Zanzibar Entry · Visa and Insurance

Zanzibar Visa and Entry Guide

Understand Zanzibar entry rules, why there is no separate Zanzibar visa, Tanzania eVisa requirements and mandatory inbound travel insurance planning.

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What matters first: Zanzibar is part of the United Republic of Tanzania, so visitors use the Tanzania visa system rather than applying for a separate Zanzibar visa. A valid Tanzania visa can cover a safari on the mainland and a beach stay on the islands. Zanzibar also operates a separate mandatory inbound travel-insurance requirement, which is not a visa and must be handled through the official insurance platform.

When your route begins on the mainland and continues by domestic flight to Zanzibar, you remain within the same country for immigration purposes. Keep your passport and visa approval available during travel because airlines and local authorities may ask to see them. The island insurance certificate should be saved separately from the visa grant notice so each document can be produced quickly when requested.

Visa systemTanzania national visa
Separate island visaNot required
Ordinary visa feeUSD 50 when applicable
Extra entry itemInbound insurance

Document checklist

  • Tanzania visa or proof of visa-exempt nationality
  • Passport with the validity and blank-page requirements for Tanzania
  • Return or onward travel confirmation
  • Zanzibar inbound insurance certificate where required
  • Accommodation address on the island
  • Domestic flight details if connecting from safari

Application sequence

Apply through Tanzania Immigration

Choose your first Tanzanian destination in the application; the visa remains usable for mainland and Zanzibar.

Purchase the island insurance separately

Use the official Zanzibar inbound portal and keep the certificate accessible.

Match names across documents

The passport, visa approval, flight booking and insurance certificate should use identical personal details.

Fees and permission types

Compare the main entry options

PermissionPublished fee or basisUse
Tanzania Ordinary VisaUSD 50Covers mainland and Zanzibar when required
US tourism Multiple VisaUSD 100Tanzania category for United States passport holders
Zanzibar inbound insuranceCheck official portalSeparate requirement; not a visa fee
Official authority: Check the current rules and apply through the government immigration portal. Information was reviewed on 21 July 2026; nationality lists and fees can change.

Common questions

No. Tanzania Immigration confirms that a visitor travelling between mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar does not need a second visa while the original permission remains valid.

No. The inbound insurance arrangement is separate from immigration permission and is handled through Zanzibar’s official insurance platform.

Domestic routes commonly connect safari airstrips with Zanzibar. Your visa remains the same, but airline baggage rules and final schedules must be reconfirmed for your travel date.

Ask about the visa sequence in your itinerary

The Luxury Africa DMC provides travel-planning information and itinerary documents. We do not issue visas, guarantee approval or replace an immigration authority. Submit sensitive identity documents only through the relevant official government portal.