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Zanzibar Vaccinations & Health Requirements 2026
Zanzibar has its own health entry requirements that differ from mainland Tanzania. Since October 2024, all international visitors must have mandatory travel insurance. Yellow Fever certificate enforcement is stricter in Zanzibar than on the mainland.
Mandatory Travel Insurance Since October 2024
All international visitors to Zanzibar must show proof of travel insurance covering medical expenses and emergency evacuation. This is checked at immigration. Compare travel insurance options.
Yellow Fever — Zanzibar Enforcement
Zanzibar authorities are stricter than mainland Tanzania about Yellow Fever certificates.
| Required if | Arriving from/transiting through an endemic country (Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, etc.) |
| Enforcement | Checked at Zanzibar airport and ferry terminal — stricter than Dar or Arusha |
| Domestic flights | Even flying Dar/Arusha to Zanzibar — carry your Yellow Card if original entry was from an endemic country |
| Certificate validity | Lifetime (one dose provides lifelong protection per WHO) |
| Cost (UK) | £60–£85 at travel clinics |
| Cost (US) | $150–$350 |
Recommended Vaccinations for Zanzibar
| Vaccine | Priority | Advance Time | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yellow Fever | Mandatory (if from endemic area) | 10+ days | Lifetime |
| Hepatitis A | Strongly recommended | 2+ weeks | 25+ years |
| Typhoid | Strongly recommended | 2+ weeks | 3 years |
| Tetanus/Diphtheria | Recommended (check booster) | Any time | 10 years |
| Hepatitis B | Recommended for long stays | 6 months | Lifetime |
| Rabies | Recommended if rural areas | 4 weeks | Boosters needed |
| Cholera | Consider for remote areas | 1 week | 2 years |
Malaria in Zanzibar
Zanzibar has year-round malaria risk, though significantly lower than mainland Tanzania thanks to extensive vector control programmes.
- Risk level: Low to moderate (lower than Serengeti/Selous but still present)
- Peak season: April-June (long rains) and November-December (short rains)
- Recommended prophylaxis: Malarone (atovaquone-proguanil), Doxycycline, or Mefloquine
- Start tablets: 1-2 days before arrival (Malarone/Doxy) or 2 weeks before (Mefloquine)
- Continue after: 7 days (Malarone) or 4 weeks (Doxy/Mefloquine) after leaving
Prevention Tips for Zanzibar
- Use DEET 30-50% insect repellent, especially at dusk and dawn
- Sleep under an insecticide-treated mosquito net (most hotels provide these)
- Wear long sleeves and trousers in the evening
- Stone Town has lower risk than rural areas and spice farms
Mandatory Travel Insurance
Since October 2024, Zanzibar requires all international visitors to have travel insurance. Your policy must cover:
- Medical expenses: Minimum coverage recommended: $50,000+
- Emergency evacuation: Air ambulance to Dar es Salaam or Nairobi if needed
- Proof required: Insurance certificate or policy number shown at immigration
- Duration: Must cover your entire stay in Zanzibar
Zanzibar Checklist
- Travel insurance (MANDATORY)
- Yellow Fever certificate (if from endemic area)
- Malaria tablets (start before travel)
- Hepatitis A vaccine
- Typhoid vaccine
- Insect repellent (DEET 30%+)
- e-Visa approved before travel