Filming in Zanzibar: The Complete Guide to Permits, Visas & Production Support
Written by Nicole Boshoff, Marketing Director, Atlas Film Fixers Last verified: August 21, 2026
Quick Answer
Zanzibar has no formal film rebate, but its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and UNESCO-listed Stone Town make it one of East Africa’s most visually distinctive filming destinations, at highly affordable production costs. Filming here requires its own, separate permit from Baraza La Sanaa & Film Board Zanzibar — the mainland Tanzania Film Board permit does not cover Zanzibar, confirmed directly on the Tanzania Film Board’s own application form. Compared to mainland Tanzania’s 1–3 month permit timeline, Zanzibar’s process is notably faster, often issued within 1–2 days.
| Filming in Zanzibar at a glance | Detail |
| Film incentive/rebate | None currently available |
| Filming permit authority | Baraza La Sanaa & Film Board Zanzibar (separate from mainland Tanzania Film Board) |
| Film permit cost | $1,000 |
| Film permit processing | Immediate to 1–2 days after payment |
| Visa requirement | Strongly recommended to apply for an eVisa in advance — visa on arrival is not guaranteed |
| Visa processing | ~10 days |
| Visa cost | $200–$250 |
| Drone importation | Not allowed — must use a locally licensed drone operator |
| Drone permit cost | $200 |
| Drone permit processing | 1–2 business days |
| ATA Carnet accepted | No — Zanzibar is not a Carnet country |
| Equipment customs clearance | Handled on arrival, non-refundable 10% of equipment value paid in advance |
Note: Zanzibar is semi-autonomous within Tanzania, and its filming permit system is entirely separate from the mainland Tanzania Film Board process. If your production is also filming on the Tanzania mainland, budget for two separate permits, not one covering both.
Key Highlights of Filming in Zanzibar
Cost-effectiveness. Zanzibar offers a highly affordable alternative to other filming destinations — crew salaries, location fees, and equipment rentals are generally lower than in more established film hubs, without compromising production quality.
Unique locations. Spectacular coastlines and pristine beaches suit romantic dramas, beach-centric adventures, or action thrillers. Zanzibar’s historic Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers narrow winding streets, vibrant markets, and aged coral stone buildings — a striking backdrop shaped by African, Arab, and Indian influences, ideal for historical films, documentaries, and cultural stories. Spice plantations, verdant forests, and lively villages add further variety.
Cultural fusion. Zanzibar’s blend of African, Arab, and Indian influences shows up in its architecture, cuisine, music, and customs — offering filmmakers genuine material for projects rooted in real-world history and tradition, from market scenes to traditional ceremonies to the island’s history as a former spice hub.
Smooth coordination and permits. The Zanzibar Film Office is generally supportive of international productions, and the permitting process — while separate from the mainland — moves quickly once the right documentation is in place.
Country Overview
Location: a semi-autonomous archipelago off the coast of Tanzania in East Africa, composed of two main islands — Unguja and Pemba — along with several smaller islands.
Main towns: Zanzibar City, plus Chaani, Mbweni, Mangapwani, Chwaka, and Nungwi on Unguja.
Languages: Swahili (Kiswahili) is the primary language, with many residents also conversing in Arabic, English, Italian, and French.
Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS).
Climate: the main rainy season (“long rains”) typically runs March–May, with heavy afternoon tropical downpours common across the islands. Humidity is high, with daily temperatures in the low-to-mid 30s°C year-round.
Visa Requirements
- Strongly recommended: apply for an eVisa in advance — visa on arrival is not guaranteed in Zanzibar, unlike some mainland Tanzania entry points
- Required documentation: a passport valid for at least 6 months
- Processing time: approximately 10 days
- Cost: $200–$250
- Apply here: Tanzania eVisa Portal
General Film Permit
Issuing authority: Baraza La Sanaa & Film Board Zanzibar, applied for through a local fixer — this is a separate authority from the mainland Tanzania Film Board, and the two permits are not interchangeable.
Required documentation:
- Completed film permit form
- Shoot synopsis
- List of filming equipment
- Filming locations
- Production duration
Processing time: the permit can be issued immediately or within 1–2 days after payment — notably faster than the mainland’s 1–3 month standard timeline.
Cost: $1,000.
Private Locations
Filming on private property requires a location permit for certain areas, applied for alongside your general film permit. Landowner permission is also required directly for private property access.
