Zanzibar does not require a separate visa for international travelers who already hold a valid Tanzania e-Visa or Tanzania visa on arrival. Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous region of the United Republic of Tanzania — your Tanzania visa covers entry to both the mainland and the Zanzibar archipelago (Unguja, Pemba, and other islands).
Does Zanzibar Have Its Own Visa?
No. Zanzibar is part of the United Republic of Tanzania and follows Tanzania's national visa policy. When you obtain a Tanzania e-Visa, it is valid for:
- Mainland Tanzania (Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Serengeti, Kilimanjaro region, etc.)
- Zanzibar (Unguja/Zanzibar Island, Pemba Island, and the smaller islands)
You do not need a separate Zanzibar visa, Zanzibar entry permit, or any additional authorization.
Zanzibar Internal Immigration Checkpoint
Although no separate visa is needed, Zanzibar has an internal immigration checkpoint that all travelers must pass through:
When arriving at Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ):
- Present your passport at the immigration counter inside the terminal
- Your passport will be checked and stamped
- Present your Tanzania e-Visa if you have not yet entered Tanzania (first point of entry)
- If you are already in Tanzania on a valid visa, show your passport with the existing entry stamp
When arriving by ferry from Dar es Salaam:
- Present your passport at the Zanzibar ferry terminal immigration control
- This is an internal checkpoint — the officer verifies your existing Tanzania visa/stamp
- Both the port in Stone Town (Zanzibar) and the Dar es Salaam ferry terminal have checkpoints
This is not a second entry into Tanzania for visa purposes — it does not use up a single-entry visa.
Single Entry Tanzania Visa and Zanzibar
A common concern: does traveling from mainland Tanzania to Zanzibar count as leaving Tanzania and using up your single entry?
Answer: No. Travel between mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar is considered domestic/internal travel within the United Republic of Tanzania. You are not leaving Tanzania when going to Zanzibar.
Your single-entry Tanzania e-Visa remains valid throughout your entire trip including all movement between the mainland and Zanzibar.
Visa-Free Nationalities in Zanzibar
Nationals of countries with visa-free access to Tanzania also enter Zanzibar without a visa. This includes nationals of Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Mauritius, Seychelles, and other eligible countries.
How to Travel from Mainland Tanzania to Zanzibar
By air:
Flights from Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) to Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ) take approximately 30–40 minutes. Multiple daily flights operated by Air Tanzania, Precision Air, and others.
By ferry:
- High-speed ferries (Azam Marine, Coastal Aviation partner boats, Sea Express) run from Dar es Salaam to Stone Town, Zanzibar
- Journey time: approximately 1.5–2 hours on the high-speed ferry
- Both terminals have immigration checkpoints where you show your passport
Zanzibar Health Requirements
In addition to your Tanzania e-Visa:
- Yellow fever: If arriving in Zanzibar from a yellow fever endemic country, a vaccination certificate is required
- Malaria: Zanzibar has malaria risk — prophylaxis and insect repellent strongly recommended
- No additional COVID-19 requirements as of 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Related guides: Requirements | Fees | Processing Time