Yes, Zanzibar is generally safe for tourists, especially when staying at established beach resorts, using reputable tour operators and taking normal travel precautions. Thousands of visitors enjoy Zanzibar every year without serious problems.
However, Zanzibar is not entirely risk-free. Petty theft, dishonest touts, unsafe road transport, changing ocean conditions and cultural misunderstandings can affect travellers. Visitors should also monitor current travel advisories, avoid political demonstrations and respect Zanzibar’s conservative local customs.
The best way to stay safe is simple: arrange airport transfers in advance, use licensed guides, avoid isolated areas after dark, protect your valuables and ask local experts when you are unsure.
Is It Safe to Travel to Zanzibar Right Now?
Zanzibar remains open to international tourism, with flights, hotels, tours and beach activities operating normally. However, travellers should check their government’s latest Tanzania travel advice immediately before departure because security, political and health guidance can change.
As of September 2026, official travel-advice levels differ by country:
- UK advice warns against travel to a specific part of southern mainland Tanzania near Mozambique; this warning does not include Zanzibar.
- Australian advice recommends exercising a high degree of caution in Tanzania because of crime and possible civil unrest.
- The current US advisory asks travellers to reconsider travel to Tanzania because of crime, unrest, terrorism concerns and risks affecting LGBT travellers.
These are national advisories and do not necessarily mean that Zanzibar’s main resort areas are experiencing active disruption. Nevertheless, travellers should avoid demonstrations, political gatherings and large crowds. See the latest UK Tanzania travel advice and US Tanzania travel advisory before travelling.
How Safe Is Zanzibar for Tourists?
Zanzibar’s principal tourism areas are generally welcoming and accustomed to international visitors. These include:
- Nungwi
- Kendwa
- Matemwe
- Kiwengwa
- Paje
- Jambiani
- Michamvi
- Stone Town
Most tourist visits are trouble-free, but travellers should use the same judgement they would use in any unfamiliar destination.
The most common concerns are opportunistic theft, inflated prices, unlicensed guides, persistent sellers and poorly maintained local transport. Serious incidents are less common, but no destination can be described as completely safe.
The most useful Zanzibar safety precautions are:
- Book airport and hotel transfers before arrival.
- Use recognised tour companies and licensed local guides.
- Do not display large amounts of cash or expensive jewellery.
- Leave passports and unnecessary valuables in your hotel safe.
- Carry only the money you expect to use that day.
- Avoid deserted beaches and unfamiliar streets after dark.
- Do not accept drinks from strangers or leave drinks unattended.
- Confirm excursion prices and inclusions before departure.
- Use a reputable taxi arranged by your hotel or tour operator.
- Avoid demonstrations, rallies and politically charged gatherings.
- Keep digital and paper copies of your passport and insurance.
- Save your hotel’s and tour operator’s emergency contacts.
Is Stone Town Zanzibar Safe?
Stone Town is generally safe to explore during the day, particularly around its historic attractions, markets, waterfront and main shopping streets. Its narrow lanes are part of its charm, but they can also become confusing for first-time visitors.
Petty theft and bag-snatching can occur in crowded areas such as markets, transport points and busy streets. Some visitors also encounter persistent touts offering tours, taxis or shopping assistance.
A locally guided Stone Town tour is one of the easiest ways to explore the town confidently. A guide can navigate the alleys, explain the history and help visitors avoid unreliable sellers.
At night, remain around well-used streets and established restaurants. Avoid walking alone through quiet or poorly lit alleys, especially if you do not know the area. Ask your hotel to arrange a taxi for the return journey.
Is Paje Zanzibar Safe?
Paje is generally considered safe for tourists and is one of Zanzibar’s most popular areas for kitesurfing, beach holidays and nightlife. The village has many hotels, restaurants and activity providers serving international travellers.
The main precautions in Paje relate to belongings, late-night movement and the ocean:
- Do not leave phones or bags unattended on the beach.
- Avoid walking alone through quiet village roads late at night.
- Arrange transport after visiting bars or late-night events.
- Use an established kitesurfing or watersports centre.
- Ask about tides, wind and reef conditions before entering the sea.
- Wear reef shoes where coral, rock or sea urchins may be present.
Paje’s beach changes significantly with the tide. At low tide, the water retreats a long distance, while conditions during incoming tides can change quickly.
Is Zanzibar Safe at Night?
Zanzibar’s established resorts are generally comfortable at night, particularly when they provide security and controlled access. Restaurants and beachfront areas in busy tourist centres can also remain active after sunset.
