What should I know in 2026 before traveling to Zanzibar?
Everyone should travel to Zanzibar, which is located off the coast of Tanzania. It’s likely that you have visited this stunning island previously. But in 2026, has anything changed? We are here for that reason. We’ll talk about things to consider before traveling to Zanzibar in 2026 in this post.
Entry criteria for Zanzibar
To enter Zanzibar, you must have a passport, a visa, and the required travel insurance, which we shall discuss below. However, a yellow fever vaccination may be necessary. Verify that you have at least six months left on your passport. You must have two blank pages. Additionally, you must have documentation of a yellow fever vaccine if you are traveling through or returning from a place where there is a danger of contracting the disease.
If you are not vaccinated, there are yellow fever vaccinations available. We also advise being vaccinated against COVID-19, cholera, TB, typhoid, and hepatitis.
the required travel insurance.
In 2026, the required travel insurance remains in force, having been implemented in October 2024. Legal aid costs, missing luggage, and emergency evacuation are covered under this coverage. This coverage is exclusively available from Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC), the archipelago’s insurer.
This coverage is available for purchase online or in person. To prevent delays at the entrance points, we advise submitting your application online. After a lengthy flight, nothing is more exhausting than waiting in a large line for an extended period of time. This can be saved using an online application. To apply for travel insurance to Zanzibar, follow these steps:
• To begin the application process, go to www.visitzanzibar.go.tz.
• Enter your full name, passport number, trip dates, and contact information in an online form.
•Use a credit or debit card to pay $44.Your email will contain a QR code.
• At the airport, present the code.
The ideal time of year to travel to Zanzibar
Zanzibar is nearly always good. However, the ideal seasons to go are always from January to mid-March and from June to October. Clear sky, unbroken beach stays, and ideal conditions for swimming, diving, and snorkeling are all provided at this period. But July and August are the busiest months, so there must be lots of people at the beach.
Conversely, January and February are warm and dry. Since there isn’t any traffic on the island, we advise anyone who wants to experience Zanzibar by themselves to go during this time. However, February arrives with temperatures rising as high as 34ËšC (93ËšF).
The lengthy rainy season lasts from April to May, with brief showers in November. Downpours will ruin your stance on a white sand beach during these months. However, because there is more marine life on calm days, you may enjoy diving and snorkeling. Additionally, some resorts close, while those that stay open provide special deals and discounts.
Ramadan, the holy month of
Muslims make up almost 95% of the population of Zanzibar, and like Muslims worldwide, they observe the holy month of Ramadan by fasting. What date does Ramadan fall on in 2026? We anticipate that it will begin on the evening of February 17, 2026, and run through March 19, 2026, however exact dates may change. You will thus need to follow certain guidelines if your vacation takes place during this month. Here are a few of them:
Steer clear of eating in public. Muslims observe a sunrise–sunset fast in observance of this month. As a result, eating in public is impolite and occasionally punishable by fines.
• Wear modest clothing. Wearing well-fitting clothing is crucial; avoid see-through items, shorts, and top tanks. Women ought to cover their knees and shoulders.
• Use courteous language. In particular, your tone is quite important while speaking to them. Being courteous in your words may make a big impact, especially because the majority are working on their reconciliation with God.
• Refrain from playing loud music. During this holy month, Muslims have their own specific hymns. You disrupt their fast from many material items if you play loud music that isn’t Kaswida (Islamic music).
Keep in mind that certain pubs and restaurants can close or shorten their hours of operation. The late evenings are bustling, but the daytime always gets so peaceful. You can eat iftar during an evening event if you are invited.
Directions to Zanzibar
Knowing how to get to this beautiful island is crucial, even if there must be minimal to no changes to the travel routes. There are several methods to get there, including via boat or airplane.
1. Through the air.
Abeid Karume International Airport, which serves the archipelago, provides several connections to Asia, Europe, and the Americas. It is connected to Europe and America by a large number of direct flights from Asia. Additional options include Addis Ababa International Airport in Ethiopia, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Kilimanjaro International Airport in Arusha, and Dar es Salaam Airport.
It’s acceptable if you would rather start your journey with a Ngorongoro or Serengeti. From the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, or Nyerere National Park, you may take a plane to Zanzibar.
2. Through a ferry.
If you land in Dar es Salaam, you may take a boat to Zanzibar. The Indian Ocean’s azure-blue waves make for an intriguing voyage. Azam Marine & Kilimanjaro Fast Ferries is among the top operators.
The bottom line.
You now understand the fundamentals. The rest may be handled by our travel specialists. They will provide you with all the information you could require to begin your journey to Zanzibar. Today, let’s begin organizing your journey.
