Dreaming of turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and the intoxicating scent of spices? Zanzibar is calling! While the idea of obtaining a visa might seem daunting, getting permission to enter this Tanzanian paradise is surprisingly straightforward for most international travellers. This guide cuts through the confusion, offering clear, up-to-date information for your June 2026 trip.
Do I need a visa for Zanzibar?
Visa Requirement: For most major Western nationalities, including citizens from the UK, European Union/Schengen countries, USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, a visa is required to enter Zanzibar. Since Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania, the visa you obtain for Tanzania is valid for entry into Zanzibar.
eVisa or Visa On Arrival: Good news for independent travellers! You have two convenient options: apply for an eVisa online before you travel, or obtain a Visa On Arrival (VoA) at major entry points, including Zanzibar's Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) and Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) on the mainland. While VoA is available, applying for an eVisa in advance is highly recommended to avoid potential queues and streamline your arrival process.
Who Qualifies: Citizens of the UK, EU/Schengen, USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are all eligible for both the eVisa and Visa On Arrival schemes for tourist purposes. There are no specific visa-free arrangements for these nationalities for tourism to Tanzania/Zanzibar.
- Permitted Stay: A standard tourist visa typically allows for a single entry stay of up to 90 days.
- Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date from Zanzibar.
- Blank Pages: Ensure your passport has at least one blank page for visa stamps upon arrival.
- Visa Extensions: It is possible to extend a tourist visa once for an additional 90 days, but this must be done through the Immigration Department in Tanzania and can be a complex process; plan your trip carefully to avoid needing an extension.
Entry requirements
- A valid passport with at least six months' validity remaining from your date of entry.
- A valid visa (either an eVisa approval letter or obtained on arrival).
- Proof of onward or return travel (e.g., flight tickets).
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay (e.g., bank statements, credit cards).
- Proof of accommodation (e.g., hotel bookings, hostel reservations).
- A completed arrival card, typically provided on your flight or at the immigration counter.
- A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required if you are arriving from a country with a risk of Yellow Fever transmission.
Getting Your Tanzania eVisa for Zanzibar
For a smoother entry into Zanzibar, applying for a Tanzania eVisa online before your departure is the most efficient method. This option is available to citizens from the UK, EU/Schengen, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and many other countries, allowing you to secure your visa approval well in advance of your trip.
- Official Portal: Visit the official Tanzania Immigration Services website (eVisa portal) to begin your application. Be wary of third-party sites that charge excessive fees.
- Required Documents: You'll typically need a scanned copy of your passport's bio-data page, a recent passport-sized photograph (digital), your flight itinerary, and details of your accommodation in Zanzibar.
- Processing Time: While processing times can vary, allow at least 10 business days for your eVisa application to be processed. It's advisable to apply at least 2-3 weeks before your planned travel date.
- Fees: A single-entry tourist eVisa for most nationalities costs approximately USD $50, payable online. There may be additional service fees depending on the payment method. Always confirm the current fee on the official website.
- Confirmation: Once approved, you will receive an eVisa grant notice via email. Print this out and keep it with your travel documents, as you will need to present it upon arrival.
The quickest way to see the exact rules for your passport is to check your requirements with Sherpa, which keeps track of the latest entry changes for you.
Traveling within Zanzibar
Once you have your Tanzanian tourist visa, you are free to travel throughout Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania without any additional permits for general tourism. There are no restricted regions within Zanzibar that require special permits for tourists. Enjoy exploring the beautiful islands and beyond!
Official sources
Check the latest visa requirements:
- Contact the Zanzibar embassy or consulate in your country
Handy tools for your trip
- Flights: compare fares for your Zanzibar flights on Skyscanner.
- Travel insurance: cover your backpacking trip with Nomad Insurance from SafetyWing.
- Money: dodge bad exchange rates with a Wise travel card.
Zanzibar awaits with its vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and rich history. By taking a few simple steps to secure your visa, you'll be well on your way to an unforgettable adventure on this incredible Spice Island. Get ready to explore, relax, and immerse yourself in the magic! Check out our Zanzibar backpacking tours.
