Insurance & Vaccines

Travel Insurance for Zanzibar

Tip: Purchase your Zanzibar travel insurance online before departure. Have the QR code ready on your phone as it is scanned before passport control.

Health Insurance for Zanzibar is mandatory and this is non-negotiable. Since October 2024, all foreign visitors must purchase inbound travel insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) before arrival. A QR code is issued after purchase and is required at immigration.

This is mandatory in addition to any personal health insurance you already hold – it does not replace it.

• Cost: USD 44 per person (family discounts available)

• Validity: Up to 92 days

• Where to buy: Official portal at visitzanzibar.go.tz – takes less than 5 minutes

Vaccines for Zanzibar

No special vaccinations are required for travelers entering Zanzibar from the USA, UK, European Union, or most countries around the globe – with one key exception.

Yellow Fever (mandatory in specific cases)

A Yellow Fever certificate is required if you are arriving from or transiting through an endemic country. Importantly, if you are combining a Kenya safari with your Zanzibar trip, you must have a Yellow Fever certificate – Tanzania considers Kenya an endemic country, and Zanzibar authorities are particularly strict about enforcement.

Recommended vaccinations for Zanzibar

While not mandatory, doctors generally recommend being up to date with the following before travel:

• Hepatitis A & B

• Typhoid

• Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis (Tdap)

• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

• Polio booster

Medical Care in Zanzibar – What to Expect

A German-speaking physician practices directly in the Fumba Town office building

Common medications are readily available in both Fumba Town and Stone Town

Drink only filtered or bottled water throughout your stay

Use SPF 30 or higher – the tropical sun is intense year-round

On-site doctor

Pharmacies

Drinking Water

Sun Protection

For Serious Medical Emergencies

Evacuation to Dar es Salaam or Nairobi may be required – another key reason why comprehensive Zanzibar travel insurance is essential for every visitor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is travel insurance mandatory for entry into Zanzibar?

Yes, since October 1, 2024, every visitor is required to have a specific local travel insurance for Zanzibar. This is a mandatory government requirement that applies even if you already have international health coverage. It costs US$ 44 per person (family discounts are available) and is valid for up to 92 days.

What is the malaria situation, and do I need prophylaxis?

Zanzibar is currently considered largely malaria-free, especially in the area around Fumba Town. Whether you should take malaria prophylaxis is an individual decision to discuss with your doctor; many travelers choose to avoid it due to potential side effects. To protect yourself, we recommend using mosquito repellent with DEET and wearing long, light-colored clothing in the evenings. If you do feel unwell, inexpensive malaria rapid tests are available at local pharmacies and clinics and provide results within minutes.

Do I need any specific vaccinations to enter the island?

If you are arriving directly from Europe, there are no mandatory vaccinations required for entry. However, you must provide a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate if you are traveling from a country where Yellow Fever is endemic.

Which vaccinations are recommended for travel to Zanzibar?

While not mandatory, medical experts recommend several vaccinations as sensible preparation, including Hepatitis A & B, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Typhus, and Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR).

What medical support is available if I get sick?

In Fumba Town, you are well-supported with a medical practice located directly in the office building, which includes a German-speaking doctor. Additionally, there are well-equipped clinics and pharmacies available in Stone Town and other larger settlements across the island.