What are the requirements for travelling to Zanzibar in Tanzania?

Read our advice on preparing for your trip to Zanzibar in Tanzania and entry requirements.

Essential documents*:
1
Tanzania entry requirements
Valid passport
2
Zanzibar entry requirements
Apply for your Tanzania e-visa!
*The documents presented may differ depending on your nationality.

Travelling to Zanzibar in Tanzania is an unforgettable experience for those seeking to discover the wonders of African nature, including Zanzibar's national parks, game reserves, mountains and pristine beaches. However, before you go, it is important to find out about the formalities and travel entry requirements for travelling to Tanzania. In this article, we will guide you through the major formalities and requirements for travelling to Tanzania, including visa, passport, health and safety requirements. Whether you are travelling for pleasure or business, this article will give you all the information you need to prepare for your trip to Tanzania with confidence.

Entry requirements for Zanzibar: key points

  • Before travelling to Zanzibar, you need to meet some entry requirements
  • Obtaining a valid passport is one of the essential entry requirements for Zanzibar.
  • Another entry requirement is to obtain a visa to travel to Zanzibar.
  • You can apply for a Zanzibar visa online from a specialist website

What documents and entry requirements do I need to travel to Zanzibar in Tanzania?

The documents needed to travel to Zanzibar depend on the nationality of the traveller. For British nationals, the documents needed to travel to Zanzibar are as follows:

  • Passport: A valid passport is required to enter Zanzibar. It must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of your intended return.
  • Visa: A visa is required to enter Zanzibar. It can be obtained on arrival at Zanzibar International Airport or before departure from the Tanzanian Embassy in the UK. The visa can also be obtained online from the official Tanzanian government website.
  • Vaccination certificate: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Tanzania. It must be presented on arrival in Zanzibar. Travellers should be vaccinated at least 10 days before departure and obtain a certificate of vaccination from an approved vaccination centre.

It is important to note that documentation requirements may vary depending on the health or political situation in the country. It is therefore advisable to check with the relevant authorities before travelling to Zanzibar.

Apply for your Tanzania e-visa!

What are the entry requirements for obtaining a visa for Zanzibar in Tanzania?

There are either the official website or third party websites to process visa applications online. Here are the steps to obtain a visa online:

  • Official website or provider website: You can apply for your visa through the official website or if you want assistance through a provider website. Be sure to check the legitimacy and reliability of the website before submitting any personal or financial information.
  • Fill in the application form: Once you have decided on the provider, you will need to fill in the online application form with the required information. Make sure you provide accurate and complete information to avoid any delays in processing your application.
  • Pay the visa fee: You will need to pay the visa fee online using a credit card or PayPal account. Fees vary depending on the length of your stay.
  • Submit your application: Once you have completed the application form and paid the visa fee, you can submit your application online.
  • Wait for a response: After submitting your application, you will need to wait for a response from the online visa processing agency. If your application is approved, you will receive your visa by email.

It is important to note that using a third-party website to obtain a visa online may incur additional fees. Make sure you read the website's terms and conditions before submitting your application. It is also advisable to check visa requirements with the Zanzibar government or the nearest Zanzibar embassy or consulate for specific information on visa requirements.

 

What are the passport requirements for travel to Zanzibar in Tanzania from the UK?

To travel to Zanzibar from the UK, you must have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry to Zanzibar.

It is also recommended that your passport has at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps.

It is therefore necessary to ensure that you have a valid passport that meets these requirements before applying for your visa to Tanzania. To apply for or renew your passport in the UK, you need to take the following steps:

  • Prepare the necessary documents: You will need your old passport (if it is a renewal), a recent passport photo that meets the current standards, a recent proof of address, a tax stamp and a passport application form.
  • Make an appointment: You must make an appointment at a passport processing centre. Appointments can be made online on the government website.
  • Submit your application: Go to your appointment with all the necessary documents and submit your passport application. Your passport photo will be taken on site.
  • Pay the fee: The fee for a passport varies according to your age and the length of validity of the passport. You will also have to pay a tax stamp.
  • Wait for your passport: After submitting your application, you will receive a receipt which will allow you to travel abroad while you wait for your passport to arrive by post.

The time taken to issue a passport varies depending on the time of year and the place of application. It is recommended that you apply for your passport at least two months before you plan to travel abroad to avoid any delays or problems.

Apply for your Tanzania e-visa!

What vaccinations are required for travel to Tanzania?

For travel to Tanzania, there are no required vaccinations for travellers from the UK. However, there are some vaccinations that are strongly recommended to protect against some common diseases in the region:

  • Yellow fever: If you are arriving in Tanzania from a country where yellow fever is endemic, you will need to present a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Tanzania requires proof of vaccination for travellers from countries such as Kenya, Uganda or Rwanda.
  • Typhoid: Typhoid is common in Tanzania, especially in rural areas. It is recommended that you get a typhoid vaccination before travelling to Tanzania.
  • Hepatitis A and B: These diseases are common in Tanzania and can be transmitted through contaminated food and water. It is recommended that you get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B before travelling to Tanzania.
  • Rabies: Rabies is present in Tanzania, particularly in rural areas. If you plan to spend time in close contact with animals, it is recommended to get a rabies vaccination.

It is recommended that you consult a doctor or health professional before travelling to Tanzania for up-to-date information on vaccinations and recommended health precautions.

Apply for your Tanzania e-visa!

Adeline HARMANT
As a web writer and globetrotter with a passion for travel and tourism, I have acquired in-depth knowledge of the procedures that are essential for travellers. I help travellers to complete all the formalities required for a successful trip, particularly when it comes to obtaining a visa online. With several years' experience in this field, I'd like to offer you some valuable advice to help you discover the world with complete peace of mind.

 

Frequently asked questions

Entry requirements: Do I need a visa to travel to Zanzibar in Tanzania?

Yes, British citizens need a visa to travel to Tanzania, whether for tourism or business purposes. Travellers can obtain their visa either before departure from a specialised website or on arrival in Tanzania at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam or Kilimanjaro International Airport. However, it is advisable to apply for a visa before departure to avoid any risk of refusal or delay on arrival in Tanzania, and to obtain full information on entry requirements.

How long before departure to Zanzibar in Tanzania should I apply for a visa?

It is recommended to apply for a visa for Tanzania several weeks before the planned departure date, preferably at least one month in advance. The time needed to obtain a visa may vary depending on the method of application and the time of year. If you are applying for a visa at the Tanzanian embassy in the UK, it is advisable to start the process at least one month before your departure date, as it can take between 5 and 10 working days to process the application. If you choose to apply online, processing can be quicker, but it is still recommended that you apply at least two weeks before departure to avoid any problems.

Is vaccination required for travel to Tanzania?

Vaccination is not required for travellers to Tanzania, except for those who have travelled to a country where yellow fever is endemic. In this case, proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required on entry to Tanzania. However, it is strongly recommended that travellers get vaccinated against certain diseases before travelling to Tanzania, in particular typhoid, hepatitis A and B, diphtheria, tetanus, polio and rabies.

Tanzania entry requirements