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Pre-Departure Information

Here is some important information that you need to know about traveling on the Zanzibar extension.

• Packing List - Please see it here.

• Tanzania Visa/Passport info (see bottom of page for more information) Tanzania requires a tourist visa e-visa for entry into the country. The E-visa can be obtained here on the Tanzania Visa Application System . Please complete the application around 60-40 days prior to travel. We highly recommend you have assistance with the visa process to Tanzania and Kenya. If you would like, you can reach out to our recommended visa servicer G3.

• Vaccination Information - Tanzania requires travelers to have proof of yellow fever vaccine if coming from Kenya. Please see CDC Recommendations here. We recommend that you consult your doctor or travel health clinic to discuss this further.

• Mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance  -  This requirement is enforced by the Government of Tanzania . Please click here for instructions on how to purchase the Travel Insurance.

• Flight Information - Please see detailed flight information here

  • The flight to Zanzibar limits 1 bag per person, 50 lbs max.

Tanzania eVisa details

Tanzania requires a tourist visa e-visa for entry into the country. The E-visa can be obtained here on the Tanzania Visa Application System . Please note that the application must be completed at-least 10 days prior to travel, but we highly recommend doing this within 40-60 days prior to departure, as it can take a long time for you to receive it approved in your email. If you would like assistance with the visa process you can also reach out to our recommended visa servicer G3, we highly recommend assistance for this type of visa.

There are a series of questions on the eVisa application form, please refer below for the appropriate selections: 

1. Type of Visa- Americans have to apply for Multiple Entry- details here -  Tanzania Visa Application System

2. Hotel Addresses - 

Nights 1: Serena Stone Town - Shangani St, Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Night 2: Essque Zalu - Nungwi, 3151 Tanzania

3. Local Host Information

"Host = Tanzanian Citizen"

• Name: Khator Masoud Khator

• Address: P.O.BOX 4141, Stone Town, Zanzibar

• Phone: +255777426204

• Email address: info@discovercorps.com

Your Tanzania eVisa will be sent to you via email. Allow 4-10 business days for your visa to be completed and emailed to you. 

Please ensure that your passport has at least two sets of blank pages marked  “Visas” and will be valid for at least six months following your trip start date.

VISA UPON ARRIVAL - not recommended

Alternatively, you can obtain a visa on arrival at the airport, but be prepared for long queues and processing times. Discover Corps highly recommend you applying for you visa online, prior to departure. Some airlines require you to have a visa before travel.

If you opt to obtain the visa upon arrival, the Tanzania visa fee is 100 USD for US citizens. This fee must be paid in dollars upon arrival. Please bring cash.

These instructions are for US citizens only; if you are not a US citizen, please contact your Travel Coordinator, or if you opted for assistance, please contact G3 directly at 88.883.8472 or discoverCorps@g3visas.com

Mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance 

Effective October 1, 2024, all foreign visitors arriving in Zanzibar through the seaport or airport must have mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance, covering their stay for up to 92 days. This requirement is enforced by the Government of Tanzania to ensure the safety and well-being of all travelers.

Purchase the Mandatory Insurance -  Please purchase the mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance through this link. The cost is USD $44 per visitor, inclusive of all charges. 

Important Information:

• Proof of Coverage: Proof of other international insurance coverage will not be accepted. The insurance policy must be issued by the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation, a registered entity in Tanzania.

• Purpose of the Requirement: This policy is implemented to mitigate risks associated with travel and provides comprehensive coverage, including repatriation, evacuation, and other related emergencies.

• Policy Documentation:  Your policy documents, including the unique policy number, effective date, benefits, terms and conditions, limitations, exclusions, and other important information, will be sent to your registered email address. Ensure you keep a copy of your policy with you while traveling.

Failure to comply with this requirement may result in denial of entry at immigration checkpoints.

Please note that mandatory insurance is in addition to Discover Corps included Medical Insurance, CISI, and the recommended Travel Insurance. Discover Corps will continue to issue the CISI Medical Insurance for the whole duration of your trip,  and we still recommend that  you purchase Travel Insurance to protect your investment.

For more information, please download a FAQ document here.

Currency

Tanzania’s currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). It’s relatively easy to exchange foreign currency at banks, exchange bureaus, and authorized Forex dealers in tourist areas, major towns, and cities. US Dollars are widely accepted throughout the country, especially by safari operators, lodges, and other tourist services. However, be aware that most places will only accept notes printed after 2006 and in good condition, while some establishments may refuse to accept $100 bills or give you a lower exchange rate on them.

If you prefer to use your credit card while traveling in Tanzania, then it’s best to carry a Visa or Mastercard. Most of Tanzania’s high-end hotels, tour companies, restaurants, and shops accept credit cards, but smaller establishments in rural areas may not. Bear in mind that many Tanzanian businesses will add a 3–5% surcharge for credit card transactions, so it can be a good idea to carry cash as a backup.

Overall, it’s advisable to carry both Tanzanian Shillings and US dollars in cash when traveling to Tanzania. You can exchange your foreign currency for Tanzanian Shillings at banks and Forex bureaus or withdraw money from ATMs. Nevertheless, be sure to notify your bank that you will be traveling to Tanzania before your trip to ensure uninterrupted access to your funds while abroad.

Tipping

You can tip our guide and drive in either Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) or US Dollars.

 On the last day of your extension, you will stop at a spice farm and meet some farm workers. Tipping is voluntary but is common for our travelers to tip them. Since it is the last day of the trip, if you would like to tip, please save some cash for the occasion.

Physical Demand

There are no particular age or weight restrictions for the activities in Zanzibar, however, please note that the Stone Town Tour involves walking through narrow streets, alleys, and historic sites, so participants should be prepared for walking on uneven surfaces and climbing stairs.