Zanzibar (Stone Town + beaches) Travel Tips: What to Know Before You Go

Practical tips for Zanzibar (Stone Town + beaches)

• Cover shoulders + knees in Stone Town + villages — Zanzibar is 99% Muslim; bikinis on beach only.

• Cash US$ for tips + small vendors; ATMs in Stone Town + Nungwi only.

• Avoid seafood on land after long midday sun — stick to reputable resort kitchens.

Staying safe and comfortable

Local emergency number: 112.

• Beach resort strips + Stone Town main areas safe.

• Avoid dark Stone Town alleys after 10pm — pickpockets.

• Yellow-fever cert if from endemic country; typhoid + hepatitis A + malaria prophylaxis recommended.

• Emergency 112 / 999.

Visas and entry

Entry policy: e visa, typically up to 90 days. Almost all visitors need Tanzania visa (US$50 tourist, US$100 US citizens). eVisa preferred — apply 10+ days ahead. Visa on arrival available at ZNZ (US$50 cash exact) but slow. Yellow-fever certificate required if arriving from endemic country including Kenya.

Budgeting your trip

Accommodation is the largest controllable cost in Zanzibar (Stone Town + beaches). Compare live rates for your dates and neighbourhood shortlist before locking in flights — the difference between areas is often larger than the difference between travel weeks.