Everything You Need to Know Before You Fly
Zanzibar is a 5 to 6 hour flight from Dubai. White sand beaches. Turquoise water. Spice tours. Stone Town. And a surprisingly simple visa process. The Zanzibar visa from Dubai residents can be done online in minutes. No embassy visit. No long wait. Just an online form, a few documents, and an approval by email.
But there are things you need to know before you book. A mandatory insurance fee. Updated eVisa rules. And a few document requirements that catch people off guard. This guide covers everything. Straight to the point.
Do Dubai Residents Need a Visa for Zanzibar?
Yes, most nationalities living in the Dubai need a visa.
- Zanzibar is part of Tanzania. One visa covers both the island and the mainland.
- Citizens of East African countries (Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda) may enter visa-free.
- Most other nationalities, including Indian, Pakistani, Filipino, and British passport holders, need a visa.
- Some nationalities fall under a “Referral Visa” category, meaning your application needs pre-approval before a visa is issued. Do not book flights until your visa is confirmed.
- Check the full referral list on the official Zanzibar eVisa portal.
Types of Zanzibar Visas
Zanzibar offers different types of visa and each types of visa comes up with a different fee structure:
| Visa Type | Fee (USD) | Validity | Who Needs It |
| Ordinary (Tourist) Visa | $50 | Single entry, up to 90 days | Most nationalities |
| Multiple Entry Visa | $100 | 12 months, max 90 days per stay | US passport holders (mandatory), others (optional) |
| Transit Visa | $30 | Max 7 days | Travellers passing through Tanzania |
| Business Visa | $250 | As per approval | Business visitors with company letter |
| US Passport Holders | $100 | Multiple entry mandatory | All US citizens |
| Pakistani Passport Holders | $200 | As per visa type | All Pakistani citizens |
| Irish Passport Holders | $100 | As per visa type | All Irish citizens |
| Zanzibar Mandatory Insurance | $44 per person ($22 for children) | Up to 92 days | All visitors (since Oct 2024) |
For most Dubai residents going on holiday, the $50 tourist visa is what you need.
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How to Apply for Zanzibar eVisa?
The application process is straightforward. Here is exactly how it works, from start to finish.
Step 1: Go to the official Zanzibar eVisa portal at visa.immigration.go.tz.
Step 2: Click on “Apply for New Visa.” Select your nationality. Choose your visa type. For a holiday in Zanzibar, select “Ordinary Visa.” If you are a US passport holder, select “Multiple Visa.”
Step 3: Enter your personal details. Passport number. Full name exactly as it appears on your passport. Date of birth. Travel dates. First destination. If you are landing in Zanzibar, select Zanzibar as your first destination.
Step 4: Upload a clear copy of your passport bio-data page. Your passport-size photo. Return flight ticket. Hotel booking confirmation.
Step 5: $50 for a single-entry tourist visa. $100 for multiple entry. Payment by credit or debit card. If your card gets rejected, try a different one.
Step 6: Once submitted, you will receive an application ID. Save this. Use it to track your application status on the website. You will also get email updates.
Once approved, you will receive a “grant notice” by email. Download it. Print it. Carry it with your passport when you fly. This is what you show at immigration in Zanzibar.
Note: One very important thing to remember. Once the application is submitted, no changes can be made. If your passport number, name spelling, or travel dates are wrong, the application may be rejected. Check everything twice before you hit submit. And every passport holder, including children, needs a separate application. You cannot include a child on your adult application.
Visa on Arrival
You can get a visa directly at Zanzibar airport without applying in advance, and the fee is the same as an eVisa, around $50.
- Queue delays: Be prepared for long waiting times at immigration, especially during peak travel seasons like July, August, and December.
- Currency requirement: Carry crisp, new US dollar notes printed after 2013, as Tanzania may reject old, damaged, or torn bills.
- Payment caution: Do not depend on card payments at the airport, as card machines are often unreliable or may not work at all.
Tip: Go with the eVisa. If it does not arrive before your flight, print your application confirmation and payment receipt. The immigration officer can process it on arrival.
Zanzibar eVisa – Documents Required
Here is the list of documents required for visa:
| Document | Details |
| Valid Passport | Minimum 6 months validity beyond arrival. At least 1 blank page. |
| Passport Photo | Digital. Max 300 KB. JPG or PNG. Plain background. |
| Return Flight Ticket | Confirmed booking out of Zanzibar or Tanzania |
| Hotel Booking | First night’s accommodation with hotel name and address |
| Travel Itinerary | Not mandatory but recommended for faster approval |
| Dubai Residence Visa | Must be valid at time of travel |
Processing Time
| Method | Time |
| eVisa | 3 to 10 working days (officially up to 10) |
| Visa on Arrival | Immediate, but queue can take 15 min to 1+ hour |
Apply at least 2 weeks before travel. During peak season, apply 3 weeks ahead.
