Practical & Tips
Zanzibar Entry Requirements 2026: Visa, Insurance & Costs
By Haji, your local · updated on 09.10.2026 · 6 min read
Part of our complete Zanzibar travel guideTo enter Zanzibar in 2026, Germans need three things: a passport that is still valid for at least six months, a visa for Tanzania (around US$50 as an e-visa) and the compulsory state travel insurance for US$44 per person. Since 1 October 2026 this insurance requirement no longer applies only to Zanzibar but also to mainland Tanzania. Here you will find step by step what to arrange and when (as of 9 October 2026).
The checklist at a glance
| What | Cost | Where / how | When to arrange |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passport | – | valid for at least 6 months beyond the end of your trip | check before booking |
| Tanzania visa (e-visa) | approx. US$50 | official portal visa.immigration.go.tz | 2–3 weeks before departure |
| Compulsory insurance | US$44 per person (children US$22) | Zanzibar: ZIC via visitzanzibar.go.tz · Mainland: NIC | before departure |
| Yellow fever certificate | – | only when arriving from a yellow fever area | check if you travel via Africa |
Rules can change at short notice. Before every trip, check the current travel and safety advice of the German Federal Foreign Office for Tanzania.
Visa for Zanzibar
Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, so the Tanzanian visa applies. The tourist visa for a single entry costs around US$50 and can be applied for in advance as an e-visa through the official portal of the Tanzanian immigration authority. Allow enough lead time: processing can take up to ten working days. A visa on arrival is sometimes possible, but it means a queue after a long flight – the e-visa is more relaxed.
Beware of unofficial visa sites: they look official but charge service fees on top. Apply for your visa directly through the government portal.
Compulsory insurance: new since October 2026 for the mainland too
Since October 2024, every foreign guest in Zanzibar has had to show proof of the state travel insurance of the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC). It costs US$44 per adult, is valid for up to 92 days and is taken out online through the official tourism portal. It is compulsory even if you already have your own travel health insurance.
New since 1 October 2026: there is now a similar compulsory insurance for mainland Tanzania too, issued by the National Insurance Corporation (NIC), also US$44. If you combine Zanzibar with a safari – for example on our Safari from Zanzibar – according to current information you only need one of the two policies, not both. Still, double-check this briefly when you book.
Our advice: keep your own travel health insurance including repatriation. The compulsory policy covers emergencies but is no substitute for comprehensive cover. More on this in the article Health & Medical Care.
What does entry cost in total?
Per person, an e-visa (approx. US$50) and compulsory insurance (US$44) add up to around US$94, so just under US$190 for a couple. Include this in your travel budget – more on all costs in How Much Does a Zanzibar Trip Cost?.
Arriving at the airport
- Keep your passport, printed or digital e-visa and proof of insurance within reach.
- Have your accommodation address ready for the entry form.
- Plastic bags are banned in Tanzania – repack duty-free purchases into other bags beforehand.
- Bring some cash in US dollars or Tanzanian shillings for the first day.
- Arrange your transfer to your accommodation in advance, and someone will be waiting after immigration with a sign with your name: Zanzibar airport transfer.
Paperwork done? Then comes the beautiful part. I will plan your days in Zanzibar for free.
Frequently asked questions
Do Germans need a visa for Zanzibar?+
Yes. Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, and Germans need a Tanzanian visa. The easiest way is to apply for an e-visa for around US$50 through the official portal of the immigration authority.
Is the Zanzibar insurance compulsory?+
Yes. Every foreign guest needs the state travel insurance of the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation for US$44 per adult, valid for up to 92 days. It is compulsory even if you already have your own travel insurance.
Do I need two insurance policies for Zanzibar and the mainland?+
According to current information, no: since 1 October 2026 there is also a compulsory policy (NIC) for the mainland, but one of the two is enough for a combined trip. Check the current rules before departure.
How long before departure should I apply for the e-visa?+
Two to three weeks before departure. Processing can take up to ten working days.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccination for Zanzibar?+
Usually not when travelling directly from Germany. A certificate is required if you arrive from a yellow fever area, including after longer layovers there. Get travel medical advice before your trip.