If you live in Ealing or West London and you are travelling to Zanzibar, your health plan should start before you fly. Some travel vaccines protect you from serious infections. Others may be checked at borders, depending on your route.

This guide is for UK travellers going to Zanzibar, including package holidays, family trips, and multi stop itineraries across East Africa.

Vaccines and malaria advice depend on your itinerary, season, activities, length of stay, and medical history. A travel consultation helps you get advice that fits your plans.

Why injections matter for Zanzibar travel

Travel injections matter for two reasons.

One is entry requirements. In some situations you may be asked for proof of vaccination.

The other is personal protection. Many infections spread through food, water, close contact, or insect bites. Vaccines can reduce your risk and reduce illness severity.

Do you need injections to go to Zanzibar?

Two categories matter.

Entry requirements are vaccines you might be asked to prove at the border. This can depend on where you travelled from or transited through.

Recommended travel vaccines are vaccines that protect you from health risks linked to your trip, even if nobody checks your paperwork.

Advice can vary between Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania. Risk can change with location, time of year, and activities. Island travel can still involve mosquito borne disease, food and water risks, and limited access to urgent medical care outside main towns.

Zanzibar vaccine requirements: what you might be asked for

Yellow fever certificate, when it is required

Zanzibar is part of Tanzania. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is usually only required if you arrive from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission, or if you have a long airport transit in a risk country on the way.

Your certificate becomes valid 10 days after vaccination. Under international rules, the certificate is valid for life for most people.

If you arrive and you do not have proof when it is required, you may face delays. You may be denied entry, quarantined, or offered vaccination at the border. Border decisions can disrupt your plans, especially during busy travel periods.

Routine vaccines you should be up to date with

Before you travel, check you are up to date with UK routine vaccines and boosters. These often include:

• Tetanus, diphtheria and polio

• Measles, mumps and rubella

• Seasonal flu if eligible

• COVID 19 if eligible

A travel consultation can also check whether a booster is due.

Recommended Zanzibar injections: most common travel vaccines

These are common recommendations for travellers to Zanzibar. Timing varies, so earlier planning helps.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A spreads through contaminated food and water. It is a common recommendation for travel where hygiene standards can vary.

A single dose can provide protection before travel if given in time. A later booster may be advised for longer lasting protection. Aim to have it well before you depart.

Typhoid

Typhoid spreads through contaminated food and water. Risk rises if you are eating from street vendors, travelling in rural areas, or staying for longer.

Protection can be offered as an injection. It is best given before travel, with enough time for your immune response to build.

Tetanus, diphtheria and polio booster

A Td IPV booster is often advised for travel if your last dose was many years ago, or if your routine schedule is incomplete.

This is relevant if you are doing outdoor activities, travelling to remote areas, or you want cover for injury related infection risk.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B spreads through blood and body fluids. Consider it if you may have medical or dental treatment abroad, if you are travelling for a long time, or if you may have new sexual partners.

It can also be relevant for people who may get tattoos or piercings while travelling. Courses can involve more than one dose, so start early where possible.

Rabies

Rabies is rare in travellers, but it is serious. Consider vaccination if you may be around animals, travelling in remote areas, or doing activities where falls and injuries are more likely, such as scooters, cycling, or adventure travel.

Vaccination does not remove the need for urgent medical care after an animal bite or scratch. It can simplify post exposure treatment and can buy time if you are far from a clinic.

Cholera, selected travellers

Cholera is linked to poor sanitation and unsafe water. Most short stay resort travellers are not routinely advised to have it.

It may be considered for aid work, outbreak settings, or travellers who will be in higher risk living conditions. Your consultation can assess if it fits your itinerary.

Malaria in Zanzibar: do you need tablets?

Malaria prevention usually means tablets, not injections.

Risk can be lower in some parts of Zanzibar than on the mainland, yet malaria can still occur. Guidance changes based on current patterns and your specific route.

Even if tablets are advised, bite prevention is still essential.

✅ Use insect repellent with an effective concentration

✅ Wear long sleeves and trousers in the evening

✅ Sleep in air conditioned rooms or use bed nets

✅ Keep doors and windows closed where possible

Extra caution is important if you are pregnant, travelling with children, or you have a weakened immune system. Malaria can be more severe in these groups.

