From October 2024, Zanzibar has introduced new entry regulations to increase travellers' safety and provide them with comprehensive health coverage during their stay. For those planning to travel to this exotic paradise in Tanzania, it is now mandatory to have special insurance, which can only be purchased from a local insurer – the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC). The article below provides all the information you need to know about the documents you will need, the visa process and detailed health insurance guidelines.
Documents required to enter Zanzibar
To enter Zanzibar, every tourist from the United Kingdom must have:
- Passport – valid for at least six months from the planned date of departure from Tanzania. This applies to both adults and children, as well as holders of temporary passports.
- Tourist visa – this can be obtained in two ways:
- At the airport on arrival – a convenient option for travellers who prefer to complete formalities on arrival.
- Online prior to travel – via the website visa.immigration.go.tz, This option allows you to avoid airport queues and ensures that your documents are ready before you travel. A visa costs around $50 USD and is valid for a maximum of 90 days.
Compulsory Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) insurance
A new feature for 2024 is the obligation to purchase ZIC health insurance. The policy is required for all tourists and covers the costs of medical emergencies, medical transport and repatriation, amongst other eventualities. The insurance must be purchased in advance via visitzanzibar.go.tz.
Price and scope of coverage
- The insurance cost is $44 USD per adult for the entire period of your stay, up to a maximum of 92 days.
- Discounts for children: children aged 3 to 17 are subject to a 50% discount.
- Remember: Insurance is mandatory and will be checked at the border upon arrival. You must have a document confirming the purchase of your policy with you.
How to buy ZIC insurance?
- Fill out the form – go to the website visitzanzibar.go.tz and fill out the application form, providing personal data and dates of stay.
- Pay for the policy – make your online payment. After paying, you will receive a document confirming your insurance, which will be checked at the border control upon arrival.
- Check your insurance at the border – make sure you have your documents with you, as they are required for entry checks to Zanzibar.
Zanzibar visas and longer stays
If you are planning a longer stay (over 90 days), you will need to obtain an additional residence permit. Depending on the purpose of your visit, there are different types of permits available in Tanzania:
- Type A – for travellers entering for business purposes,
- Type B – for students and volunteers,
- Type C – for people who want to settle or work in Tanzania.
You can apply for an extension of stay via the portal eservices.immigration.go.tz/online/permit/guidelines/.
What you need to know before you travel to Zanzibar
- Passport and visa – must be current, visas can be obtained online or at the airport.
- ZIC insurance required – must be purchased through visitzanzibar.go.tz at a cost of $44 USD per adult.
- Vaccinations – preventative health care is recommended, especially if you plan to stopover in other African countries.
- Comply with all local laws and customs – this includes a ban on plastic bags and a requirement to dress appropriately in public places.