What to Carry at Zanzibar Airport
When you land at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ), keep these ready:
- Passport (6+ months validity, 1 blank page)
- Printed eVisa grant notice (or application confirmation if still processing)
- Return flight ticket
- Hotel booking confirmation
- Zanzibar insurance receipt ($44, can be bought on arrival if not done online)
- Yellow Fever certificate (only if arriving from a risk country like Kenya or Ethiopia. Not needed on direct Dubai flights.)
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Travel Requirements for Dubai Residents
To travel from Dubai, you must have these things handy for a smooth process:
| Requirement | Details |
| Dubai Residence Visa | Must be valid and not expiring before return |
| Return Flight | Booked and confirmed |
| Proof of Funds | Rarely asked, but carry a bank statement or credit card |
| Travel Insurance | Zanzibar insurance ($44) covers basics. Get a full Dubai policy too for cancellations, delays, and bigger medical issues. |
Tanzania Embassy and Consulate in UAE
For Dubai residents who need consular support or have visa-related queries, here are the official contact details:
Embassy of Tanzania – Abu Dhabi
The primary diplomatic office handling visa matters, official documentation, and consular services for UAE residents is in Abu Dhabi:
- Address: Villa No. 19, Sector No. W-59, Plot No. 7, Al Bateen Area, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Phone: +971 2 665 3366
Consulate of Tanzania – Dubai (Honorary Consulate)
It provides limited consular assistance and support for general queries, especially convenient for Dubai-based applicantsL
- Address: Office No. 2104, Al Moosa Tower 2, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Phone:+971 4 321 9777
Do You Need to Visit the Embassy or Consulate?
For most travellers, no visit is required. The Zanzibar visa process is fully online through the official eVisa portal.
You may need to contact them only if:
- Your visa falls under the referral category
- Your application is delayed or rejected
- You need official clarification on entry requirements
Essential Financial Documentation
- Bank Statement: A recent, stamped bank statement (usually last 3 months) proving sufficient funds.
- Proof of Income/Employment: A letter from your employer in Dubai or salary slips.
- Sponsorship Letter (If Applicable): If your trip is sponsored, a letter detailing their financial capability to support you.
- Proof of Accommodation/Itinerary: Although not strictly financial, booking confirmation for hotels or safaris acts as evidence of prepared funds.
Best Time to Visit Zanzibar
You can visit at anytime. But here are the list you can look upto to visit Zanzibar:
| Season | Months | Weather | Notes |
| Peak Dry | June to October | Cool, dry, clear | Best for beach and diving. July-Aug busiest. Book early. |
| Warm Dry | December to February | Warm, little rain | Aligns with Dubai school holidays. Popular. |
| Long Rains | March to May | Heavy showers daily | Cheapest rates but many activities shut down. |
| Short Rains | October to November | Unpredictable | Some deals available. Hit or miss weather. |
Best for Dubai residents: December to February (school holidays) or June to October (summer break).
Travel Tips
- Carry USD cash: New, clean bills printed after 2013. Tanzania rejects old or torn notes.
- Book hotels early: You need a booking for the visa anyway. Peak season prices go up fast.
- Dress modestly in town: Zanzibar has a strong Muslim heritage. Cover shoulders and knees in Stone Town and villages. Beach resorts are fine for swimwear.
- Get proper travel insurance: The $44 Zanzibar insurance is basic. A full Dubai policy covers cancellations, delays, and serious medical issues.
- Apply for eVisa early: At least 2 weeks. The system can be slow.
- Download offline maps. Internet is patchy outside main hotels. Save Google Maps for Stone Town before you go.
- Mosquito protection: Zanzibar is a malaria zone. Use repellent. Sleep under nets. Talk to your doctor about prevention tablets.
- Check passport validity: Must be valid 6+ months after arrival. Renew early if it is close.
- Children need their own visa: Every child needs a separate application. Same documents. Same fee.
FAQs
1. Do Dubai residents need a visa for Zanzibar?
Yes. Most nationalities need a visa. Apply online at visa.immigration.go.tz or get visa on arrival at the airport.
2. How much does the Zanzibar visa cost?
$50 for tourist visa. $100 for multiple entry. $200 for Pakistani passport holders. Plus $44 mandatory Zanzibar insurance per person ($22 for children).
3. How long does the eVisa take?
3 to 10 working days. Apply at least 2 weeks before travel.
4. Can I get visa on arrival?
Yes. Same fee. But queues can be long in peak season. Carry crisp USD notes printed after 2013.
5. What is the mandatory Zanzibar insurance?
$44 per person ($22 for children). Covers health emergencies, lost baggage, passport loss, and evacuation. Required since October 2024. Buy online or on arrival.
6. Do children need a separate visa?
Yes. Every passport holder, including children, needs their own application.
7. What documents do I need?
Passport (6+ months validity), passport photo, return ticket, hotel booking, and valid Dubai residence visa.
8. Is Zanzibar safe?
Generally safe for tourists. Stick to popular areas. Avoid walking alone at night in quiet streets. Respect local customs.
9. Best time to visit from Dubai?
December to February or June to October. Both dry seasons with great beach weather.
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