in Fumba Town geregelt?

Die medizinische Infrastruktur ist für Langzeitbewohner sehr vorteilhaft. Direkt im Office-Gebäude von Fumba Town befindet sich eine Arztpraxis mit einer deutschsprachigen Ärztin, sodass eine verlässliche medizinische Unterstützung vor Ort gewährleistet ist,. Für weiterführende Behandlungen gibt es zudem gut ausgestattete Kliniken und Apotheken in Stone Town und anderen größeren Ortschaften der Insel.