Zanzibar International Airport, also known as Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, is located 6 km southwest of Stone Town, the island's main city. The airport's IATA code is ZNZ, and it features three terminal buildings. Terminal 3, which opened in October 2020, handles all international arrivals and departures, offering a spacious and air-conditioned arrivals hall, a departures lounge with Wi-Fi, dining options, and business zones. Terminal 2 is used for domestic flights and airport office functions, while Terminal 1 is currently inactive.
The airport's runway can accommodate wide-body aircraft, and several international airlines operate here regularly, including Turkish Airlines and Ethiopian Airlines. When multiple international flights land at the same time, immigration queues can grow, but travelers report that the wait is manageable and significantly improved from previous years. The airport's compact size makes it easy to navigate, and travelers can expect a relatively smooth arrival process.
As of October 1, 2024, non-resident visitors entering Zanzibar are required to have inbound insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC). This mandatory insurance covers basic medical assistance and emergency support within Zanzibar and is valid for stays of up to 92 days. The policy can be purchased online through the official portal, inbound.visitzanzibar.go.tz, and costs $44 for adults, $22 for children aged 3-17, and is free for children under 3.
Travelers should note that the ZIC insurance is not a comprehensive travel policy and does not replace the need for personal travel insurance with evacuation coverage. The insurance policy can be checked at various points during the trip, and visitors are advised to keep the QR code and certificate handy. If travelers arrive without the insurance, they can still purchase it on arrival, but it is recommended to buy it before traveling to avoid any inconvenience.
Getting from the airport to your hotel is a crucial part of the travel plan. Transfer times vary significantly depending on the destination, with Stone Town center taking around 15-20 minutes by taxi, costing around $10-15. The east coast, including Paje and Jambiani, takes around an hour, with a typical taxi fare of around $40. The north coast, including Nungwi and Kendwa, takes around 1-1.5 hours, with a typical taxi fare of around $40-55.
Travelers have several transfer options, including pre-booked hotel transfers, private taxis, and dala-dalas (shared minibuses). Pre-booked hotel transfers are recommended for first-time arrivals and late-night flights, while private taxis are widely available at the exit of the arrivals hall. Dala-dalas are a cost-effective option for solo travelers with minimal luggage and flexibility, but may not be suitable for late-night arrivals or larger groups with bags.
Zanzibar International Airport is well-connected, with several international airlines operating flights to and from the island. These include Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Kenya Airways, RwandAir, flydubai, and Condor. Regional and inter-island carriers, such as Auric Air, Coastal Aviation, Flightlink, Air Tanzania, and ZanAir, also operate flights to and from Zanzibar, offering travelers a range of options for their journey.
Key points
- As of October 1, 2024, non-resident visitors entering Zanzibar must have inbound insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC).
