Do Indian passport holders need a visa for Zanzibar?
Yes. As of May 2026, Indian passport holders require a visa to visit Zanzibar. The good news is that it is issued on arrival at Zanzibar’s entry points, so no advance application is needed. The fee is USD $50 (approximately ₹4,150) and it allows a stay of up to 90 days.
Zanzibar and Tanzania: Understanding the Difference
Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous archipelago that forms part of the United Republic of Tanzania, but it operates its own immigration system. This means:
- Visitors entering Zanzibar directly from outside Tanzania receive a Zanzibar entry stamp, not a Tanzania visa.
- If you plan to visit both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar on the same trip, you need two separate entries: a Tanzania e-visa for the mainland and a Zanzibar visa on arrival for the islands.
- Travellers arriving in Zanzibar from mainland Tanzania also need to go through Zanzibar immigration and obtain the entry stamp.
This arrangement surprises many first-time visitors. Budget for both if combining the two destinations.
How to Apply
No advance application is required. The visa is issued on arrival.
- Fly into Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) or arrive by ferry from Dar es Salaam or other Tanzanian ports.
- Proceed to the immigration counter on arrival.
- Present your valid Indian passport, return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation.
- Pay the USD $50 fee. Cash in US dollars is the most reliable payment option. Some counters accept card but cash is recommended to avoid delays.
- Receive your 90-day entry stamp and proceed to baggage claim.
Documents Required
- Valid Indian passport (minimum 6 months validity from entry date, at least 1 blank page)
- Return or onward flight or ferry ticket
- Hotel booking confirmation or invitation letter from a host
- USD $50 in cash for the visa fee
- Proof of sufficient funds for your stay (a bank card or bank statement)
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a yellow fever risk country
Costs & Fees
- Visa on arrival: USD $50 (approximately ₹4,150) per person, payable in cash at the immigration counter
- Yellow fever certificate: Required if arriving from certain countries; obtain the vaccine at least 10 days before travel if needed
- Ferry from Dar es Salaam: approximately USD $35—USD $50 for the Zanzibar Fast Ferry service
Tips
- Bring USD $50 in clean, undamaged US dollar bills. Old or torn notes are sometimes refused at border counters across East Africa.
- Stone Town, Zanzibar’s historic capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its narrow lanes, Arabic architecture, and spice market are worth at least a full day.
- The best beaches are in the north (Nungwi, Kendwa) and east (Paje, Bwejuu). Nungwi has the clearest water and stays calm year-round.
- Spice tours depart from Stone Town and take 2—3 hours. You see cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla growing in their natural environment.
- The best time to visit is June to October (the long dry season). March to May brings heavy rain. December to February is warm and drier but less predictable.
- If you are combining Zanzibar with mainland Tanzania (Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Kilimanjaro), apply for the Tanzania e-visa separately at immigration.go.tz before travelling.
- Ramadan changes the pace on the island. Many restaurants close during the day and nightlife is reduced. Check dates before planning.