How to prepare a trip to Zanzibar: visa, vaccinations, currency and transportation:
The mandatory e-visa
To enter Zanzibar, you must obtain a tourist e-visa for $50, valid for 90 days. The application is made exclusively online on the official Tanzanian government website.
Required documents:
- Passport valid 6 months after your return
- Recent passport photo
- Return flight ticket
Our advice: Submit your application 3 weeks before departure. Processing time is 7 to 10 days.
Mandatory travel insurance (new!)
Since October 2024, all travelers must purchase government insurance for $44 on the official Zanzibar website. This insurance covers 92 days and includes medical expenses, repatriation and lost luggage. You will receive a QR code to present upon arrival.
⚠️ Warning: Without this QR code, you risk being denied access to the island!
Vaccinations and health: preparing your trip to Zanzibar properly
Recommended vaccines
No vaccine is strictly mandatory, but to prepare your trip to Zanzibar with peace of mind, here are the recommendations from the Pasteur Institute:
Strongly recommended:
- Hepatitis A (15 days before departure)
- Typhoid
- Antimalarial treatment (essential year-round)
Yellow fever is required only if you transit for more than 12 hours through a high-risk country.
Protection against malaria
Malaria is present in Zanzibar. Consult your doctor for appropriate treatment (Malarone, Doxycycline). On-site: strong repellents, long clothing in the evening, and treated mosquito nets.
For more health information, visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
A few dietary precautions to follow: forget tap water (bottled water only!), wash and peel your fruit, and avoid uncontrolled raw foods
Currency and budget to prepare your trip to Zanzibar
Shillings or dollars?
The official currency is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS), but US dollars are widely accepted for taxis, excursions and hotels. Bring recent bills (after 2013) in $50 and $100 denominations.
Good to know: 1 euro ≈ 2,850 TZS. ATMs are available in Stone Town and tourist areas, with withdrawals limited to 400,000 TZS (±€140).
Indicative budget
- Meals: €5-30
- Excursions: €30-100
Discover our affordable excursions to optimize your budget!
Transportation in Zanzibar: how to get around
From the airport
Taxis remain the most practical option: expect $60-70 to the northern beaches (don’t hesitate to negotiate). The budget-friendly alternative? The dala dala (local minibus) at around 1,000 TZS, but not very practical with luggage.
Many hotels offer private transfers: inquire when making your reservation.
On the island
Dala dalas: the authentic and economical local experience, perfect for short trips.
Taxis: convenient but without meters. Always negotiate BEFORE getting in ($5-10 in Stone Town, $30-70 to the beaches).
Car/scooter rental: For more independence, expect €30-40/day for a car, €15-25/day for a scooter. Driving is on the left, and a temporary local license is mandatory ($10).
Essential tips to prepare your trip to Zanzibar
Plastic bag ban: Since 2019, all plastic bags are confiscated at the airport. Use cloth bags!
Tourist tax: Expect $1-9 per night (max 7 nights) added to your hotel bill.
Respect for customs: Zanzibar is a predominantly Muslim island. In town, cover shoulders and knees.
When to go? Discover our complete guide on the best times to prepare your trip to Zanzibar at the right moment!
Ready to go?
Preparing a trip to Zanzibar requires some organization, but you now have the essentials in hand! Our local guide, Chudy, is here to help you discover the wonders of the Spice Island.
To summarize:
- E-visa (3 weeks in advance)
- Mandatory insurance
- Vaccines + antimalarial treatment
- USD cash
- Cloth bags (no plastic!)
You’re now ready, safe travels and Karibu* Zanzibar! 🏝️(*karibu: welcome)
