Travelling to Zanzibar from Algeria: visa, insurance, season and tips

Every month, thousands of people in Algeria type "Zanzibar" into Google, and the same questions keep coming back: do I need a visa, when should I go, how do I get there, where should I stay? Zanzibar has plenty to offer Algerian travellers: Indian Ocean beaches, an old town on the UNESCO World Heritage List and a familiar atmosphere. Here is what you need to know, with links to official sources for anything to do with entry rules.

Where is Zanzibar?

Zanzibar is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of East Africa. It is a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania: the former state of Zanzibar united with Tanganyika in 1964 to form today's Tanzania. The main island is called Unguja, but everyone simply says "Zanzibar". The islands are famous for their spices, cloves above all.

The change of scene is a gentle one for Algerian visitors. Zanzibar's population is overwhelmingly Muslim, and the alleys of the old town are lined with houses, shops and mosques. Swahili, the local language, has a great many words borrowed from Arabic, and standard Swahili is based on the dialect of Zanzibar itself.

Visa: what to check

As a rule, travellers with an Algerian passport need a visa to enter Tanzania, Zanzibar included. Applications are made online on the official Tanzanian immigration portal: you fill in the form, pay and submit your file there, and the visa covers both the mainland and Zanzibar. Rules can change (visa on arrival, processing times, documents required), so check the latest conditions with the Tanzanian embassy or on the official website before you travel. Nreservi does not handle visa applications. Looking for an easier option? See our list of visa-free countries for Algerians.

Mandatory travel insurance since 1 October 2026

This is the big change this season. Since 1 October 2026, every foreign visitor entering Tanzania, on the mainland or in Zanzibar, must buy mandatory local travel insurance, even if they already have their own policy. The insurer depends on where you first enter the country: the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) if you reach the island first, the National Insurance Corporation (NIC) if you arrive on the mainland first. One policy covers your whole stay, and it can be bought online before departure. Keep the certificate with your passport. As the rule is new, read the official travel advice again just before you book: it also covers the current situation in the country.

Health: prepare a few weeks ahead

Two points come up in official health advice. Yellow fever first: a vaccination certificate is required on arrival if you are coming from a country where the virus circulates, depending on your route. Malaria is present in Tanzania, so discuss prevention with a doctor before you leave. Book an appointment with your doctor or an international vaccination centre, and follow the latest guidance from the health authorities.

When to go

Zanzibar has two rainy seasons: the "long rains" from March to May and the "short rains" from October to December. In between, from June to September and again in January and February, the weather is generally drier. Searches for "Zanzibar" from Algeria also peak in summer. To match your dates with the holidays, see our 2026-2027 school holiday calendar.

Getting to the island

Zanzibar has an international airport close to Stone Town. You can also arrive by ferry from Dar es Salaam, the big coastal city on the mainland: regular crossings link the port of Dar es Salaam with Stone Town. Choose a reputable operator and do not board a boat that looks overloaded.

What to see

• Stone Town, the old town, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2000: coral-stone houses, famous carved wooden doors, and Christ Church Anglican Cathedral, built on the site of the old slave market.
• The dolphins of Kizimkazi, in the south of the island: boat trips go out every day to see them.
• Mnemba Atoll, off the north-east coast, known for snorkelling and diving.
• Jozani Forest, home to the Zanzibar red colobus, a monkey found only on the island.

Zanzibar and a safari

Many travellers combine the beach with a safari on the mainland. Tanzania has several World Heritage Sites, including Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest point at 5,895 metres, Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. A combined trip needs more days and local arrangements, so talk to our team before you set your dates.

Plan and book with Nreservi

Send us your dates, the number of travellers and what you have in mind (beach, honeymoon, all-inclusive): our team suggests hotels in Zanzibar and confirms the day's price before anything is booked. To choose your part of the island, read our guide Where to stay in Zanzibar. In Algeria you pay in dinars without a bank card: BaridiMob, bank transfer or cash at our Telemly office. Living abroad? You can also pay online by bank card, and your voucher is sent to you after payment. Looking for other ideas? See our package holidays.

Ask for a Zanzibar quote

Nreservi, online travel agency — 1st floor, 116 boulevard Colonel Krim Belkacem (Telemly), Algiers Centre — +213 540 28 40 40.