Zanzibar: deep dive into the new travel requirements
by Pilar Dujan | September 4, 2024
Zanzibar, an island part of Tanzania, is a dream destination for those seeking an exotic getaway. Its pristine beaches and rich history are waiting!
As it grows in popularity, the government has decided to take new measures to ensure the safety of travelers. Here’s an in-depth look into what’s changing in October.
The latest news about the travel requirements for Zanzibar
The government of Tanzania has made official a new travel requirement for all tourists wishing to explore the island of Zanzibar.
Starting on October 1st, visitors will be obligated to purchase inbound travel insurance exclusively from Zanzibar Insurance Corporation. That will be the case independently or which means of transport you choose, whether it’s air or sea travel. Residents of Zanzibar are exempt from this requirement.
The policy offered is valid for 92 days, essentially covering the duration of the journey and the maximum stay allowed by the Tanzanian visas (90 days). If you stay longer than 92 days, you will need to apply for coverage again. The policy covers repatriation, emergency medical expenses, issues with your luggage and more.
How to apply for Zanzibar travel insurance
The process starts on the official government website. There, you will be asked to fill out a short application form. They will ask you:
- Personal information. Questions include your full name, date of birth, phone number and current occupation.
- Passport information. You will also need to upload a picture of this document.
- Your arrival and departure dates.
After that, you will need to select the type of insurance you want amongst these three:
- Individual (up to 2 travelers)
- Family (for more than 3 and up to 9 travelers)
- Group (for 10 people or more)
The next step is to pay the 44 USD per person charge using a bankcard. They accept Visa and Mastercard. Adults pay the full price, but minors have discounts:
- Ages 0-2: the insurance coverage is free
- Ages 3-17: there’s a 50% discount
It’s essential to keep this requirement in mind and apply with enough time to spare before traveling. If you arrive in Zanzibar without travel insurance, the authorities might refuse your entry. The same goes for other insurance companies: the only one accepted is the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation.
What else do you need to visit Tanzania?
Zanzibar is a part of Tanzania and, besides this specific requirement, the others are shared with the mainland.
The entry requirements for Tanzania are:
- An approved visa for Tanzania if your nationality is eligible. You can choose between a single entry or a multiple entry visa if you travel for tourism.
- A passport. It must have at least 6 months of validity remaining and at least one blank page.
- A yellow fever vaccination certificate. It’s only mandatory if you come from, or have recently visited, a country endemic of the disease.
Pilar Dujan
I’m originally from Argentina, now based in Spain. I’m a writer and Visagov’s Press Officer, which allows me to put my expertise in visa and travel-related matters to the test.
My two roles help me bring forth content that is comprehensive and helpful, always keeping in mind my goal of assisting tourists in putting together the holiday they dream of.
If you’d like to meet, you can find me on LinkedIn.
