Is Zanzibar safe? What the advice says
Most visitors spend their time on beaches, in Stone Town and on boat trips without problems, but no page can promise that your trip will be free of incidents. The sensible approach is to read the current travel advice of your own government, use ordinary city precautions and plan the sea and the weather carefully. The advice below is dated, so check for updates close to your departure.
The advice for Tanzania is written for the whole country. Warnings that apply only to certain regions of the mainland do not apply to Zanzibar. Insurance is the other half of a calm trip: the state policy is mandatory, and the visa and insurance guide explains it. For something to do once you arrive, compare Zanzibar tours with local guides.
Travel advice by country
Dated advice in plain words.
Germany
The German Federal Foreign Office advice (October 2026) asks for caution about crime. It advises against walking on the beach at night on Zanzibar. It also notes a year-round malaria risk that includes Zanzibar and Pemba, so ask a doctor for advice and protect yourself against mosquitoes.
United States
The US advisory of October 2026 carries the heading Level 2, exercise increased caution. It names violent crime, terrorism, civil unrest and arbitrary enforcement of local laws as concerns. A higher warning that applies to border regions of the country is not a rating for Zanzibar.
United Kingdom
The UK advice (October 2026) warns of possible protests around political dates, possible internet restrictions and the need for extra care. It is a general warning and not a report of a closed airport. Follow local news and keep your plans flexible around such dates.
Zanzibar tours with local guides
Dhow trips, Jozani Forest, dolphin watching, spice farms and Stone Town walks, with live prices and availability.
Health and medical care
What to prepare before you fly.
Common risks
UK advice lists cholera, malaria, dengue and mpox as health risks across Tanzania. This is a general country-wide list and not a sign of an outbreak at a particular beach or hotel. Talk to a travel doctor about vaccinations and malaria protection well before you leave.
Medical care
Medical care outside Dar es Salaam is limited. The mandatory insurance includes emergency treatment, evacuation and repatriation. Carry your own medicines in their original packaging.
Entry health checks
Since October 2026 there is stronger screening for travellers from risk areas and a health declaration before departure or on arrival. Check the rules for your route in the visa guide.
Safety at sea and on the beach
Tides, sea urchins and boats.
Sea urchins
Sea urchins live in the shallow waters around the archipelago. Wear reef shoes when you walk on reef flats or the lagoon floor at low tide, and look where you step.
Tides and swimming
Tides shape every beach on the island, and on the east coast broad reef and lagoon areas run dry at low tide. No beach has a general swimming clearance, so check the tide before you swim. The beach guide compares the coasts, and the Paje page explains tides and kitesurfing.
Boats and ferry crossings
German advice discourages crossings to Zanzibar in storms or thunderstorms and warns about overloaded ships. Choose a boat that is not overcrowded and ask for life jackets. If the weather turns, a delay is better than a rough crossing.
Night walks
German advice asks you not to walk along beaches at night. Take a taxi for the last stretch after dark and agree the price first.
Before you go: a short checklist
Simple steps that make the trip calmer.
| Step | Why |
|---|---|
| Read the advice of your own government a few days before you fly | Advice is updated often |
| Hold the mandatory Zanzibar insurance and your own policy | Emergency treatment and evacuation |
| Talk to a travel doctor | Malaria and other health risks |
| Check tides and weather before sea trips | Tides, storms and ferry safety |
| Agree taxi prices before you ride | Typical prices are on the airport page |
For most travellers, ordinary care in the evening, a doctor visit before the trip and attention to the sea are enough to make Zanzibar a relaxed holiday. If you have a medical condition or travel with children, speak to your doctor and read the full text of your government's advice.
Plan the rest of your trip
More guides for your preparation.
Is Zanzibar safe? Frequently asked questions
Is Zanzibar safe for tourists?
Travel advice asks for caution about crime and for sensible care on the beach at night. The US advisory of October 2026 is Level 2, exercise increased caution. No advice gives a blanket guarantee, so read the current text for your country.
Is it safe to walk on the beach at night?
German advice asks you not to walk along beaches at night on Zanzibar. Use a taxi for the way back.
Is there malaria on Zanzibar?
German advice names a year-round malaria risk that includes Zanzibar and Pemba. Ask a doctor for advice and protect yourself against mosquitoes.
Are there sea urchins?
Yes, sea urchins are found in the shallow waters of the archipelago. Wear reef shoes at low tide.
Are protests expected?
UK advice (October 2026) warns of possible protests around political dates and possible internet restrictions. It is a general warning and not a report of a closed airport. Follow local news and keep your plans flexible.
Should I see a doctor before I travel?
Yes. Talk to a travel doctor well before you leave about vaccinations and malaria protection, and read the travel advice of your own government.