Zanzibar People & Culture

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Zanzibar Health Information

Yellow Fever Inoculation Certificate
A valid International Yellow Fever, Vaccination certificate could be demanded from visitors on arrival as a precautionary public health measure. Exemptions are made to travelers coming on direct flights from non endemic areas such as Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand and some parts of the Middle East. For these visitors evidence of Yellow Fever Vaccination is not mandatory.

Travelers who before coming to Zanzibar, intend to transit through endemic areas even for a brief stay are strongly advised to protect themselves with vaccination against Yellow Fever, at least 2 weeks before departure from their home countries.

The inoculation is obtainable from your nearest travel clinic or from your local physician. Staple it into the front of your passport if you are afraid of losing it. Most African countries require this certificate, so don’t ever be without it when traveling in Africa.

Malaria
Zanzibar is situated in a malaria zone, so it is recommended that you consult your physician on the prescription right for you. Pregnant women are not allowed to take Malaria prevention drugs, and are cautioned before entering any malaria area.

Malaria precaution tips include wearing long sleeved shirts and trousers in the evenings. Note that the best prevention for malaria is not getting bitten by mosquitoes

Mosquitoes favour night conditions. Be sure to take a repellent, and cover all exposed areas of your body (e.g. neck and arms). If the heat is too much and you wear a short sleeved shirt, make sure you smear/ spray your arms with repellent. At night before you go to bed, make sure your mosquito net is either touching the ground, or is tucked in, and your exposed areas (especially your ankles) are protected with repellent.