ARRIVING INTO ZANZIBAR SEAPORT

All sea arrivals to Zanzibar arrive through Zanzibar Seaport. As you walk across the dock, you will see signs on the terminal building indicating the entrance for arrivals.

IMPORTANT: Even though Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, Zanzibar has its own Immigrations and Customs requirements and ALL ARRIVALS, REGARDLESS OF POINT OF ORIGIN must pass immigration and customs.

First, you will be required to show evidence of yellow fever vaccination.

Next is Immigrations. If you are arriving from Tanzania, you will need to fill an arrival card, but your current, valid Tanzania visa and entry stamp will cover your entry to Zanzibar. If arriving from other locations, you will need a visa. It is always recommended that you apply for your visa prior to travel. This can reduce time and risk complications on arrival. If you have your visa, you may proceed to the lines indicating your status (returning resident or visitor). If you do not have your visa, you should enquire at the immigration office located in the arrival hall. A visa form is no longer required, just your completed arrivals car and the fee. You will need a fee in US Dollars* and may be asked to provide 2 passport style photographs. The fee is different for every nationality. All persons arriving will be required to complete an arrival card. This may be given to you on the plane. Otherwise, they found in the Immigrations Hall.

* Though payment may be made in other international currencies, change is often a problem and poor rates of exchange may result in your paying more than the expected amount for your visa. It is always best to keep around $100.00 in tens and twenties on hand.

After Immigrations, you will proceed to the baggage claim area. Here you will find your luggage unless you have carried it from the boat and proceed to Customs.

Customs should not be a problem for visiting tourists. Naturally, your bags will be subject to inspection, as would any person's when arriving into any country. Persons traveling with computer equipment or extensive video or photographic equipment may be asked to pay a bond or deposit to ensure you leave with the items. As an alternative, you might ask the officer to note the details of the equipment in your passport to ensure you take them with you when you leave. Posting deposits can be a bit time consuming, especially when leaving and trying to recover the deposit.

Upon leaving the Customs Hall, you exit directly into the parking area and should be greeted by a representative of your tour company. Tip - Taxis may be available but are expensive and sometimes unreliable. You should have prior arrangements to be met. IMPORTANT: If someone greets you but has not specified the company you expected and does not know your name, have this verified before leaving with them. Some taxis grab clients who think they are travelling with their arrangements and then require payment (often at a very high rate) when you arrive.

If using taxis you should always negotiate the price before starting your trip. $10.00 per vehicle to town, $40.00 to the north east coast and up to $60.00 for the south east coast is not uncommon.

SECURITY
HEALTH
AIR ARRIVALS
- ZANZIBAR
BOAT ARRIVALS
- ZANZIBAR PORT
COMMUNICATION
CLIMATE
CURRENCY
CHANGING MONEY
SHOPPING
GETTING AROUND
PACKING