Zanzibar Tourist Visa
Everything you need to know! Your complete guide to the Tanzania eVisa and Zanzibar visa on arrival – costs, application steps, and entry requirements for a stress-free arrival.
Visa Quick Facts
Up to 90 days
Tip: Paying in US Dollars cash is often the smoothest option – card terminals occasionally have technical issues at the airport.
USD 50 (most nationalities)
USD 100 (US citizens – multiple-entry required)
Cash (USD) or
credit card
How to Apply for Your Zanzibar Tourist Visa
You have two main options: apply online via eVisa at least one week before departure – which reduces airport wait times to zero – or obtain your visa on arrival at the airport.
Available at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport for most nationalities. Fill out a short arrival form, have your digital photo taken on-site (no printed photo needed), and pay the fee at a separate counter. Expect a wait of 15–60 minutes depending on the season – queues during peak travel periods (July–August and December–January) can be significant. Tanzania eVisa
Option 1 – Tanzania eVisa (our Recommendation)
Apply online through the official Tanzania Immigration portal before your trip. Processing takes up to 10 business days, so apply well in advance. Once approved, simply print your confirmation or save it on your phone.
Official portal: visa.immigration.go.tz
Warning: Avoid third-party websites charging excessive service fees. Always use the official government portal only.
Option 2 – Zanzibar Visa on Arrival
Mandatory Zanzibar Travel Insurance
Before your tourist visa is processed at the airport, officials will first verify your mandatory Zanzibar travel insurance. This insurance costs USD 44, covers medical assistance, lost baggage, passport loss, accidents, and emergency evacuation, and is valid for stays of up to 92 days. Cheetah Safaris It is entirely separate from your personal travel insurance and cannot be replaced by it.
Arrival Checklist
Valid passport (6+ months)
Zanzibar travel insurance (ZIC, ~USD 44)
Valid visa (eVisa or on arrival)
Return/onward ticket
Accommodation confirmation
Yellow fever certificate (if applicable)
Frequently Asked Questions
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.