TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
Visa on Arrival – Quick & Easy Entry for Most Travelers
Travelers from most countries can get a visa on arrival when entering Zanzibar (Tanzania). The process is straightforward and costs around $50 USD (payable in cash or card at the airport).
To save time and avoid long queues after your flight, we highly recommend downloading and filling out the visa application form in advance. This way, you simply hand over the completed form at immigration, make your payment, and continue your journey — no need to stand in line filling paperwork while you're tired from travel.
📝 Download the visa form here [Insert PDF download link or link to official form]
e-Visa:
Alternatively, you can apply for an electronic visa before your trip through
the official Tanzania eVisa portal.
Apply Here: https://visa.immigration.go.tz/
Visa Exemptions:
Citizens of certain countries are exempt from visa requirements.
Please check the list of exempted countries.
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Antigua and Barbuda
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Bahamas
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Barbados
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Belize
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Botswana
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Brunei
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Cyprus
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Dominica
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Democratic Republic of Congo
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Eswatini
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Gambia
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Ghana
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Grenada
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Guyana
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Hong Kong
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Jamaica
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Kenya
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Kiribati
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Lesotho
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Macao
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Madagascar
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Malawi
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Malaysia
Referral Visa Requirements for Tanzania
Certain nationalities are not eligible for a visa on arrival in Tanzania.
Travelers from these countries must obtain special clearance from
the Commissioner General of Immigration (mainland Tanzania) or
the Commissioner of Immigration Zanzibar before arrival. These
nationalities fall under what is known as the Referral Visa Category.
Countries Requiring Referral Visa
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Afghanistan
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Bangladesh
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Burkina Faso
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Chad
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Eritrea
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Guinea Bissau
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Guinea Conakry
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Iran
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Iraq
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Kyrgyz Republic (Kyrgyzstan)
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Lebanon
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Mali
Required Documents for Referral Visa Applications
If you are from one of the above countries, you must submit the following
documents during your visa application:
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Cover Letter:
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From a registered company or institution (if the visit is official), OR
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From an individual who knows the applicant (for personal visits),
including purpose and duration of the visit.
2. Valid Passport Copy
3. Recent Passport-Size Photograph
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For institutions/companies: Registration certificate, TIN,
and business license
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For individuals: Copy of national ID (if Tanzanian) or passport + residence
permit (if foreign resident)
Important Notes
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Referral visa applications must be submitted online at least 2 months
before travel.
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Do not book flights or make reservations until your visa has been
officially approved.
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Visa policies may change, so it’s important to check the updated list
of referral countries regularly on the official immigration website.
Travel Insurance
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Mandatory Travel Insurance: Since October 1, 2024, all visitors
to Zanzibar are required to have mandatory travel insurance from
the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation. Ensure you obtain this insurance
before or upon arrival.
Apply here: https://inbound.visitzanzibar.go.tz/
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Mauritania
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Niger
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Nigeria
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Pakistan
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Palestine
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Somalia
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Sierra Leone
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Syria
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Tajikistan
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Turkmenistan
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Uzbekistan
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Yemen
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Malta
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Mauritius
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Mozambique
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Namibia
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Nauru
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Papua New Guinea
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Romania
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Rwanda
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Saint Kitts and NevisSaint
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LuciaSaint Vincent and the Grenadines
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Samoa
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Seychelles
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Singapore
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Solomon Islands
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South Africa
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South Sudan
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Tonga
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Trinidad and Tobago
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Tuvalu
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Uganda
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Vanuatu
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Zambia
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Zimbabwe
VACCINATION
As of April 2025, There are no major health risks in Tanzania as there might be in some neighboring countries. There are no mandatory vaccines for travelers coming from Europe. Vaccination requirements for entering Zanzibar depend on your travel itinerary:
No Mandatory Vaccinations for Direct Travelers from Europe or the U.S.
If you're traveling directly from Europe or the United States, there are no mandatory vaccination requirements to enter Zanzibar.Tanzania is not considered a yellow fever endemic country, so travelers from non-endemic regions are not required to present a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
Yellow Fever Vaccination Required for Travelers from High-Risk Areas
If you're arriving from, or have transited through, a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission, Tanzania requires proof of yellow fever vaccination. This requirement applies if:You are traveling from a country where yellow fever is endemic.You have transited through such a country and stayed for more than 12 hours.A list of countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission can be found on the CDC's website.
Recommended vaccination
If you want to feel extra safe during your trip to Zanzibar, you can still choose to get the recommended (but not mandatory) vaccinations. These provide additional protection and peace of mind, especially if you plan to explore off the beaten path or stay for an extended time:
Hepatitis A – helpful for most travelers due to possible exposure through food or water.
Hepatitis B – especially if there’s any chance you’ll need medical care or come into contact with blood or bodily fluids.
Typhoid – ideal for adventurous eaters or those visiting more rural areas.
Rabies – useful if you plan to hike, explore caves, or interact with animals.
Cholera – recommended in rare cases for rural or high-risk areas.
While these are not required to enter Zanzibar, having them can help you travel with confidence, knowing you’re well-protected. Always check with your doctor or a travel clinic before your trip for personalized advice.
SAFETY
Safety on the Road
Driving in Zanzibar can be tricky, especially for visitors unfamiliar with local road conditions. Roads are often narrow, unlit at night, and may have potholes or sand patches. Drivers don’t always follow traffic rules, and speeding or reckless overtaking is common.
- If you plan to drive, get the required Zanzibar temporary driving permit.
- Always wear a helmet when riding a scooter.Avoid driving at night and in unfamiliar rural areas.
- Consider hiring a trusted driver or using organized transfers for safety and peace of mind.
- Be cautious of police checkpoints, where tourists are sometimes asked for bribes. Stay calm, respectful, and ensure your paperwork is in order.
Safety in Hotels
Zanzibar offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxury resorts to budget guesthouses. Most are safe and secure, but it’s still smart to take precautions:
- Use the safe box in your room to store passports, cash, and valuables.
- Lock your doors and windows when you leave, even if it's just for a short walk.
- Don’t leave electronics, jewelry, or wallets in plain sight.
- Choose reputable accommodations with good reviews and on-site security.
Safety in the Water
The ocean around Zanzibar is beautiful but can also be unpredictable.
Always check the tides before swimming some areas become very shallow or expose sea urchins and sharp corals during low tide.
Swim in designated areas and avoid going too far from shore, especially when currents are strong.
Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect your skin and the marine environment.
When doing excursions like snorkeling, diving, or jet skiing,
choose licensed operators with proper safety gear and experienced guides.
General Safety Tips
- Zanzibar is safe overall, but petty theft (like bag snatching or pickpocketing) can happen in crowded areas, especially in Stone Town.
- Don’t walk alone late at night in quiet areas or beaches.
- Respect local culture, Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim, so modest dress is appreciated, especially in villages and towns.
- Avoid buying tours or excursions from random beach vendors
- Carry a copy of your passport and keep the original in your hotel safe.Having travel insurance is always a smart idea in case of emergencies.
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What is a Transparent Kayak?A transparent kayak, also called a clear-bottom kayak or see-through kayak, is a specially designed canoe made from clear material, allowing you to see directly beneath you as you paddle. It gives you a unique window into the underwater world, making it perfect for exploring coral reefs, tropical fish, and marine life without needing to get wet.