Best time to go to Zanzibar
Dry season here is from January to February – then the rainy season kicks in until May. The remainder of the year's blessed with almost non-stop sunshine, though the occasional quick shower can lower the heat and ramp up the humidity. Being near the equator, Zanzibar's temperatures tend to stick to a balmy 25 to 30°C all year round.Passports and Visas
If you’re travelling on a full British citizen passport, your passport must expire at least six months after the date you arrive in Tanzania and have at least one blank page for entry and exit stamps.You must have a tourist or business visa to enter Tanzania. Apply for an 'e-visa' before you travel through the Tanzania Immigration Department or, for a fee, through our visa and travel authorisation partner - Sherpa.
You can also get a tourist or business visa for a single entry on arrival, subject to the fulfilment of all immigration requirements. For further information about visas, visit the Tanzania Immigration website.
For the most up-to-date passport, visa and entry requirements, visit the UK Government's Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) travel advice for Tanzania.
Mandatory inbound travel insurance
You must have inbound travel insurance for the duration of your stay in Tanzania, up to 92 days. The provider you use depends on your first port of entry.
If Zanzibar is your first port of entry, you must buy the insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC). You can buy it online before you travel or on arrival.
If mainland Tanzania is your first port of entry, you must buy insurance from the National Insurance Corporation (NIC). You can buy it online before you travel or on arrival.
You only need to buy the mandatory insurance for your first port of entry - either mainland Tanzania or Zanzibar.
If you bought insurance from ZIC before 1 October 2026 and mainland Tanzania is your first port of entry, you can use your existing ZIC policy and do not need to buy another policy from NIC. The price for adults is $44, and there are special rates for families and groups.
You may be refused entry if you don’t have the required insurance. You should also arrange separate travel insurance that covers your individual needs.
Don't forget to arrange your travel money and travel insurance before you go.
Health and safety
Visit your health professional at least 4 to 6 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. Medical facilities are limited, especially outside Dar es Salaam. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of medical treatment abroad.For the latest information in respect of health, safety and provision of medical facilities visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/tanzania/health
Travel Aware
Travel Aware – Staying Safe and Healthy Abroad
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and National Travel Health Network and Centre have up-to-date advice on staying safe and healthy abroad.
See gov.uk/travelaware and follow @FCDOtravelGovUK on Twitter and Facebook.com/FCDOtravel – for the latest general FCDO travel advice, including coronavirus travel guidance, security and local laws, and passport and visa information.
See gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice – for FCDO travel advice about individual destinations.
Sign up for FCDO travel advice email alerts, so you automatically receive the latest travel advice updates and travel requirements for the destinations you want to know about.
See Travel Aware page – for travel advice from First Choice.
See travelhealthpro.org.uk – for current travel health news.
The advice can change so check regularly for updates.
