Getting here from overseas
Direct flights to Zanzibar:
Emirates/FlyDubai combo, Eurowings Discover, SwissAir, Ethiopian Airways, Kenya Airways, Oman Air, Qatar Airlines, Turkish Airlines.This list might not be complete.
Getting from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar:
Insider info: The airport is on the outskirts of Dar es Salaam quite a distance from the Harbour/Ferry Port which is in the center of Dar. Traffic in Dar is horrendous, it can take you 2 hours or longer by taxi from the airport to the ferry port (the distance could be done easily in 30 min if there were no traffic). The taxi will cost anything from US$ 30 upwards to the ferry port. Make sure you agree on the taxi fare before you get into the taxi!
By plane: Several local airlines offer flights from Dar to Zanzibar (the flight time is 20 minutes), for example: www.precisionairtz.com, www.zanair.com, www.coastalaviation.co.tz, http://www.auricair.com, http://www.assalaamair.co.tz, http://www.flightlink.co.tz, http://www.fly540.com
Zanzibar International Airport: The new Terminal 3 was finally opened early July 2021 and is used by all international airlines. Local airlines use the old airport which is only a few meters away.
Immigration/Visa: Some airlines hand out forms on the plane to be completed. If not, you need to complete it in the arrivals hall. When you made it to the top of the queue at immigration, your visa is processed and a photo of you as well as fingerprints are taken, this only takes a few minutes. You can also book your visa online https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa/
After you got your luggage from the conveyor belts everything will be scanned. Please make sure you don’t have any plastic bags in your luggage, except zipblock bags, since they are banned on the island. Plastic wrapped luggage is allowed though.
Please make sure that your passport is still valid for 6 months from the date of departure from Zanzibar!
Transfer to your hotel: If your hotel doesn’t offer to organise your transfer, rather get a taxi at the airport desk in the arrivals hall if you don’t know the normal rates for the distance to travel. You will be inundated by numerous taxi drivers when you leave the airport building which can be quite intimidating.
BE CAREFUL: Do not book any excursions with any taxi driver and most of all, do not pay them for any tours upfront. Apparently, some taxi drivers offer a Safari Blu tour for two for 500$ and demand upfront payment in full. Needless to say that they never arrive to collect the clients. (If you book directly with http://www.safariblue.net the price is 70$ per person!)
Zanzibar Insider Buzz 
Hello Gaby, thank you so much for providing this great blog!
My friend and I will be arriving in a few weeks to Dar es Salaam and eventually make our way to Zanzibar later in our trip. As we get our visas on arrival in Dar, I just want to verify that we don’t have to pay with cash and that we can pay with credit card instead?
Thank you,
Jacob
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Hello Jacob,
Great to hear you chose Zanzibar for your holiday. You can pay for the visa on arrival on Zanzibar either in cash or with your credit card.
Cheers
Gaby
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Hello,
Thank you, great to hear that my blog helps.
The visa must be paid in US$. No other currency will be accepted.
Cheers
Gaby
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Hey! Thanks for the info. When you say no other currency besides $ that includes the tanzanian shelling as well? Im travelling from SA but Im European, so Im trying to figure out what currency I should carry in case credit cards dont work (as Ive read it often happens)
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Hi, I suggest that you have both currencies when you are here, Tanzanian Shillings (Tzs) and US$ – please read the page “money / ATMs / internet on phone”. You can alse exchange your Euro and also ZAR to Tzs at the local exchange bureaus.
Cheers, Gaby
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hi Gaby,
Is it better to take the ferry from Dar to zanzibar or to fly in?
thanks
zahra
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Hi Zahra,
Definitely by plane. Please read “how to get here” for the reasons and available local airlines.
Cheers, Gaby
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Any ideas if there is a ‘left luggage’ storage area. I have a 2.00am flight and will be checking out of the beach in the morning that day. I’d like to explore StoneTown before my flight but no idea what to do with my bags …. any ideas please!!! I’ll have about 8 hours in Stone Town ….
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There is no luggage storage facility at Zanzibar International Airport. I suggest that you ask the hotel where you are staying if they can organize safe storage of your luggage at a hotel they know in Stone Town.
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Thank you for your very informative site about Zanzibar.
I have read every page of it and really enjoyed it.
I tried to fill in the Online Visa application but for me it seemed too complicated so I will apply at the airport instead when arriving at Kilimanjaro. 🙂
One question that I have not seen anywhere, is when you think there are more or less mosquitos on the island.
