Tanzania visa
| Passport | Visa | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Most countries (UK, EU, Canada, Australia, etc.) | Single-entry tourist visa | US$50 |
| United States | Multiple-entry visa, 1 year | US$100 |
| East African Community and some others | Visa-free | – |
Apply on the official Tanzania Immigration e-visa portal. You’ll need a passport valid for 6 months with a blank page, a digital photo, a passport scan, your return flight and your accommodation details. Processing often takes a few days, but can be longer, so apply early. Beware of look-alike sites charging extra.
A visa on arrival is still issued at major airports, including Zanzibar, but queues can be long and you usually need to pay in US dollar cash (notes printed 2009 or later). The e-visa is the smoother choice.
Compulsory inbound travel insurance
Zanzibar has required all foreign visitors to buy a government inbound travel insurance policy since October 2024. Since 1 October 2026, mainland Tanzania requires the same.
| Traveller | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult (18+) | US$44 |
| Child (3–17) | US$22 |
| Infant (0–2) | Free |
- Entering via Zanzibar first: buy from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation on the official portal, inbound.visitzanzibar.go.tz. It also covers onward travel to the mainland.
- Entering via the mainland first (Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro): buy the National Insurance Corporation policy, which also covers Zanzibar.
- Save the certificate and QR code on your phone; you may be asked for it on arrival.
The policy offers basic cover only, such as emergency medical treatment, evacuation and repatriation. It doesn’t replace normal travel insurance for cancellations, lost luggage or activities such as diving and kitesurfing.
Health requirements
- Yellow fever: you need a vaccination certificate if you arrive from, or transit for more than 12 hours through, a country with yellow fever risk (for example Kenya or Ethiopia).
- Malaria: present in Tanzania, including Zanzibar. Ask a travel clinic about tablets.
- Bring any prescription medicines in their original packaging.
Arrival checklist
- Printed or digital e-visa approval.
- Insurance certificate with QR code.
- Yellow fever certificate if needed.
- Return or onward ticket and hotel address.
- Some US dollars in small, recent notes for taxis.
Next, plan your airport transfer.
More Zanzibar guides
- Zanzibar travel guide
- 15 best things to do in Zanzibar
- Zanzibar itinerary: 5, 7 or 10 days
- Where to stay in Zanzibar
- Best time to visit Zanzibar
- Zanzibar airport transfers
- Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar ferry
FAQ: Tanzania visa and Zanzibar insurance
Do I need a separate visa for Zanzibar?
No. Zanzibar uses the Tanzania visa, but you still show your passport on arrival, even when coming from the mainland.
Is the Zanzibar insurance really mandatory?
Yes, for all foreign visitors. Buy it online before travelling to avoid delays.
Can I get a visa on arrival in Zanzibar?
Yes, usually, but the e-visa is recommended to avoid long queues and cash payment.
Do children need the Zanzibar insurance?
Yes. Children aged 3–17 pay US$22, and children under 3 are free.
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