Zanzibar Insurance and Visa Rules: What to Buy First

Is the Zanzibar travel insurance really mandatory?

Yes. The UK Foreign Office's Tanzania entry requirements say all visitors to Zanzibar, excluding residents, must have mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) for the length of their stay, up to 92 days. ZIC itself describes the cover as mandatory under regulatory requirements. It protects against medical emergencies, accidents and unforeseen incidents during your stay.

The Embassy of Italy in Dar es Salaam set out the details when the rule began. It took effect on 1 October 2024 and cost USD 44 per person for 92 days. It is compulsory even for travellers who already have another travel insurance policy, and it does not apply to travel on the mainland only. You can buy it online before departure or on arrival, and the embassy advised buying in advance to avoid delays.

ZIC's homepage links to the Tanzania Insurance Regulatory Authority's cover-note verification system at tiramis.tira.go.tz, where you can check a policy. For problems, ZIC lists inbound@zic.co.tz and the toll-free line +255 80 000 8005.

Do you need a visa for Zanzibar?

Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, so the Tanzania visa rules apply. The UK Foreign Office says visitors need a tourist or business visa. You can apply for an eVisa before travel or get a visa on arrival at the main entry points, but multiple-entry visas are not issued on arrival.

Tanzania's eVisa guidelines list these fees and validities:

The guidelines say applications are processed within 10 days, except for the referral category, whose nationals should apply at least two months ahead. Fees are paid online by Visa or Mastercard. The documents are your passport's biographic page, a return ticket, a photo and the application form. When the visa is approved, download the Visa Grant Notice.

For US citizens, the U.S. State Department lists a USD 100 one-year multiple-entry visa. It also notes that a US tourist visa can be obtained on arrival at the airport.

Both governments require a passport valid for at least six months after arrival, with at least one blank page. The State Department also asks for a return ticket and evidence of enough funds for your stay.

Do you need a yellow fever certificate for Zanzibar?

Only if you arrive from a risk country or have a long connection in one. The UK's National Travel Health Network and Centre says Tanzania requires a certificate from travellers over 1 year old arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. The same applies to anyone who spent more than 12 hours in transit at an airport in such a country. NaTHNaC generally does not recommend the vaccine for Tanzania itself, including Zanzibar, because exposure is low.

This matters most on a safari-then-beach trip. NaTHNaC's Kenya page recommends vaccination for Kenya's risk areas, including game reserves and national parks. If you fly to Zanzibar from Nairobi, or connect there for more than 12 hours, carry your certificate. Our Kenya eTA and entry rules guide covers the Kenya side of the trip.

What your arrival will cost

The costs come from three rulebooks: Zanzibar's insurance, Tanzania's visa and the ferry operator's fares. The examples below use the Azam Marine fares for arriving by sea from Dar es Salaam.

For the family row, the visa guidelines publish no separate child fee, so the table assumes USD 50 per person. Azam's child fare applies from 5 to 11 years. If you fly into Zanzibar instead, drop the ferry column and add your airfare. A US citizen should use USD 100 in the visa column.

Taking the ferry from Dar es Salaam

Azam Marine's published rates for non-residents between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar are USD 35 adult or USD 30 child in economy, USD 40 business, USD 60 VIP and USD 100 Royal. Children are 5 to 11 years old. Each passenger may bring 25 kg of luggage.

The operator's booking terms ask you to be at the ferry terminal at least one hour before departure. You must show your ticket and passport or other valid travel document to vessel staff. Changes are allowed up to 12 hours before departure, and there is no refund for late check-in. Anyone under 18 may not travel without a parent.

What to do if something goes wrong

You land without the ZIC insurance. The Italian Embassy's notice says it can be bought on arrival, but expect delays. Buy it on your phone before you queue if you can.

Your eVisa has not arrived and you fly tomorrow. Check whether your nationality can get a visa on arrival, which the UK Foreign Office says is available at main entry points for single entry. If you need multiple entries, you cannot get that visa on arrival.

You are carrying more than USD 10,000. The U.S. State Department says amounts above that must be declared when you enter Tanzania.