How to Apply for Zanzibar, Tanzania Visa for Indians

Zanzibar is arguably one of the most stunning island destinations in Africa. Located just 20 minutes by air from Dar es Salaam and a short 90-minute flight from Nairobi, it is the perfect relaxing finale to a dusty, adventurous safari experience in Serengeti and Maasai Mara.

However, entering this tropical paradise isn’t as seamless as you might expect. The process involves more than just booking a flight, and the level of friction largely depends on your arrival route.

If you’ve heard rumors about needing multiple permits or paying extra fees, you heard right. While you only need Tanzania’s visa, you also need to pay a mandatory travel insurance fee to arrive at Zanzibar. This guide will break down exactly how to navigate the paperwork for both Tanzania and Zanzibar so you can breeze through immigration without overpaying.

Types of Zanzibar, Tanzania Visa Options for Indians

Tanzania offers two primary visa application routes for Indian travellers. While the official fee for both is identical ($50 USD), the “cost” in terms of time, convenience, and stress may differ.

Here is a breakdown to help you choose the right one for your trip:

1. Visa on Arrival (VoA)
   For those who prefer handling paperwork on the go, the Visa on Arrival is still an option. Upon disembarking at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, you will need to fill out a physical arrival form available in the hall.
   However, the airport staff will require you to present your Mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance receipt before you even reach the visa counter.
   ⚠️ If you arrive without the pre-paid insurance QR code, you will be escorted to a separate manual counter to pay the $44 fee first, and only then directed to the immigration line.
   
   The Ferry Route Arrival: This experience changes drastically if you arrive in Zanzibar via ferry from Dar es Salaam. While the ferry is more economical, it is also a major transit hub for locals and traders. The resulting congestion often leads to a chaotic immigration process at the seaport. Expect to spend anywhere from 1 to 2 hours just clearing immigration and exiting the port.
   
2. The eVisa (Highly Recommended)
   It is inarguably a far superior alternative and the route we followed.
   Our experience: We applied for the eVisa online and purchased the mandatory travel insurance well before our flight. This turned our arrival to the island a breeze. We also ensured to have a physical copy of each document to save time and confusion.
   ⚠️ We chose to fly directly from Nairobi to Zanzibar to bypass the seaport chaos entirely.

Visa on Arrival for Zanzibar

To ensure a smooth entry at the airport, have the following documents printed and organized before you land:

1. Original Passport: Must have at least 6 months of validity from your date of arrival and two blank pages.
2. Visa Application Form: A physical form provided at the arrival hall (carry a pen to fill this out quickly).
3. Mandatory Insurance QR Code: A printed copy of your Zanzibar Inbound Travel Insurance receipt. Visit the official website to purchase.
   The Cost: $44 USD per person 
4. Proof of Return/Onward Travel: A confirmed flight ticket showing you will leave Tanzania.
5. Passport Size Photograph: A recent passport size photograph in standard size against white background.
6. Yellow Fever Certificate: A valid yellow-fever certificate if you’re arriving from Kenya or Ethiopia for more than 12 hours. The vaccine must be administered at least 10 days before travel.
7. Visa fee: $50 USD in cash.
   ⚠️ As a precautionary measure, ensure your dollar bills are printed after 2013. Older notes are frequently rejected by Tanzanian banks and airport staff.

eVISA for Zanzibar

Here is a step-by-step breakdown of the complete eVISA process for Indian travellers:

1. The Tanzania eVisa
   Since you will be technically entering the United Republic of Tanzania, the first step is to apply for the standard Tanzania Tourist Visa.
   Where to Apply: Visit the official website to begin the process.
   Digital Documents Required:
   – Confirmed accommodation booking details in Zanzibar
   – Passport size photograph
   – Copy of your passport in jpeg/png file
   – Confirmed return ticket in pdf format
   Processing Time: It usually takes 10 business days to process the eVISA application.
   ⚠️ In case you do not receive the eVISA within 10 days, write an email to the Tanzania Immigration officer and your application will be processed almost immediately.
   Tanzania Immigration: visatanzania@immigration.go.tz, info@immigration.go.tz, services@immigration.go.tz, proznz@immigration.go.tz
   
2. The Mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance
   The second and most crucial step is to obtain the mandatory inbound travel insurance. Even if you have a comprehensive coverage for travel, it is not accepted for this specific entry requirement.
   Visit the official website to purchase the insurance before travelling and ensure getting a printed copy with the QR code.
   
3. Yellow Fever Certificate
   If you’re arriving from Kenya or Ethiopia for more than 12 hours, it is mandatory to have a valid yellow fever certificate.
   
4. Arrival Declaration Form
   The last step to clear the immigration is to fill the arrival card which requests basic details such as your flight number, passport details, accommodation details, and the duration of your stay.

Zanzibar remains one of the most accessible and breathtaking destinations open to Indian travellers and the perfect reset in East Africa. We also have the perfect 5-day itinerary to explore the tropical paradise of Zanzibar and a complete planning guide that you can check out to plan an unforgettable getaway.

If you have any more questions about the visa process, feel free to drop them in the comments.