Obtaining your visa for Zanzibar (and more broadly Tanzania) is a mandatory step to enter the territory. With official sites, fraudulent platforms, and frequent bugs, it’s normal to get a bit lost.
Here is a clear guide to understand how to get your visa, either online before departure or directly upon arrival at Zanzibar airport.
The official Zanzibar visa site
There is a single official site to apply for your visa online.
Be careful, many fraudulent sites are circulating and offering higher prices.
If you see a price higher than 50 dollars, it is not the right site. Therefore, it is important to check the URL carefully before starting your application.
The official site may sometimes encounter bugs or be slow, which can complicate the process.
Getting your Zanzibar visa online before departure
It is possible to apply for your visa before traveling.
Advantages:
- you arrive at the airport with your visa already validated
- you save time on site
- you avoid the administrative queue
To know:
- the site may bug or be slow
- the processing time can take up to about 15 days
- it is therefore recommended to plan ahead
This option is ideal if you have already booked your flights and accommodation.
Getting your visa upon arrival in Zanzibar
As a British, American, German, Spanish or Dutch national, you can also get your visa directly at Zanzibar airport.
To plan for:
- 50 dollars in cash
- or sometimes 50 euros (less advantageous)
It is strongly recommended to pay in dollars to avoid an unfavorable conversion.
Price and duration of the Zanzibar visa
The tourist visa costs: 50 dollars per person.
Be careful: if the amount is higher online, you are not on the right site
Validity:
- the visa is valid for 3 months from the date of arrival in Zanzibar
- you can therefore do it in advance without any problem, even several months before departure
Documents to present upon arrival
Whether you apply for your visa online or on-site, you will generally need to present:
- your passport (valid for at least 6 months after the date of arrival)
- your return ticket
- your hotel reservation
Tips to avoid mistakes
- Always check the official site before paying
- Anticipate your application if you are applying for the visa online
- Prefer payment in dollars
- Keep your printed documents or accessible on your phone
- Citizens of certain countries are exempt from visa requirements: see the official list.
- Citizens of certain countries require visas, which must be applied for two months in advance: see the official list.