Drone Filming Regulations
- Importation is not allowed. Unlike mainland Tanzania, where a foreign-operated commercial drone process exists, Zanzibar does not permit drone importation at all
- Productions must use a locally licensed drone operator rather than bringing in their own equipment and pilot
- Issuing authority: Baraza La Sanaa & Film Board Zanzibar
- Required documentation (local drone use): your film permit, the drone’s make and serial number, the drone operator’s license, and the specific locations where the drone will be operated
- Processing time: typically 1–2 business days
- Cost: $200
Equipment Customs Clearance
Zanzibar is not an ATA Carnet country. A customs fixer assists with negotiating fees and handling entry/exit clearance for both crew and equipment.
Required documentation:
- Import request for filming equipment
- A detailed equipment list, including serial numbers
- The value of the equipment
Issuing authority: the Zanzibar Revenue Authority.
Processing time: customs clearance is typically handled on arrival.
Cost: a non-refundable payment of 10% of the total equipment value must be made prior to the crew and equipment’s arrival — this isn’t paid on the spot at customs, so build it into your pre-departure logistics.
Safety & Security
Zanzibar is generally a safe destination, though standard precautions are advisable throughout your stay.
- Recommended security: for filming locations, hiring police or independent security personnel is recommended to ensure safety and protection of cast, crew, and equipment
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Zanzibar have a film tax rebate?
No. Zanzibar does not currently offer a formal cash rebate or tax incentive program for film productions.
Is a Tanzania mainland film permit valid in Zanzibar?
No. Zanzibar’s filming permit system, run by Baraza La Sanaa & Film Board Zanzibar, is entirely separate from the mainland Tanzania Film Board. The Tanzania Film Board’s own permit documentation explicitly states its permit is valid only on the mainland, not in Zanzibar.
How long does it take to get a filming permit in Zanzibar?
Often immediate, or within 1–2 days after payment — considerably faster than mainland Tanzania’s standard 1–3 month timeline.
Can I bring my own drone to film in Zanzibar?
No. Drone importation is not allowed in Zanzibar. Productions must use a locally licensed drone operator instead, with permits processed in 1–2 business days at a cost of $200.
Does Zanzibar accept ATA Carnets for film equipment?
No. Zanzibar is not a Carnet country. Equipment clearance is handled on arrival by the Zanzibar Revenue Authority, with a non-refundable 10% of equipment value payable in advance of the crew’s arrival.
Do I need a visa to film in Zanzibar?
Yes. An eVisa is strongly recommended in advance, since visa on arrival isn’t guaranteed. Processing takes about 10 days and costs $200–$250.
Is Zanzibar safe for international film productions?
Yes, generally. Standard precautions are advisable, and hiring police or independent security for filming locations is recommended.
Key Official & Reference Links
Figures in this guide (permit fees, processing times, visa costs) reflect the most current publicly available information as of mid-2026, but Zanzibari government fees and processing rules can change without notice. Always confirm current requirements directly with Baraza La Sanaa & Film Board Zanzibar or a local production services partner before finalizing a production budget or schedule. This guide is for informational purposes and isn’t a substitute for official government guidance or legal/immigration advice.
Advantages of Filming in Zanzibar
Ideal for romantic, adventure, and historical projects. Zanzibar’s beaches, lush landscapes, and cultural heritage suit a wide range of genres, letting filmmakers build compelling narratives in a visually stunning, culturally immersive setting.
Affordable logistics and services. Competitive rates for local crew, accommodation, transportation, and catering keep budgets on track, backed by local technicians and production experts experienced with international film projects.
For expert guidance and seamless logistics, contact Atlas Film Fixers to ensure your production benefits from the unique offerings of this spectacular location while adhering to local regulations and maximizing efficiency. For more updates on what we do, visit our Facebook page!
Sources & Last Verified
This guide was last verified on August 21, 2026 against the following sources:
- Tanzania Film Board — official permit application form, confirming mainland-only validity
- Baraza La Sanaa & Film Board Zanzibar-focused production-services fixer resources (2025–2026) — permit, visa, drone, and customs process cross-checked for consistency
- Tanzania eVisa Portal — visa application process and requirements
Fees and processing times are subject to change without notice by Zanzibari authorities. If you find information that no longer matches official sources, contact us and we’ll update it.
