Best time to go to Zanzibar

Zanzibar’s known for toasty temperatures all year, with an average of 28 to 30°C. January and February make up the dry season, then the ‘long rains’ are known to hit Zanzibar from March to May.

Passports & Visas

If you’re travelling on a full British citizen passport, your passport must expire at least six months after the date you arrive in Tanzania and have at least one blank page for entry and exit stamps.

You must have a tourist or business visa to enter Tanzania. Apply for an 'e-visa' before you travel through the Tanzania Immigration Department or, for a fee, through our visa and travel authorisation partner - Sherpa.

You can also get a tourist or business visa for a single entry on arrival, subject to the fulfilment of all immigration requirements. For further information about visas, visit the Tanzania Immigration website.

For the most up-to-date passport, visa and entry requirements, visit the UK Government's Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) travel advice for Tanzania.

Mandatory inbound travel insurance

You must have inbound travel insurance for the duration of your stay in Tanzania, up to 92 days. The provider you use depends on your first port of entry.

If Zanzibar is your first port of entry, you must buy the insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC). You can buy it online before you travel or on arrival.

If mainland Tanzania is your first port of entry, you must buy insurance from the National Insurance Corporation (NIC). You can buy it online before you travel or on arrival.

You only need to buy the mandatory insurance for your first port of entry - either mainland Tanzania or Zanzibar.

If you bought insurance from ZIC before 1 October 2026 and mainland Tanzania is your first port of entry, you can use your existing ZIC policy and do not need to buy another policy from NIC. The price for adults is $44, and there are special rates for families and groups.

You may be refused entry if you don’t have the required insurance. You should also arrange separate travel insurance that covers your individual needs.

Don't forget to arrange your travel money and insurance before you go.

Health & Safety

Visit your health professional at least 4 to 6 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. Medical facilities are limited, especially outside Dar es Salaam. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of medical treatment abroad.

For the latest information in respect of health, safety and provision of medical facilities visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/tanzania/health