Nevertheless, visitors should avoid walking long distances along empty beaches or unfamiliar village roads at night. Lighting can be limited, and some roads do not have pavements.
Use a pre-arranged taxi when travelling between your hotel, restaurants and nightlife venues. Do not walk home alone while carrying a phone openly or after drinking heavily.
Is Zanzibar Safe for Female Travellers?
Zanzibar can be safe for women, including solo female travellers, when sensible precautions are followed. Many women travel around the island independently and have enjoyable, trouble-free holidays.
Unwanted attention, persistent conversation or verbal harassment can occur. A calm but firm refusal is normally the best response. Avoid sharing your hotel name, room number or travel plans with strangers.
Female travellers should consider the following:
- Arrange airport transfers before arriving.
- Use reputable taxis, guides and excursion companies.
- Tell the hotel or another trusted person where you are going.
- Avoid deserted beaches and isolated streets after dark.
- Do not accept lifts from strangers.
- Watch drinks in bars and social settings.
- Dress more conservatively outside beach resorts.
- Carry a charged phone and local emergency contacts.
Swimwear is normal at resort beaches and pools. When entering villages, markets, Stone Town or other public places, cover the shoulders and knees where practical.
Is Zanzibar Safe for Solo Travellers?
Yes, Zanzibar is a popular destination for solo travellers. The island has social hotels, organised tours, diving centres, kitesurfing schools and group excursions that make it relatively easy to meet other visitors.
Solo travellers should be more careful about isolated beaches, unofficial transport and revealing too much personal information. Booking the first airport transfer and the first few nights of accommodation in advance makes arrival considerably easier.
Joining organised trips is also safer than accepting an informal tour from someone approaching you on the beach.
Is Zanzibar Safe for Families?
Zanzibar is generally a good destination for families. Many resorts provide family rooms, children’s pools, kids’ clubs, babysitting services and organised excursions.
Parents should pay particular attention to:
- Unfenced swimming pools
- Strong sun and dehydration
- Changing tides and currents
- Coral, rocks and sea urchins
- Mosquito protection
- Road traffic
- Food allergies
- Boat safety
- Balcony and room security
Children should be supervised closely around the ocean, even where the water appears shallow. On boat trips, confirm that properly fitting child life jackets are available before leaving shore.
When travelling with a minor, carry the documents required by your nationality and airline. Requirements may include a birth certificate or a consent letter when a child travels with only one parent.
Is Zanzibar Safe for White Tourists?
Zanzibar welcomes travellers of every nationality and ethnicity, and its tourism industry serves visitors from across Africa, Europe, Asia, the Americas and the Middle East.
A traveller’s visibility as a foreign tourist can sometimes attract sellers, touts or inflated opening prices. This is normally commercial attention rather than a threat specifically connected to being white. Use polite but firm responses, agree on prices beforehand and book important services through established providers.
All travellers should remain alert to discrimination, harassment or unusual behaviour and contact their hotel, tour operator or embassy if a serious problem occurs.
Is Zanzibar Safe for LGBT Travellers?
LGBT travellers need to exercise particular caution in Zanzibar. Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Tanzania, including Zanzibar, and local attitudes are conservative.
Public displays of affection between same-sex couples may attract attention and can create legal or personal-safety risks. Travellers should not assume that the protections or social attitudes found in their home country apply in Zanzibar.
This does not mean that LGBT people cannot visit, but it is important to understand the law, remain discreet in public and carefully review current government advice before booking. The UK government’s Tanzania safety guidance provides current information about local laws affecting LGBT travellers.
Is It Safe to Swim in Zanzibar?
Swimming in Zanzibar can be safe, but conditions vary considerably by beach, tide and season. Zanzibar is surrounded by the Indian Ocean, and not every beach has lifeguards or clearly marked swimming areas.
Nungwi and Kendwa generally offer more convenient swimming throughout much of the tidal cycle. Along the east and southeast coasts, including Paje, Jambiani, Matemwe and Kiwengwa, the ocean may retreat hundreds of metres at low tide.
Before swimming:
- Ask your hotel about currents and tide times.
- Do not swim alone at an unfamiliar beach.
- Avoid swimming after drinking alcohol.
- Wear reef shoes in rocky or coral areas.
- Watch for sea urchins exposed at low tide.
- Do not touch coral or unfamiliar marine animals.
- Keep children within reach.
- Follow warning flags and local instructions.
- Leave the water if weather or visibility deteriorates.
If taking a snorkelling, diving, dolphin or sandbank excursion, choose an experienced operator that carries life jackets, communication equipment and basic emergency supplies.
