Apply through Tanzania Immigration
Choose your first Tanzanian destination in the application; the visa remains usable for mainland and Zanzibar.
Zanzibar Entry · Visa and Insurance
Zanzibar Visa & Mandatory Travel Insurance
Check Tanzania eVisa rules for Zanzibar, why no separate island visa is needed, and how to arrange mandatory inbound travel insurance through the official portal.
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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 for eligible foreign visitors
- Accommodation address on the island
- Domestic flight details if connecting from safari
Application sequence
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
| Permission | Published fee or basis | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Tanzania Ordinary Visa | USD 50 | Covers mainland and Zanzibar when required |
| US tourism Multiple Visa | USD 100 | Tanzania category for United States passport holders |
| Zanzibar inbound insurance | Check official portal | Separate requirement; not a visa fee |
Official authorities: Check Tanzania visa rules and
apply through
Tanzania Immigration. For Zanzibar’s mandatory inbound travel insurance, use
the official Visit Zanzibar insurance portal. Eligibility, fees and entry conditions can change, so check both
official portals before travel.
Common questions
Is there a separate Zanzibar visa?
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.
Is Zanzibar insurance included in the visa fee?
No. It is separate from immigration permission. Foreign visitors should check the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation’s current inbound-insurance requirement and obtain the certificate through the official Visit Zanzibar portal.
Can I fly from the Serengeti directly to Zanzibar?
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.