Rules in Zanzibar change more often than most guides admit — the mandatory insurance only appeared in October 2024, and the official portals are not always easy to read. This page is maintained from the island, and the Last updated date above tells you exactly how current it is. Always confirm the fine print on the official government links below before you travel.
1. Passport
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date and have a blank page for stamps. If yours is close to expiry, renew before booking — airlines check this at boarding.
2. Tourist visa — USD 50
Most nationalities need a tourist visa for Tanzania, which covers Zanzibar. It costs USD 50 per person and is valid for 90 days.
- Apply online (recommended): visa.immigration.go.tz — submit a few days before travel and bring the approval printout.
- On arrival: available for many nationalities at ZNZ, payable by card or cash (USD). Expect a queue at peak times — the e-visa is faster.
- US passport holders can be issued a longer multiple-entry visa at a higher fee; check the portal.
3. Mandatory travel insurance — USD 44
Since 1 October 2024, every visitor must hold inbound travel insurance issued through the official Zanzibar scheme, regardless of any policy you already own.
- Adults: USD 44 · Children 2–17: USD 22 · Under 2: free
- Buy it at the official portal: visitzanzibar.go.tz
- It covers the duration of your stay and some medical emergencies and disruptions. Keep the confirmation (printed or on your phone) — it can be checked on arrival.
4. Health & vaccinations
A yellow fever certificate is required only if you arrive from (or transited more than 12h in) a country with risk of transmission. Malaria is present — discuss prophylaxis with your doctor. Check the latest on the CDC Tanzania page.
5. What actually happens at the airport
At Zanzibar’s Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ), the order is usually: health and insurance check → immigration (visa) → baggage. Have your e-visa printout and insurance proof ready before you reach the desk. ZNZ sits about 6 km south of Stone Town; the east coast (Michamvi and Paje) is roughly an hour and a quarter further. Arrange your transfer in advance — taxis are available but a pre-booked hotel transfer is smoother after a long flight.
⚠️ Fees and rules can change. This guide reflects the official portals as of the date above — always verify on visa.immigration.go.tz and visitzanzibar.go.tz before you travel.