Visa
Visas are compulsory for all visitors, and cost from $50. Visas are obtainable at the airport when you arrive, it is preferable that you make early arrangements to obtain one from the Tanzanian Embassy or consulate in you country.

Yellow Fever Inoculation Certificate
Innoculation against Yelow Fever is a requirement not only for Zanzibar but for most African countries. Once you have been innoculated please obtain the certificate which will be required at your entry point. Exemptions, however, are made to travelers coming on direct flights from non endemic areas such as Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand and some parts of the Middle East. For these visitors evidence of Yellow Fever Vaccination is not mandatory. Travelers who before coming to Zanzibar, intend to transit through endemic areas even for a brief stay are strongly advised to protect themselves with vaccination against Yellow Fever, at least 2 weeks before departure from their home countries.

Malaria Tablets
Zanzibar is situated in a malaria zone, so it is recommended that you consult your physician on the right prescription for you. Pregnant women are not allowed to take Malaria prevention drugs, and are cautioned before entering any malaria area.

Insect/ Mosquito Repellent
Malaria bearing mosquitoes are to be found in most parts of Africa and Zanzibar Island is no exception. Be sure to take a repellent, and cover all exposed areas of your body (e.g. neck and arms). At night make sure your mosquito net is either touching the ground, or is tucked in, and your exposed areas (especially your ankles) are protected with repellent.

Currency
Traveler’s cheques and cash are accepted at hotels and Bureau de Changes. US$ are the preferred currency. If you plan on taking cash, make sure you take large bills (e.g. $50 or $100) as these always get a better rate. There are many Bureux all over town where you can change your foreign currency into local bills. You will also have to pay a departure tax of $30 when you leave.

Embassies
There are a few consulates on the island, but all embassies are situated in Dar Es Salaam.

Medical
Make sure you consult your physician before coming to Tanzania if you have any health problems. Medical facilities in the country are restricted to the major cities such as Dar es Salaam and Arusha. Flying Doctor service is available. Please contact us if you require any more info on this.

Travel Insurance
It is imperative that you have travel insurance. Even though they do not check any certificates when you enter the airports, for your own peace of mind, make sure that you are adequately covered.

What to Pack
Light sandals or rubber flip-flops. Some places require you to remove your shoes before entering. Good walking shoes if you plan on doing a lot of sight seeing. Raincoat or umbrella if you are traveling in the rainy season. Monsoon rains are heavy. Flashlight, for the electricity cuts. Many hotels do have generator backup systems though. Clothes – these should be light as it is very hot and humid. A jersey or windbreaker is recommended for the cold nights (just in case). Women are "frowned upon" for wearing revealing clothes. Mini-skirts are a definite no. Try to wear shorts (no not hot pants) or a long skirt, and try to keep the shoulders covered.

Weather
Zanzibar experiences ideal holiday weather for most of the year. The heat of summer is seasonally often cooled by windy conditions, resulting in pleasant sea breezes, particularly on the North and East coasts. Being near to the equator, the islands are warm all year round, but officially, summer and winter peak in December and June respectively. Zanzibar is blessed with an average of 7-8 hours of sunshine daily. Short rains can occur in November but are characterised by short showers which do not last long. The long rains normally occur in April and May although this is often referred to as the 'Green Season', and it typically doesn't rain every day during that time.

Communications
There are many Internet cafes in major towns and at some of the hotels and resorts, so in a non-emergency, this is the best form of communication. Charges range from Tsh1,000 to Tsh5,000 (about $1 to $5) for an hour’s connection. If you need to phone internationally, best you ask at the Internet café. They usually have facilities, or they will be able to direct you to someone who has. Otherwise travel with your cellphone and simply buy "a line". The rates for international calls on your mobile/cellphone averages about fifty US cents a minute.

Electricity
This is the same as the UK and in South Africa, being 220/230 V. Do not leave appliances plugged in all day, as there are many power fluctuations which might destroy them. US Citizens will have to get an adapter and a transformer for Zanzibar power. If your plug does not match, then enquire at a local shop, they should be able to assist.

Driving
If you are planning on renting a car or motorbike, make sure you have a VALID international driver’s license. You will be stopped in one of the many roadblocks, so make sure you have the correct documentation.

If you plan on driving in Stone Town, make sure you know the roads, as there are many one way streets and the drivers are reckless. If a police car approaches with a siren hailing, you have to pull over to the side of the road and stop, no matter which way it is going. Once it has passed, you may pull out and continue.

Crime
As with all cities, Zanzibar is not free of crime. Unemployment among the youth has led to an increase in crime, so make sure you do not take valuables on holiday with you. If you do take expensive jewelry, ensure that it is either locked up when you go out, or hidden from sight. Be careful not to walk the streets at night alone, this invites trouble. If you are confronted, do not resist, and try to report the matter to the police as soon as possible.