Will spent 1 week on mainland for safari and 2 weeks on Zanzibar next February.
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Hello Rafael,
Being a tropical island, Zanzibar has a high humidity level. Mosquitos are always around especially from sunset. Best bring mosquito repellents. At the coastal areas we are blessed with a breeze going in the evenings which keeps the mosquitos away.
Cheers, Gaby
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Hi – I got a bit nervous because a friend of mine told they got problems at the airport (for them it was Kilimanjaro) to get the visa on arrival?? But it’s still possible for the major airports, no? Traveling to Uganda tomorrow and from there to TZ in a few weeks, I tried to do it online today but there is always an error occurring. Any news about that?
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Hi, you can get the Zanzibar visa on arrival at Zanzibar airport, of course. As much as I know the online visa facility works.
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Thanks a lot and I will see and report how it goes! By the way, a wonderful and very helpful blog here! Great work 🙂
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Thank you so much! 🙂 I appreciate you helping me to visualise it so well.
Perhaps there is more risk with belongings on the way out? When baggage is checked and expensive items are seen?
I’m trying not to overthink the risks but have seen quite a few scary reports on travel review sites so am rethinking whether to bring expensive electronics.
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As a rule you should always carry expensive goods, electronics etc in your hand luggage, no matter where you are travelling.
I haven’t heard of any reports that belongings of travellers are confiscated/kept by airport staff, unless the goods require an export permit or are not permitted to be taken off the island – please refer to page “to do and not to do”
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Thank you so much!! This is so reassuring. I can’t tell you what a wonderful resource your blog is as a solo female traveller who chose Zanzibar for a sabbatical on a whim!!
Let me buy you a drink if you ever pass by Drifters in Paje. 🙂
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Hello, the recurrent question is what im about to ask again. I am making (late) plans to attend a friend’s wedding in Zanzibar but folks who applied for visa for over a month are yet to get their passport out but yet again, i read that one can get visas on arrival. Is this still valid?
Your clarification on this will be very much appreciated.
Thank you
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Hello. Yes, as I wrote on this page you can get the visa on arrival. I keep my blog constantly updated.
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checking back in after our trip – yes you can get visas at the Zanzibar airport when you land : $50 US cash or credit card. No you do not need yellow fever vaccinations if you are coming from South Africa.
Yes, the Air Tanzania flight from Zanzibar to Johannesburg (departs Zan 9.00am, arrives Dar 9.30, departs Dar 10.30am) is totally doable. Book the luggage all the way though to Joburg and get both sets of boarding passes in Zanzibar. Go though immigration in Dar es Saalam. Easy!
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Thank you so much for taking the time and trouble for posting your feedback. Hope you enjoyed your holiday on Zanzibar.
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Hi: can I get a visa at Zanzibar airport in 2020??
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Yes you can
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Hi Gaby, Thank you for such an informative post. I seem to be finding conflicting information about aerosol cans in checked in luggage at Zanzibar airport. According to a number of travel forums it is okay to have aerosol cans in checked in luggage, and the limits are applicable only to carry-on luggage. I am referring specifically to aerosol insect repellent spray and also aerosol sun cream spray.
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Hi Johlene, Any aerosol cans or sprays are not permitted in checked in or any other luggage because they are highly flammable. This doesn’t only apply to Zanzibar. Rather bring lotions instead of sprays.
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Phew – thank you Gaby for the speedy reply – a huge help in the midst of last minute packing. Looking forward to visiting beautiful Zanzibar on Wednesday!
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Is there an ATM to get USD for visa on arrival?
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ATMs are only outside the airport building and you only get Tanzanian Shillings, not US$ – please read page Money / ATMs / simcard. However, you usually can pay for your visa by credit card but this facility is apparently not always open. Rather bring US$ cash.
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Hi Gaby,
Your blog is amazing! I have read all your posts and even printed out! 🙂
We from Hamburg ( moin moin :)) and currently on our way to Zanzibar.
One of our friend told us that as of this summer visa needs to be applied online.
We are a bit panicking since we did not apply online. But hopefully still visa on arrival is valid. Do you have any recent update on that? Thanks in advance!
Cheers,
Simla
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Hi Simla, moin moin, you can still apply for your visa on arrival at Zanzibar International Airport. There are no plans to change this.
Have a safe journey and enjoy your holiday on my beautiful island.
