Travelers to Zanzibar are required to obtain entry visas before arriving at the airport. If you are a U.S. citizen planning to travel to Zanzibar, you must obtain a valid visa in advance. In this article, we will show you a complete guide on how to obtain a Zanzibar visa.
Where Is Zanzibar?
Zanzibar, an island in the Indian Ocean, forms the United Republic of Tanzania, joined by Tanganyika, Pemba Island and other smaller islands. As the former center of the spice and slave trade, Zanzibar is now infused with African, Arab, European and Indian influences. The tropical climate makes Zanzibar a great destination, attracting more and more people to visit historic stone towns and stunning beaches.
Do US Citizens Require a Visa to Go to Zanzibar?
Yes. U.S. citizens are required to prepare a visa when planning to travel to Zanzibar. Before traveling, tourists must obtain a one-year multiple-entry visa that allows them to stay in Zanzibar for 90 days. If you are visiting Zanzibar for business purposes, you also need to apply for a business visa with a stay of 90 days.
Zanzibar Entry Requirements for US Citizens
Before you travel to Zanzibar, you must prepare certain entry requirements in case you are refused entry. Here are the detailed entry requirements:
- A valid passport with at least 6 months validity and more than one blank page.
- A valid multi-entry visa for travel or business visas
- A round-trip ticket
- Sufficient funds to support your stay
- Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required if you have been to a country with yellow fever in the last 21 days.
- Complete and sign the arrival declaration card and present it to an immigration officer.
- You must have valid travel insurance for your entire stay.
What Documents Are Required for Zanzibar Visa for US Citizens
Before applying for a Zanzibar visa, you must prepare different required documents. You can check the required documents below:
Multiple visas
- Zanzibar visa application form
- 2 recent passport-size photos
- Copy of valid passport
- Return ticket for the flight
- Application fee
- A cover letter from the company
Business visa
- Application form
- Copy of the applicant’s valid passport
- The application fee
- Return ticket for the flight
- 2 passport-size photos
- A work contract or proof of work
Student visa
- A copy of a valid passport
- The application fee
- The application form
- 2 compliant visa photos
- A return ticket
- The College’s cover letter
How to Apply for Zanzibar Multiple Entry Visa for US Citizens Online
Due to bilateral agreements between Tanzania and the United States, U.S. citizens must apply for multiple visas when they want to travel, attend a conference, or visit friends and relatives. Even if you are coming for a single entry, you must have multiple entry visas. Here you can follow these simple steps to obtain a multiple-entry visa:
- Visit the Immigration Services Website
- Click the e-services button and select the e-Visa Application Form
- Select ” Apply for a New Visa”
- You must enter your basic information and passport number.
- Fill in the visa application and upload the relevant scanned documents for the visa
- Then you must pay the respective visa fee.
- After successful payment, you can apply.
- Once done, you will receive a confirmation message.
How Much Does Zanzibar Visa Cost?
When U.S. nationals apply for a Zanzibar multiple entry visa, you must prepare for the application fee of $100. You can complete the payment online using these methods, such as Visa Card, Master Card or Swift Transfer. Then you will receive the notification after you have completed the payment.
How Long Can US Citizens Stay in Zanzibar?
When applying for the Multiple Visa, you are allowed to stay in Zanzibar for a maximum of 3 months. The validity of multiple visas is 12 months. You should visit Zanzibar when the visa is still valid.
How to Get Free Passport Photos for Zanzibar Visa Application?
When applying for a Zanzibar visa, you must prepare 2 passport-size photos. You can follow these simple instructions to get free passport-compliant photos at home.
Understand Zanzibar Visa Photo Size & Requirements
It is essential to understand Zanzibar visa photo requirements to avoid rejection of Zanzibar visa applications. Detailed photo requirements are as follows:
- The photo size must be 2″ x 2″, or 45×40 mm, or 4.5×4 cm.
- The face should cover about 70-80% of the frame, about 35mm from the top of the head to the chin.
- It must be a color photo. Black and white are not accepted.
- The background should be plain white or slightly light blue without patterns or textures.
- You should maintain a neutral facial expression, with eyes open and mouth closed.
- No sunglasses, tinted glasses or large-frame glasses.
- No earrings, necklaces or nose rings in the photo.
- You should wear dark-colored clothes every day. Avoid white or plain colors that blend with the background.
- You should avoid hats, caps, head coverings or headphones in the photo.
Take a photo with a cellphone
Once you have learned the basic photo requirements, you can take a photo at home with a mobile phone.
- Find a plain white wall where there is enough light. It is recommended that you take a photo in natural daylight.
- Set the phone at the appropriate distance, about 1.2 meters from the background. You can ask your friend to take a photo for you or put it on the tripod.
- Maintain a neutral facial expression and reduce the shiny jewels in the photo.
- Take as many photos as possible to pick the perfect one.
Resize your photo to Tanzania Visa Photo
Once you have taken a photo, you can upload it to AiPassportPhotos, a professional passport photo editor, to obtain a visa-compliant photo in seconds. Follow these simple steps to get a Tanzania visa photo.
- Visit AiPassportPhotos and click “Upload a photo”.
- Wait for the AI to process your photo, such as resizing the photo, changing the unwanted background, and completing the AI compliance check. The process will take a few seconds.
- Once done, you can preview the photo and download printable templates. Powered by AI technology, you can get a compliant photo in seconds.
Is It Safe to Travel to Zanzibar for US Citizens?
Yes. It is generally safe for U.S. citizens to travel, as long as they take precautions against crime, such as assault, robbery, and carjacking. LGBTQI+ individuals may experience a higher likelihood of being targeted by police. You should avoid flashing any expensive items while in public. However, with nearly 394,200 visitors in 2021, Zanzibar is one of Africa’s most popular travel destinations and is known as a safe country to visit from around the world.
Additional Tips for Visiting Zanzibar for US Citizens
When you travel to Zanzibar, there are many aspects that you should consider to make a safe trip. Here you can follow these tips for traveling in Zanzibar.
- You should always carry a copy of your US passport and visa when you go outside for a security check. The original passport should be put in a safe place.
- You should take official and safe vehicles when you travel around different towns in Zanzibar. Don’t take any unofficial cars and follow the strangers.
- You should prepare cash in your purse in case they don’t accept the master card.
- Be aware of the surroundings and don’t leave your food or drink unattended.
- You should wear light and breathable clothing to avoid attracting any unwanted attention.
- You should download the translation app on your phone. If necessary, you should master some basic language.
- You should follow the local law and respect the local culture. It is better to learn some culture shock.
- You should not go out at night, as you may face the possibility of robbery.
FAQ
Can I get a visa on arrival at Zanzibar airport?
No. US citizens must apply for multiple entry visas online in advance. If you get a Zanzibar visa on arrival at Zanzibar airport, you may face the problem of visa rejection and repatriation.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccine for Zanzibar?
Yes. You must show proof of yellow fever vaccination if you are from countries where the disease is endemic, including 12+ hour airport transit and layovers.
Do Kenyan citizens require a visa to go to Zanzibar?
No. Kenyan passport holders can travel to Zanzibar without a visa. The visa-free stay can last up to 90 days.
Do green card holders require a visa to go to Zanzibar?
If the green card holders are from countries that do not require a visa to go to Zanzibar, you can visit Zanzibar without a visa. It depends on which countries the green card holders are from.
Conclusion
All in all, you should apply for a multiple-entry visa before you start your trip to Zanzibar. It is necessary to have your photo taken, application fee and other required documents prepared to make your visa application go smoothly. Don’t forget to leave Zanzibar within the limited visa period.
Dolores Xiao