Getting to Zanzibar
By Air
International access to Zanzibar Island is via Zanzibar International
Airport situated near Stone Town. There are daily flights from South
Africa to Zanzibar with Air Tanzania.
Visas and Entry Requirements
All visitors require a passport, valid for the duration of their
stay. Visas are compulsory for all visitors, and cost from $50.
Visas are obtainable at the airport when you arrive, but rather
have one before you land, as officials tend to "not have change".
Departure Tax
There is an international departure tax of USD 30.00 per person
(payable in Zanzibar in foreign currency only). For passengers departing
Zanzibar by air to another Tanzanian airport there is a departure
tax of USD 6.00 per person and if departing by boat it is USD 1.00
(By boat this is included when you purchase your ticket).
Customs & Foreign Currencies
Free admission of all personal belongings, including photographic
and video cameras. No restriction on currencies. Firearms and drugs
prohibited. Duty free allowances are 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250gr of tobacco plus one bottle of alcoholic beverages.
Health
Until recently, all visitors were required to present an International
Yellow Fever Immunisation Card upon arrival. The government has
now lifted this requirement but seeing that most African countries
require this certificate (when return to South Africa); it is advisable
to always have that with you when travelling in Africa. Zanzibar
is a malaria area and communication with your doctor at home regarding
what malaria pills to take is essential. It is also a good idea
to bring a good mosquito repellent to use in the evenings.
Please consult your local physician on more information regarding
the above guidelines.
Travel insurance
IIt 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.
Weather & Climate
Zanzibar is a few degrees south of the equator and enjoys a tropical
climate that is largely dominated by the Indian Ocean monsoons.
Average temperature in the summer months is 27ºC and in the
winter months is 24ºC. It is very humid all year round, particularly
in the summer monsoon rain period. April and May experience the
highest rainfall and from July to August the lowest. The island
is blessed with an average of seven to eight hours of sunshine daily.
Money
The local currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (Tsh). It is not available
internationally, so visitors are advised to bring a sensible mix
of hard currency traveller's cheques and cash. US Dollars
are recommended for the best rates of exchange and are also the
preferred currency. You can use credit cards at larger establishments-Visa and Master Card are the most widely accepted (however
they charged up to 10% commission). Traveller's cheques are
the safer option as these are more widely accepted than credit cards.
There is currently one ATM (Cash mashine) in Stone Town.
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What to Pack
Clothes should be light as it is very hot and humid. When visiting
Stone Town and local villages, the Zanzibar people feel offended
when tourists are wearing revealing clothes. The beach areas are
much more relaxed and swimming wear is what everybody is wearing-please just notice that topless sunbathing is ‘n definite
NO-NO-unless you want a free trip to the local Zanzibar
prison. Light sandals or rubber flip-flops are what most people
are wearing. Sunglasses, sunhat & sun block.
Baggage Allowance
Business Class passengers are allowed 30 kg and Economy Class passengers
20 kg. Divers are aloud 30 kg if they fly with dive equipment.
Export of Fauna and Flora
The Zanzibar authorities restrict the export of live shells, fish,
tortoise and birds.
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