Zanzibar Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

Visiting Zanzibar for the first time? These are the practical things our guests most often ask about, from entry rules to tides and tipping. Rules can change, so check the official sources before you travel.

Before you fly

Visa

Most visitors need a Tanzanian tourist visa. It costs $50 for most nationalities, while US citizens pay $100 for a multiple-entry visa. You can apply online through the official immigration e-visa portal or get a visa on arrival at Zanzibar airport. If you plan to buy it on arrival, bring US dollars in clean, recent notes. Your passport should be valid for at least six months.

Mandatory Zanzibar travel insurance

Since October 2024 every foreign visitor to Zanzibar must buy the government’s inbound travel insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation. It costs $44 per adult, covers up to 92 days and must be bought online before you arrive; it is checked on arrival. Your own travel insurance does not replace it, so we still recommend full travel insurance as well. Since 1 October 2026 mainland Tanzania has a similar requirement; if you are also going on a mainland safari, check the latest guidance on which policy you need.

Yellow fever

A yellow fever certificate is only required if you arrive from, or transit for a long time through, a country with a risk of yellow fever, such as Kenya or Ethiopia. Check with your doctor about other vaccinations and malaria prevention.

Money

• The local currency is the Tanzanian shilling, but US dollars are widely accepted for tours, hotels and visas.
• ATMs are found in Stone Town and the larger beach areas, but not in every village. Carry some cash for small shops, markets and tips.
• Tipping guides, drivers and boat crews is customary and appreciated.

What to wear

Zanzibar is a mostly Muslim island. Swimwear is fine on the beach and at your hotel, but cover shoulders and knees in Stone Town and the villages. Light, loose clothing works best in the heat. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and water shoes for sandbanks and reef flats.

Understand the tides

On the east coast the sea can go out hundreds of metres at low tide. That is perfect for walking and seeing starfish, but not for swimming. Nungwi and Kendwa in the north are much less affected. Sandbank trips such as Nakupenda and the Michamvi Blue Lagoon are planned around low tide. Our beach guide explains each coast.

Getting around

• The airport is near Stone Town. Driving to the beaches takes roughly one to one and a half hours to Nungwi or Paje.
• Book an airport or hotel transfer in advance; with us you see the price before you book.
• Most of our tours include pickup from your hotel, so you do not need to rent a car.

Booking tours safely

• Check exactly what is included: transfers, entrance fees, lunch and snorkeling gear.
• Ask whether a trip is shared or private.
• Book with a company you can reach before and after the trip. You can reach our team in Nungwi on WhatsApp at +255 773 963 024.
• Respect marine life: do not touch coral, feed fish or chase dolphins, whatever anyone offers.

Respect local customs

• Greet people. “Jambo” (hello) and “asante” (thank you) go a long way.
• Ask before photographing people.
• During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public in Stone Town and the villages during the day.

Plan your days

For a first visit we suggest one or two nights in Stone Town and the rest at the beach, with one tour every day or two. Start with our list of the 15 best things to do in Zanzibar, check the best time to visit, or let us plan the whole stay with one of our holiday packages.

Questions before your trip? Message us on WhatsApp at +255 773 963 024 or use our contact page.