Do South Africans need a visa for Zanzibar (Tanzania)?
No visa needed
No. South African passport holders don't need a visa for Zanzibar (Tanzania).
Before you go: Buy Zanzibar's compulsory insurance (US$44) online before you fly.
For South African passport holders travelling as tourists. Checked Sep 2026.
Reconfirm before you book. This rule relies on secondary sources or changed recently. Check the official source.
The rules at a glance
| Document | Visa exemption, plus Zanzibar's arrival insurance |
|---|---|
| Stay allowed | Up to 90 days |
| When to apply | Buy Zanzibar's compulsory insurance (US$44) online before you fly |
| Fee | About R720 (estimate) |
| Passport | Valid 6+ months from the date you arrive, with blank pages for stamps. |
South African passports enter Tanzania visa-free. Zanzibar has required its own US$44 inbound insurance since October 2024. Mainland Tanzania adds a separate scheme from 1 October 2026 that exempts SADC residents. Confirm whether the Zanzibar scheme applies to you at inbound.visitzanzibar.go.tz before paying.
Health rules that affect entry
Malaria area: ask a travel clinic about prophylaxis. No yellow fever certificate is needed to return to South Africa; Tanzania is off South Africa's list.
Trips to Zanzibar (Tanzania) on Passport Fund
Quick answers
Do South Africans need a visa for Zanzibar (Tanzania)?
No. South African passport holders don't need a visa for Zanzibar (Tanzania). Buy Zanzibar's compulsory insurance (US$44) online before you fly.
How long can South Africans stay in Zanzibar (Tanzania)?
Up to 90 days.
How much does it cost?
About R720 (estimate).
Sources
Checked Sep 2026.
Visa rules change without notice. Always confirm with the embassy or the official portal before booking non-refundable travel.