Are Boat Trips in Zanzibar Safe?
Most organised Zanzibar boat excursions operate without incident, but safety standards vary. Before boarding, check that the vessel appears maintained and is not overloaded.
A reputable operator should provide:
- Enough life jackets for every passenger
- Child-sized life jackets when required
- An experienced captain and crew
- Weather and tide checks
- Emergency communication
- Clear meeting and return arrangements
Do not board a visibly overcrowded or poorly maintained vessel. For travel between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar, use an established ferry operator and remain alert around busy port areas.
Is It Safe to Drive in Zanzibar?
Visitors can rent cars in Zanzibar, but self-driving is not the easiest option for everyone. Driving is on the left. Roads outside the main routes may be narrow, poorly lit or shared with pedestrians, bicycles, livestock and motorcycles.
Police checkpoints are common, and visitors must carry the correct driving documents and any locally required permit. Rental companies should explain these requirements before handing over the vehicle.
Avoid driving at night where possible. Limited lighting, unexpected speed bumps, pedestrians and vehicles without proper lights can make night driving difficult.
For most holidaymakers, pre-arranged transfers with an experienced local driver are more relaxing and practical than renting a car.
Is Public Transport Safe in Zanzibar?
Local minibuses, known as dala dalas, are inexpensive and widely used, but they can be crowded and may not meet the safety or comfort standards expected by international visitors.
Motorcycle taxis and some informal taxis may also have limited safety equipment or insurance. For dependable journeys, particularly at night or with luggage, arrange transport through your hotel or tour operator.
Before entering a taxi, confirm:
- The driver’s identity
- The agreed fare
- Your destination
- Whether the trip is private or shared
- The vehicle’s general condition
Crime and Scams in Zanzibar
The main crime risk for tourists is opportunistic theft. Phones, wallets, cameras and handbags can attract attention when left unattended or carried openly in crowded places.
Common situations to handle carefully include:
- Someone offering an unsolicited tour
- A stranger insisting on helping with luggage
- Unofficial money exchange
- An excursion price that is unusually low
- Requests for donations based on an elaborate story
- Beach sellers following visitors after they have declined
- Unexpected additions to an agreed taxi or tour price
- Anyone asking to see your passport without clear authority
Not every unsolicited offer is a scam, but important services should be verified before money changes hands. Request written confirmation showing the price, date, inclusions and cancellation conditions.
Health and Medical Safety in Zanzibar
Travellers should speak to a qualified medical professional before travelling, particularly if pregnant, managing a health condition or travelling with young children.
Mosquito-borne illnesses remain an important consideration. Use insect repellent, sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms where possible and follow professional advice about malaria prevention.
Food and water precautions are also sensible:
- Drink sealed bottled or properly treated water.
- Check that bottled-water seals are intact.
- Eat food that is freshly prepared and served hot.
- Be cautious with raw seafood and unrefrigerated food.
- Wash or sanitise hands before eating.
- Carry any essential medication in its original packaging.
Medical facilities are more limited than in many travellers’ home countries. Serious illness or injury may require evacuation to mainland Tanzania, Kenya or another destination with more advanced facilities.
Is Zanzibar Safe During Pregnancy?
Pregnant travellers should obtain individual medical advice before booking. The decision will depend on the stage of pregnancy, personal health, airline restrictions and current mosquito-borne disease guidance.
Consider:
- Malaria and other mosquito-borne illnesses
- Heat and dehydration
- Food and water safety
- Distance from advanced maternity care
- Medical-evacuation coverage
- Boat journeys and rough roads
- Airline rules for later pregnancy
Do not rely solely on standard resort or entry insurance. Confirm that your main travel-insurance policy covers pregnancy-related treatment and emergency evacuation. Official health guidance stresses the importance of adequate medical and evacuation cover for pregnant travellers. TravelHealthPro publishes current destination-specific health information.
Zanzibar’s Mandatory Travel Insurance
Foreign visitors entering Zanzibar must obtain Zanzibar’s mandatory inbound travel insurance, even when they already have separate international travel insurance.
According to current official information, the policy costs USD 44 per adult and USD 22 per child aged 3–17 and covers stays of up to 92 days. Travellers should confirm the latest price and terms through the official Zanzibar inbound-insurance portal before departure.