Cheers, Gaby
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Thanks so much Gaby for your prompt reply! I am totally relieved 🙂
Have a great weekend!
Cheers,
Simla
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Hi Gaby,
Thanks a lot for your blog.
I keep on reading conflicting info regarding bringing passport size photos in order to apply for VOR. Are the photos needed or a photo will be taken there and then?
Thanks!
Ivan
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Hi Ivan, you are most welcome.
No photos are required when you apply for your visa on arrival, the visa section is equipped with cameras and fingerprint devices. All you need is your passport, the completed form and US$ 50 in cash and/or your credit card.
Cheers, Gaby
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Hi Gaby,
Many thanks for an informative blog! I know this has been asked many times before but are Visa’s on arrival still available now that the e-visa system is up and running and consular visa services closed? I have struggled to find any specific updated information on this.
Thank you for your help!
Roy
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Hi Roy, visa on arrival are still up and running, there are no plans at all to scrap this facility.
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Hi there! Thanks for the lovely blog it is very informative.i would liketofind out if you are able to bring food/snack items in your checked in luggage such as cereal bars and sweets?
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Hi Micaela, you can bring cereal bars, chocolates and other sweets in your luggage.
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Hi Gaby
My sister and my niece are danish byt will arrive to Zanzibar from Johannesburg 7th of January 2020.
They would like to know if the visa procedure in the airport is smooth and easy, or if it is better to apply online before they leave from Denmark the 27th of December 2019?
Kind Regards
Gitte
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Hi Gitte,
The visa procedure on arrivals is quick and smooth. There might be some queues though, depending on how many people arrive on the plane.
Cheers,
Gaby
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Hi Gaby
My husband and I are arriving on the 26 January from London via Dubai to Zanzibar for a 10 day holiday. I have tried getting our visas online but have had great difficulty in filling in the forms, and downloading photos. Can we definitely get our visas on arrival at Zanzibar airport without the online forms? I’m getting very stressed about this. Your help would be much appreciated. Many thanks. Claire
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Hi Claire, you still can get the visa on arrival. The online visa is an alternative to the visa on arrival. I will most definitely add any changes immediately on my blog. Having said that, I doubt that the visa on arrival will be stopped any time soon.
Safe travels and a wonderful holiday on my beautiful island,
Gaby
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Hello! Thanks for a very useful blog! We are a family of four coming to Zanzibar in January. We are transiting from Europe through Nairobi, and after trawling all websites regarding YF certificate, it seemed we didnt need one. However, reading your blog, you wrote that a flight you came on via Nairobi required all to have YF certificates. Have you heard of anyone being denied entry to Zanzibar in this setting or could we in worst case scenario get jabs at the airport? Thanks, your reply is much appreciated!
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Hi Maria, I don’t know if anyone was denied entry without a YF certificate, I doubt it. I suggest that you print out the letter on this page and if needed show it to the airport official. You cannot get the jabs at the airport.
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Hi. We will be arriving Zanzibar by cruise ship. Is there a way to get Visa at cruise terminal?
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Hi, the ferry port has a Visa on arrival facility.
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Is yellow fever required for British citizens/passport holders travelling to zanzibar
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Please read page “Malaria, Yellow Fever Vaccinations, Medical Care/Hospitals
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Liebe Gaby,
Just for your information, for the information of your readers.
I asked a question to the eVisa service and they answered the day after.
I requested my eVisa (the most basic one flying from Europe) and I got it approved in less than 24 hours.
Best regards
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Hi Sergio, thank you for sharing this info.
Cheers Gaby
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Hey Gaby,
We are planning to travel to Zanzibar here at February 13. (2020). Like you have written in your description: *Some rumours are floating around that visa can only be applied for online and that the visa facility on arrival at the airport was closed. This is not true. The visa application facility on arrival is still open! (January 2020).
– But what about in February, 2020? Is the application facility still open for applying visa on arrival?
Hope you can help us!
Kindly regards
Nico
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Hi Nico,
The visa facility is still open, there are no plans to close it.
Cheers,
Gaby
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Hi, do you know whether it is possible to get a student visa on arrival in zanzibar?
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Hi, you first need to get a tourist visa at the airport to be allowed entry. Any other visa has to be applied for at the Immigration office.
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If we are lebanese passport holders and we travel directly to zanzibar, can we get visa upon arrival?
