What depends on your route
| Trip | Yellow fever | Malaria |
|---|---|---|
| Zanzibar only, from a no-risk country | No certificate | Very low risk according to one source, still ask a doctor |
| Zanzibar with a layover or origin in a risk zone (for example Nairobi, Addis Ababa) | Certificate may be required | Same |
| Safari on the mainland | Depends on origin | Moderate to high risk, prophylaxis often recommended |
Yellow fever: the certificate
Sources agree: the certificate is only asked from travellers coming from a risk zone or who transited there for more than 12 hours in the last 6 days. One source says the vaccine must be given at least 10 days before arrival. Zanzibar follows the same rule as mainland Tanzania. Layovers in Nairobi or Addis Ababa are the most common trap.
Malaria, dengue, other vaccines
Malaria is handled by prevention (net, repellent) and, depending on your route, preventive treatment: only a doctor can decide. Dengue exists on the coast and in Zanzibar, and a vaccine exists. Travel clinics also offer routine vaccines and sometimes rabies for a long stay or safari, but not cholera for an ordinary trip. For the e-visa and insurance, see visa, vaccines and formalities; for health cover and evacuation, see travel insurance Zanzibar.
FAQ
Do you need a vaccine to go to Zanzibar?
None is mandatory for everyone; yellow fever depends on origin.
Is there malaria in Zanzibar?
One source speaks of practically no risk, others of risk on the mainland: ask a doctor depending on your complete route.
When to get vaccinated?
Several weeks before departure; yellow fever at least 10 days before arrival according to one source.
Pour aller plus loin
Prepare your stay with money in Zanzibar and scams and safety.
