Published: 18 August 2026 | Last reviewed: 18 August 2026. The Zanzibar visa cost for US citizens in 2026 is $100 USD for a Multiple Entry Visa covering both Zanzibar and the mainland. Apply online at visa.immigration.go.tz at least 10 business days before travel.
US passport holders are mandated to obtain the Multiple Entry Visa, valid for 12 months with up to 90 days per stay. While the Zanzibar visa cost applies to the entire United Republic of Tanzania, travelers heading to Zanzibar should be aware of a potentially mandatory $44 USD local travel insurance requirement reported since October 2024.
Whether you arrive at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Zanzibar or cross via a domestic flight from Dar es Salaam, your valid Tanzania visa and printed Visa Grant Notice will serve as your entry clearance. Verify the $44 USD insurance requirement at the Visit Zanzibar portal (visitzanzibar.go.tz) before departure.
Do You Need a Separate Visa for Zanzibar?
A single $100 USD Multiple Entry Visa covers both Zanzibar and the mainland because Tanzania is one sovereign territory (the United Republic of Tanzania). The Zanzibar visa cost does not vary by entry point.
Total entry cost for Zanzibar: $144 USD ($100 visa + $44 insurance, reported from Oct 2024). Confirm at visitzanzibar.go.tz. The Zanzibar visa cost remains $100 USD regardless of whether you enter via ZNZ airport or a seaport.
| Factor | Mainland Tanzania | Zanzibar |
|---|---|---|
| Visa required? | Yes (eVisa or on arrival) | Yes, same Tanzania visa |
| Visa cost (US citizens) | $100 USD | $100 USD (identical) |
| Travel insurance | Not mandatory | $44 USD (reported from Oct 2024) |
| Entry points | DAR, JRO airports; land borders | ZNZ airport; seaports |
| Domestic transfer check | N/A | Passport + visa grant notice + entry stamp |
| Separate visa needed? | N/A | No |
| Entry Cost Component | Mainland Only | Zanzibar |
|---|---|---|
| Tanzania visa | $100 USD | $100 USD |
| Travel insurance | $0 | $44 USD |
| Total entry cost | $100 USD | $144 USD |
Tanzania Visa Types and Costs for US Tourists in 2026
US citizens: mandatory Multiple Entry Visa ($100 USD, 12 months). The $50 single-entry Ordinary Visa is unavailable to them. The Zanzibar visa cost is identical to the mainland Tanzania visa fee across every visa category.
| Visa Type | Fee (USD) | Validity | Entry | US Citizens |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ordinary Visa | $50 USD | 90 days | Single | Not available |
| Multiple Entry Visa | $100 USD | 12 months (max 90 days per visit) | Multiple | Mandatory |
| Business Visa | $250 USD | 90 days | Single | Available; not a substitute for Residence Permit |
| Transit Visa | $30 USD | 7 days | Single | Available; confirmed onward ticket required |
Rush processing: +$20 USD (3 working days, per us.tzembassy.go.tz). No refunds if an application is denied. Every minor, including infants, requires a separate application and full fee. According to visa.immigration.go.tz, the Zanzibar visa cost for US citizens is fixed at $100 USD with no discounted options.
How to Apply for a Tanzania eVisa vs Visa on Arrival
Pay the Zanzibar visa cost in advance via the Tanzania eVisa portal or in cash on arrival. The eVisa path is strongly recommended to avoid long queues.
Go to visa.immigration.go.tz/start
Select Multiple Visa (mandatory for US citizens).
Upload your passport bio page
JPG, max 500KB.
Upload a passport photo
45x35mm, JPG, plain background, full-face front view.
Upload your return ticket or flight itinerary
Provide proof of onward travel.
Pay $100 USD
Via Visa or Mastercard.
Wait for processing
Up to 10 business days.
Download your Visa Grant Notice
At visa.immigration.go.tz/checkapplicationstatus.
Print a hard copy
Do not rely on your phone only.
The Visa Grant Notice is not final authority to enter Tanzania; an Immigration Officer may still refuse entry at the point of entry. Once submitted, no further changes may be made to the application. The Zanzibar visa cost on arrival is $100 USD in cash (small, clean bills) at DAR, JRO, and ZNZ airports. The Tanzania Immigration portal (visa.immigration.go.tz) still lists visa on arrival as an option in 2026, though some travel sources report its discontinuation – always verify before departure.
Core Entry Requirements and Zanzibar-Specific Rules
Requirements for both Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania are identical: a passport valid for at least 6 months, a printed Visa Grant Notice, and a return or onward ticket.
- Passport valid 6 months minimum from entry date, with at least one unused visa page
- Return or onward ticket (occasionally checked at entry)
- Proof of accommodation may be requested
- Yellow fever certificate required if arriving from or transiting a high-risk country
- Sufficient funds for stay may be checked
Zanzibar-only: $44 USD insurance reported since October 1, 2024, covering health, accidents, emergency evacuation, and lost baggage (unconfirmed by government sources – verify at visitzanzibar.go.tz). The Zanzibar visa cost of $100 USD is separate from this insurance payment.
Visa-exempt nationalities include EAC member states, SADC countries (except Comoro), and select Commonwealth nations (except UK, Canada, Nigeria, India, Pakistan, Australia, New Zealand). Over 60 countries enjoy visa-free access to both Zanzibar and mainland. The Zanzibar visa cost does not apply to these exempt travelers.
This is an independent travel information portal, not a government site. We cross-check all visa fees and requirements against visa.immigration.go.tz and us.tzembassy.go.tz. Always confirm current requirements at these external portals before departure.
Zanzibar Visa Cost and Entry FAQ
How much does a Zanzibar visa cost for US citizens in 2026?
The Zanzibar visa cost for US citizens is $100 USD for a Multiple Entry Visa (12 months, 90 days per stay). Mandatory for US passport holders.
Can I use a single Tanzanian eVisa for both Zanzibar and the mainland?
Yes. One Tanzanian visa covers the entire United Republic of Tanzania, including Zanzibar and the mainland. Select your first destination on the application form.
What is the visa on arrival fee at Zanzibar airport?
The Zanzibar visa cost on arrival is $100 USD in cash, preferably small and clean bills. eVisa is recommended to avoid queues and processing delays.
What currency is used to pay the Zanzibar visa fee?
USD. Online payments via Visa or Mastercard. For visa on arrival, bring exact cash in US dollars.
Do children need their own visas for Zanzibar?
Yes. Every passport holder, including infants and minors, requires a separate application and full fee. No discounted rates for children.
How long is a tourist visa valid for Zanzibar?
Multiple Entry Visa: 12 months, max 90 days per visit (US citizens). Ordinary Visa: 90 days, single entry.
What documents are checked on the domestic flight between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar?
Passport, printed Visa Grant Notice, and entry stamp. Physical printout required – do not rely on phone-only copies.
Is travel insurance mandatory for entering Zanzibar?
Travel sources report a $44 USD mandatory insurance since October 1, 2024. Not confirmed by government portals. Verify at the Visit Zanzibar portal before travel.
Can I get a refund if my visa application is denied?
No. Visa fees are non-refundable regardless of outcome, whether denied or refused entry upon arrival.
Can US citizens travel to Zanzibar without a visa?
No. US citizens must obtain a Multiple Entry Visa at $100 USD, either online before departure or on arrival at designated entry points like ZNZ airport.