When to get Zanzibar injections

Ideal timeline

Six to eight weeks before travel is best. This allows time for courses that need multiple doses and for your immune response to develop.

Two to three weeks before travel is still useful. Many vaccines can still be given and can still offer protection.

Last minute travellers can often still take action. A consultation can prioritise what is most important and what can be started immediately, with follow up doses arranged for later if needed.

Appointment planning

Some trips need one appointment. Others need more than one, depending on your vaccine history and which vaccines you choose.

Some courses need spacing between doses. Your travel clinic can plan this around your departure date.

Zanzibar travel health checklist beyond vaccines

Traveller’s diarrhoea is common. Hand hygiene and food choices matter.

Choose food that is freshly cooked and served hot. Choose fruit you can peel yourself. Avoid ice if you are unsure how it was made.

Use bottled or treated water for drinking and brushing teeth if needed.

Mosquito bites can also spread infections such as dengue or chikungunya. Bite prevention helps even when malaria risk seems lower.

Heat and sun can cause dehydration quickly. Drink regularly, use high factor sun cream, and plan shade breaks.

A basic travel kit can help. Consider oral rehydration salts, plasters, antiseptic wipes, pain relief, and any regular medicines in original packaging.

Who should get a travel consultation before Zanzibar?

A consultation is especially useful if you are:

• Pregnant or trying to conceive

• Travelling with children

• Living with a chronic condition

• Immunosuppressed

• Managing severe allergies

• Planning a long stay or adventure travel

It also helps if you have complex stopovers, since entry requirements can depend on where you transit.

Zanzibar injections cost: what affects price?

Costs depend on how many vaccines you need, whether boosters are due, whether combination vaccines are suitable, and how close your departure date is.

Some vaccines are available through NHS services for eligible groups, while many travel vaccines are typically provided privately. Availability can vary.

At South Ealing Pharmacy, examples of vaccines offered include:

• Typhoid Vaccine £30

• Hepatitis B Vaccine £42

• Hepatitis A Vaccine £48

• Hep A and Hep B Vaccine £85

• Rabies Vaccine £84

• Cholera Vaccine £48

• Yellow Fever Vaccine £85

• Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine £119

• Tick Borne Encephalitis Vaccine £78

• HPV Vaccine £192

Specialty vaccines also available:

• Diphtheria Tetanus Polio Vaccine £36

• Meningitis ACWY £72

• Meningitis B Vaccine £118

• Shingles Vaccine £220

NHS vaccines offered include NHS Flu and NHS COVID 19 Vaccine, subject to eligibility.

A travel consultation is the best way to get a clear plan and an accurate quote based on your records and itinerary.

Book your Zanzibar travel vaccines in Ealing

Bring your vaccination record if you have it, plus your travel itinerary and flight stopovers. Tell the pharmacist about planned activities, medical conditions, medicines, and allergies.

South Ealing Pharmacy runs a travel clinic for Ealing and West London travellers, with travel consultations and vaccinations tailored to your route.

Book Appointment

FAQs

Do I need yellow fever for Zanzibar?

Not always. Proof is usually only needed if you arrive from, or have a long transit through, a country where yellow fever risk is present.

What injections are recommended for Zanzibar?

Common recommendations include hepatitis A, typhoid, and a tetanus diphtheria polio booster. Hepatitis B, rabies, and cholera may be advised for some travellers.

How far in advance should I get travel vaccines?

Six to eight weeks before travel is ideal. Two to three weeks can still be useful. Even last minute appointments can help prioritise protection.

Is malaria high risk in Zanzibar?

Risk varies by area and can change. Tablets may be advised for some travellers, alongside bite prevention measures.

Can I get Zanzibar vaccines last minute?

Often yes. A consultation can identify what can be given immediately and what can be scheduled as a course.

Are Zanzibar travel vaccines available on the NHS?

Some vaccines are offered on the NHS for eligible groups, while many travel vaccines are usually provided privately. A consultation can clarify what applies to you.