Zanzibar Travel Tips

1. Zanzibar's compulsory travel insurance

Since 1 October 2024, foreign visitors to Zanzibar must buy the government's inbound travel insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC), even if they already have their own policy. Since 1 October 2026, mainland Tanzania has a similar scheme run by the National Insurance Corporation (NIC).

• Price: $44 per adult; $22 for ages 3–17; free for ages 0–2, as reported in October 2026.
• Cover: up to 92 days, including emergency medical care and evacuation. It does not cover trip cancellation.
• One or two policies? Reports in October 2026 say one policy, bought at your first point of entry, covers both Zanzibar and the mainland. This matters if you fly from Zanzibar to Mikumi. Check the official sites before you travel.
• Where to buy: inbound.visitzanzibar.go.tz (arriving in Zanzibar) or inbound.nicinsurance.co.tz (arriving on the mainland).

Visa rules are on our visa and entry page.

2. Dress for the place you are in

Zanzibar is a mostly Muslim society. On the beach and at your hotel, swimwear is normal. In Stone Town, villages and markets, cover shoulders and knees. The UK government warns that Zanzibar's authorities can fine visitors $700 or more for clothing they consider inappropriate in public. A light scarf and long trousers or a skirt solve this in seconds.

3. Travelling during Ramadan

Ramadan 2027 is expected to run from about 8 February to 8 or 9 March, depending on the moon. In 2026, Zanzibar's tourism commission told restaurants and food outlets outside hotel compounds to close in daylight hours. Hotels keep serving, and our tours run as normal. Avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public in daylight, and dress modestly.

4. Leave plastic bags at home

Zanzibar bans plastic bags, and airlines have warned that this includes zip-lock bags. Pack toiletries in cloth or reusable pouches, and remove shop bags from your luggage before you fly.

5. Health: malaria and yellow fever

The US CDC lists malaria in all areas of Tanzania below 1,800 m, which includes Zanzibar and Mikumi, and recommends prescription malaria medicine. Ask your doctor before you travel; some tablets must be started days before the trip. Yellow fever vaccination is only required if you arrive from a country with yellow fever risk (or had a long transit there), for travellers aged 1 and over. More on our health and vaccinations page.

6. The sea: tides, urchins and sun

• Tides: on the east and south-east coasts the sea goes far out at low tide. Swim at high tide; walk at low tide. See where to stay.
• Sea urchins: wear water shoes when walking on the reef flats and in the lagoons.
• Sun: sandbanks and boats have little shade. Bring a hat and reef-safe sunscreen, and keep children covered in the middle of the day.
• Diving and flying: plan at least 12 hours after a single dive and 18 hours after several dives before any flight.
• Ferries: the UK government advises not to board a ferry you think is overloaded.

7. Money and getting around

Our tours are priced in US dollars. For cash, cards and ATMs, see our currency and payments guide, and for tips see the tipping guide. To drive yourself you need a local Zanzibar driving permit, so most visitors use private transfers. Ours are priced per vehicle for up to 6 guests: see transfer prices.

Questions and answers