The mandatory local policy should not automatically be treated as a substitute for comprehensive international travel insurance. Check that your main policy covers:
- Medical treatment
- Emergency evacuation
- Trip cancellation
- Lost luggage
- Watersports
- Diving
- Kitesurfing
- Scooter or vehicle use
- Pre-existing medical conditions
Local Laws and Customs
Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim and culturally conservative. Visitors are warmly welcomed, but respecting local customs makes travel safer and more comfortable.
Swimwear is appropriate at hotel pools and tourist beaches. Cover shoulders and knees when visiting villages, markets, religious sites and Stone Town.
Travellers should also remember:
- Drug laws are strict and penalties can be severe.
- Avoid photographing police, airports, military sites and government facilities.
- Ask permission before photographing local people.
- Public drunkenness and disruptive behaviour may cause offence.
- Same-sex sexual activity is illegal.
- Single-use plastic carrier bags are restricted.
- Public displays of affection should remain discreet.
- Extra sensitivity is appreciated during Ramadan.
What to Do in an Emergency in Zanzibar
Save important numbers before leaving your hotel because internet access or mobile coverage may not always be dependable.
Current national emergency numbers listed by the US Department of State include:
- Police: 112
- Ambulance: 115
- Fire: 114
- Crime prevention: 111
Emergency response times and resources can be limited. In many situations, your hotel, local ground handler or tour operator may be able to provide faster practical assistance.
Our Local View: Is Zanzibar a Safe Holiday Destination?
Yes, Zanzibar can be a safe and rewarding holiday destination when the trip is organised properly. The majority of visitors enjoy its beaches, historic Stone Town, spice farms, marine excursions and Swahili culture without experiencing serious safety problems.
The biggest difference often comes down to planning. Know who is meeting you at the airport, choose the right area for your holiday, use reputable excursion providers and have a reliable local contact throughout your stay.
At The Holiday Dealers, we arrange Zanzibar holidays with confirmed hotels, organised transfers and trusted local guides. This gives you someone on the ground to contact if your flight changes, you need assistance or you are uncertain about a local arrangement.
Zanzibar Safety FAQs
Is Zanzibar safe for tourists?
Zanzibar is generally safe for tourists who stay in recognised accommodation, use reputable transport and tours, protect their belongings and avoid isolated places after dark.
Is Zanzibar safe to visit right now?
Zanzibar remains open to tourism, but official travel advisories can change. Check your government’s current Tanzania guidance before departure and avoid demonstrations or large political gatherings.
Is Zanzibar safe for UK tourists?
Many UK tourists visit Zanzibar, but travellers should follow current FCDO advice, obtain suitable insurance and respect local laws. Current UK regional warnings for Tanzania do not specifically include Zanzibar.
Is Zanzibar safe for Americans?
Americans can visit Zanzibar, but the US Department of State currently advises reconsidering travel to Tanzania. US travellers should read the complete advisory, register for updates and maintain a contingency plan.
Is Zanzibar safe for white tourists?
Yes, Zanzibar is generally safe for white tourists and white visitors are a familiar sight across the island.
Is Zanzibar safe for solo female travellers?
It can be, provided travellers arrange trusted transport, avoid isolated areas at night, dress appropriately away from resorts and do not disclose personal accommodation details to strangers.
Is Zanzibar safe at night?
Busy resort areas are generally comfortable, but tourists should avoid deserted beaches and poorly lit streets. Arrange a taxi for journeys after dark.
Is it safe to drink tap water in Zanzibar?
Visitors are normally advised to drink sealed bottled or properly treated water rather than untreated tap water.
Is street food safe in Zanzibar?
Popular, busy vendors serving freshly cooked food can be a good choice. Avoid food that has been left uncovered, inadequately refrigerated or served lukewarm.
Is it safe to rent a car in Zanzibar?
It is possible, but visitors need the correct documents and should understand local road conditions. Avoid night driving and rent only from a reputable company.
Is it safe to swim in the sea in Zanzibar?
Usually, yes, but currents, tides, coral and sea urchins vary by location. Ask locally about conditions and do not swim alone at an unfamiliar beach.
Is Zanzibar safe for children?
Zanzibar is generally family-friendly, but children require close supervision around swimming pools, beaches, boats, roads and animals.
Is Zanzibar safe for gay couples?
LGBT travellers face legal and social risks because same-sex sexual activity is illegal. Couples should review current official guidance and avoid public displays of affection.
Is Zanzibar safe to live in?
Many international residents live in Zanzibar, but long-term living involves considerations beyond a holiday, including healthcare, residency rules, transport, property arrangements and local cultural expectations.
Is Zanzibar a country?
No. Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous part of Tanzania. It has its own local government for certain matters but is not an independent country.
