Zanzibar Travel Advice

from £ 1256 pp

Key facts
Language Swahili and English
Timezone GMT +3
Currency TZS:Tanzanian Shilling
Flight duration 14 hrs 20 mins from gatwick

Zanzibar Travel Advice

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

All British passport holders need a tourist or business visa to enter Tanzania. Tanzania has introduced an ‘e-visas’ system through which applications can be submitted and approved online in advance of travel. For a small fee, you can apply through our visa and travel authorisation partner – Sherpa. It is no longer possible to get a visa from the Tanzanian High Commission in London.

It is also possible to get a tourist or business visa for a single entry on arrival at main ports of entry to Tanzania, 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 and visa info, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/tanzania/entry-requirements

With effect from 1 October 2024, all visitors to Zanzibar (excluding residents) must have mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) for the duration of their stay (up to 92 days).

You can only buy this insurance from ZIC. Other international travel insurance policies will not be accepted. Go to the Visit Zanzibar website for more information or to apply: https://visitzanzibar.go.tz/

You may be refused entry if you do not have the correct insurance.

With effect from 1 October 2024, all visitors to Zanzibar (excluding residents) must have mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) for the duration of their stay (up to 92 days).

You can only buy this insurance from ZIC. Other international travel insurance policies will not be accepted. Go to the Visit Zanzibar website for more information or to apply: https://visitzanzibar.go.tz/

You may be refused entry if you do not have the correct insurance.

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

Zanzibar Travel Advice

Key facts