Zanzibar forms part of the East African nation of Tanzania. It is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean 25–50 km (15–30 mi) off the coast, consisting of numerous small islands and two large ones: Unguja (the main island, sometimes informally referred to as "Zanzibar"), and Pemba. Zanzibar was once a separate state with a long trading history within the Arab world; it united with Tanganyika to form Tanzania, and still enjoys a high degree of autonomy within the union. The capital of Zanzibar, located on the island of Unguja, is Zanzibar City, and its old quarter, known as Stone Town , is a World Heritage Site.

Zanzibar's main industries are spices and tourism. It is still sometimes referred to as the Spice Islands, because of the significance of its production of cloves, of which it is a world leader, and also nutmeg, cinnamon and pepper. The ecology is of note for being the home of the endemic Zanzibar Red Colobus monkey, not to mention the diverse marine life found on the islands' surrounding coral reefs.

Zanzibar's rich history has been influenced by the Arabs, Persians, Indians, Portuguese, British and local tribes from the African mainland and this shows in the architecture. Stone Town is a place of winding lanes, ornately carved wooden doors, circular towers, raised terraces and beautiful mosques. Important architectural features are the Livingstone house, the Guliani Bridge, the House of Wonders and the Aga Khan's Old Dispensary Building.

Zanzibar was the first region in Africa to introduce colour television, in 1973. The current TV station is called TvZ. The first television service on mainland Tanzania was not introduced until some twenty years later!

General Information

  Time Zone
  GMT + 3

  Currency
  Tanzanian Shilling (Tsh)

  Approximate exchange rate
  US$ 1 = 1,100 Tanzanian Shillings

  Official languages
  Kiswahili & English

  Electricity
  220 - 240 V AC, 50 Hz

    Religion
    Predominantly Islam

       International Dialing code
      + 255 24, followed by the local number

Visas and Entry Requirements

All visitors require a passport, valid for the duration of their stay. Visitors may obtain visas upon arriving at Zanzibar International Airport. Other points in Tanzania currently offering visa on entry are Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro International Airports, and Namanga on the road border between Tanzania and Kenya. Nationals of some countries do not require visas, so it is advisable to check with your nearest Tanzanian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate prior to visiting.

Key Tanzanian diplomatic missions:

Tanzania High Commission
43 Hertford Street
London W1Y 7FF
United Kingdom
Tel: + 44 20 7491 3600

www.tanzania-online.gov.uk

     
Tanzanian Embassy
2139 R Street NW
Washington DC 20008
United States
Tel: + 1 202 9396128

www.tanzaniaembassy-us.org


Yellow Fever - All visitors arriving from any country in which yellow fever is endemic will need to show proof of vaccination on arrival. Visitors flying directly into Tanzania from a non-endemic area are exempt. Endemic countries include Angola, Ethiopia, Rwanda and Uganda but travellers transiting through international airports are also exempt. If in doubt please check for more information on the Tanzania visa links above or directly with your nearest Tanzanian consulate.