Zanzibar 2026.
Turquoise water and spice-scented air—Zanzibar is paradise. But in 2026, missing one QR code could stop you at the airport.
Your 2026 Checklist
Insurance: $44 USD via visitzanzibar.go.tz (QR code required)
Beaches: Nungwi for swimming, Paje for kitesurfing
Stone Town: Don't miss Forodhani Night Market
Dress Code: Conservative outside beach resorts
Mandatory $44 Insurance for 2026
All visitors to Zanzibar must purchase the Zanzibar Inbound Travel Insurance before arrival. Without the QR code, you will be stopped at the airport.
2026 Update: 100% of arriving passengers are checked. This is separate from your regular travel insurance.
How to Purchase:
- Visit: visitzanzibar.go.tz
- Click "Travel Insurance"
- Fill in passport details
- Pay $44 USD via credit card
- Download PDF with QR code
- Print AND save on phone
Purchase 72 hours before arrival. Website can be slow during peak hours.
Zanzibar Beaches 2026
Choose based on your preferred experience.
Nungwi & Kendwa
North Coast
Swimming year-round
Lively atmosphere
Beach bars & nightlife
2026: Book 4-6 months ahead for peak season
Budget: $150-400/night
Paje & Jambiani
East Coast
Kitesurfing (Jun-Oct, Dec-Mar)
Relaxed, bohemian vibe
Dramatic tides (check charts)
2026: Better value than north coast
Budget: $100-300/night
East coast has 2-3 meter tides. Plan swimming around high tide.
24 Hours in Stone Town
Lukmaan Restaurant for authentic Zanzibari breakfast.
Anglican Cathedral, House of Wonders. Guide fee: $20-30 for 2 hours.
Visit spice farm ($25-35 including transport and lunch).
Spices to take home. Vanilla beans $8-12/bundle.
Iconic food market. Try Zanzibar pizza ($3-5). Cash only.
Traditional wooden boat ($25-40). Book through hotel.
Local Etiquette 2026
Dress Code
- Cover shoulders and knees outside resorts
- Beachwear only at beach/pool
- Ramadan 2026: March 22 - April 20 (be discreet)
Street Guides ("Papasi")
- Politely say: "Hapana asante" (No thank you)
- If persistent: "Sina pesa" (I don't have money)
- For official guides: Look for blue badges
Money & Bargaining
- Use Tanzanian Shillings (TZS)
- Bargain in markets, not restaurants
- Start at 60% of asking price
- Tipping: Restaurants 10%, tours $5-10/day
Essential Links
Mandatory insurance purchase
Arusha/Serengeti to Zanzibar flights
How to book and pay
Book Your Zanzibar 2026 Trip
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