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Please check visa rules for Lebanese citizens on https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa/ section guidelines
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Hi Gaby,
Excellent blog – really insightful. We are heading from Ireland to Zanzibar in September. Just a quick query in relation to getting the visas on arrival, is there forms there at the airport? Or do we need to have forms printed and filled out?
Regards
Lee
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Hi Lee, thank you. Some airlines hand out the forms on the plane. Otherwise the forms are available at the visa section. Make sure you bring a pen!
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Hi Gaby,
That’s great thanks a million – I’ll bring a pen! 😊
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Hello,
at first, thank you for that great website.
i know it’s always the same question but the last question was a while ago.
Is visa+on+arrival still available at ZNZ Airport? and do you know if I can get it in Dar Es Salaam Airport too?
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Hello and thank you, much appreciated.
Visa on arrival is still available at Zanzibar International Airport. Not sure if you can get it at Dar airport. Maybe ask the officials there after you arrived.
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Hello,
I’ve applied for eVisa, as I don’t have an empty page for a visa sticker, only a couple empty spots for a stamp. Is it going to be a problem?
If I don’t get my eVisa on time, do I still need to pay and get visa on arrival?
Thanks
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Hi, please rather send your question directly to the e-visa department.
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Hey Gaby,
Just stumbled across your blog some great information.
I’ve booked a one way ticket to Zanzibar from Ireland. Do you think not having a return ticket will be a problem I plan on staying 4/6 weeks ?
I hope to get a visa on arrival ?
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To my knowledge you need a return ticket to get a visa. Rather check the eVisa facility.
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Hi Gaby, thanks so much for this informative page! I plan on visiting Zanzibar 31 december -24 January. I will be mixing working remotely with some time off. I thought about splitting my time between two locations to see the island. Which towns would you recommend? I love nature but will need a decent wifi connection.
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Hi Ralph, you are most welcome. You find plenty of nature everywhere on the island, pick your spot! Please read page “Beaches of Zanzibar” and choose the best suitable area for you. My favourite is the south east coast.
I use a simcard for my Internet connection which works well. Many places of accommodation on the island offer decent WiFi, rather check directly with them if you have any specific needs.
Enjoy your stay on this beautiful island.
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Hi Gabi,
thank you for the handy informations you are putting here!! After a few days, I am flying to Zanzibar. Is it still possible to make Visa after arrival – at the airport?
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You are most welcome. Yes, you can still apply for your visa after you arrive at the airport.
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Hello Gaby, is the visa upon arrival still available at the Zanzibar airport? Do you know what is required besides the 50 USD? And how long you have to wait?
Thanks in advance!
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Hello Nathan, the visa section on arrival is still open. Please read the “Visa” paragraph on this page for the details. It depends on the number of people arriving at the same time how long you have to wait.
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Hi, Thanks for the quick response. I couldn’t find the visa (on arrival) application form. Or do you have to fill it out there?
Have a nice day!
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“Immigration: Some airlines hand out forms on the plane to be completed. If not, you need to complete it in the arrivals hall. When you made it to the top of the queue at immigration, your visa is processed and a photo of you as well as fingerprints are taken, this only takes a few minutes.”
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Hello Gaby,
Thanks for your blog! I’m a little worried. I arrive at Zanzibar Int airport on june 2nd at 2:10 am. I wanted to know if at that time it is possible to get a visa on arrival. Is it the same counter as for Customs/immigration? I think I don’t have too much time to apply to the e-visa, so I hope the counters are open.
Thank you!
Claudia
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Hi Claudia, yes the counters are open even at night.
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Hello Gaby and thank you for your blog.
Do you know if you can pay the Visa on arrival also with 50 Euro?
Thank you,
Kathy
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Hello Kathy, you are most welcome.
The visa is payable in US$. You can also pay with your credit card.
Best regards,
Gaby
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Hello. We are going to apply for the visa on entry to Zanzibar airport. Do we have to bring our own photos?
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Please read the page “visa”
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Thank you, only saw the photo part now. No need to stress then, everything will be sorted at the airport ☺️
Thank you for a great blog.
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No worries. You are most welcome.
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Good evening Gaby, your blog contains a wealth of information for us, thank you so much. I thought I would apply for our visas online, but I am surprised at how much work it is for our family of 5. What are the advantages of applying for a visa online in advance? Is the line that much shorter? Best regards, Anneke
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Hello Anneke, glad my blog helps. It depends on how many planes arrive at rhe same time. The new airport is much better equipped than the old one though.
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