How long does it take to obtain a visa for Zanzibar?

The online visa application procedure for Zanzibar is simple and practical. You can apply from the comfort of your own home, avoiding long queues and administrative hassle. We will guide you through the necessary steps and provide you with useful tips to make the application process easier. The main purpose of this page is to inform you about the processing times for a visa to Zanzibar. We will provide you with information on the usual processing times and the factors that can influence these times. In addition, we will discuss how long the visa will be valid once it has been obtained, and whether it can be extended if necessary.

Tanzania visa processing time: in brief

• Required electronic visa application: Since November 2019, visas for Tanzania are only issued electronically.
• How long does it take to obtain a visa? The time taken to obtain an electronic visa for Tanzania is generally 2 to 5 working days.
• Visa validity: The validity of an e-visa for Tanzania is 30, 60 or 90 days, depending on the visa category chosen. Validity begins on the date of arrival in Tanzania.
• Number of entries: The Tanzania e-visa is a single-entry visa. This means that you can only enter Tanzania once during the period of validity of the visa.
• Visa extension: It is possible to apply for a visa extension of up to 30 days within Tanzania.

What is a visa for Zanzibar?

A visa is an official document issued by the competent authorities of a country, in this case Tanzania, which legally authorises the entry and temporary stay of travellers on its territory, in this case Zanzibar. A visa is an essential part of your trip, as it allows you to cross borders and take full advantage of all that this idyllic destination has to offer.

There are different categories of visa available for Zanzibar, depending on the purpose of your trip. The most common category is the tourist visa, intended for people wishing to visit Zanzibar for a holiday, discover its magnificent beaches, explore its rich culture and enjoy its tourist activities. There are also visa categories for business travel, studies, diplomatic missions, family visits, etc.

When applying for a visa, it is important to specify the category corresponding to your trip to ensure that you obtain the appropriate visa. Each visa category may have specific requirements in terms of documents to be provided and conditions to be met. It is therefore advisable to consult the official information or contact the Tanzanian embassy or consulate for precise details of the different visa categories available for Zanzibar.

Online visa application procedure

Applying for a visa for Zanzibar can be done online, offering travellers a simple, convenient and quick procedure. Here are the steps you need to take to obtain your Zanzibar visa online:

• Checking requirements: Before you start your application, make sure you check the specific requirements for a visa to Zanzibar. This may include things such as the validity of your passport, the availability of blank pages, passport-size photographs that comply with standards, etc.
• Filling in the online application form: Access the official website or a visa website for Tanzania and fill in the online application form with the required information. Make sure you provide accurate and complete information.
• Preparing the required documents: Gather together the documents you need for your visa application, such as your valid passport, recent passport photos, the completed application form, and any other specific documents depending on the visa category you have chosen.
• Payment of visa fees: Pay your visa fees online, in accordance with the instructions provided on the official website. Be sure to keep proof of payment.
• Submitting your application online: Once you have completed the form and paid the fee, submit your application online. You will usually receive a reference number or application receipt to track the status of your application.
• Track the status of your application: Use the reference number or application receipt to track the progress of your application online. This will let you know when your visa will be issued.

It's worth pointing out that applying for a visa for Zanzibar online is generally quick and easy. You can avoid the hassle of traditional procedures by simply logging on to our partner's service provider site for visas to Tanzania and following the steps described above.

How long does it take to process a visa for Zanzibar?

When applying for a visa to Zanzibar, it is important to take into account the usual processing times. These times may vary depending on a number of factors, such as the time of year, the volume of applications received by the consular authorities, and other administrative factors. It is therefore advisable to apply for your visa well in advance of your planned trip.

As a general rule, processing times for obtaining a visa for Zanzibar can vary from a few days to several weeks. However, it is important to note that these times are only indicative and may be subject to change. It is therefore always advisable to check the latest information on the official website of the visa service for Tanzania.

To avoid any last-minute stress and to ensure that you get your visa on time, we recommend that you apply as soon as you have planned your trip to Zanzibar. It is best to allow for a longer waiting time for your visa application, especially if you are travelling during peak tourist periods when the volume of applications may be higher.

By planning ahead and applying for your visa in plenty of time, you give yourself room to manoeuvre in the event of any delays or administrative problems. It also gives you peace of mind, knowing that you have your visa in hand before you fly to Zanzibar.

How long is a visa valid for Zanzibar?

When you obtain a visa for Zanzibar, it is important to know the maximum length of time you are allowed to stay on the island. In general, the maximum duration of a tourist visa for Zanzibar is 90 days. However, it is crucial to check the specific conditions of the visa you have obtained, as the duration may vary depending on the category of visa and the regulations in force.

It is imperative that you respect the period of validity of your visa and do not exceed the authorised period of stay in Zanzibar. Overstaying can lead to legal problems and penalties, as well as difficulties for future trips to Tanzania. It is therefore essential to plan your trip in such a way as to respect the validity dates of your visa.

In certain circumstances, it may be necessary to extend your stay in Zanzibar beyond the initial duration of your visa. If you wish to extend your stay, it is advisable to contact the relevant authorities, such as local immigration, for information on the extension procedure and requirements. It is important to note that extending your visa is not automatic and is subject to the approval of the relevant authorities.

When is the best time to apply for a visa for Tanzania?

There is no "ideal time" per se to apply for a visa for Tanzania, as the processing time is generally 2 to 5 working days.

However, it is recommended that you apply at least 15 days before your planned date of travel, to avoid any unforeseen delays.

Here are some factors to take into account when deciding when to apply for your visa:

• High tourist season (July-August and December-January): If you are travelling during the high season, it is advisable to apply for your visa as soon as possible, as the processing time may be longer due to the increased number of applications.
• Your travel plans: If you have specific travel dates, it is important to apply for your visa in good time to ensure you receive your visa before you leave.
• Your personal needs: If you need more time to gather the documents required for your visa application, it's best to apply earlier.

In general, it is always best to apply for your visa proactively to avoid any last-minute stress.

Can a visa for Tanzania be extended?

No, it is generally not possible to extend a visa for Tanzania.

The period of validity of a visa is fixed when it is issued and cannot be changed at a later date.

However, there are a few exceptions to this rule:

• Transit visa: The 72-hour transit visa can be extended to 7 days for an additional fee.
• Exceptional circumstances: In exceptional circumstances, such as a medical emergency or force majeure, it may be possible to apply to the Tanzanian immigration authorities for a visa extension.

If you wish to stay in Tanzania longer than the validity of your visa, you must apply for a new visa.