Landing at Zanzibar International Airport ZNZ, officially known as Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, is a bit of a trip. Literally. One minute you're staring at the turquoise swirls of the Indian Ocean from 30,000 feet, and the next, you're stepping onto the tarmac into a wall of heat that smells faintly of salt and cloves. It’s chaotic. It’s colorful. Honestly, it’s exactly the kind of welcome you’d expect from an island that’s spent centuries as a global crossroads.
But let's be real for a second.
If you haven't been here lately, the old stories about the airport being a tiny, sweltering shed are mostly outdated. Things changed big time with the opening of Terminal 3. It’s modern. It has glass. It has actual air conditioning that works most of the time. But even with the upgrades, ZNZ has its quirks that can trip up even the most seasoned travelers. You need to know how the flow works, or you’ll end up stuck in a visa line while everyone else is already halfway to Nungwi.
The Terminal Shuffle: Terminal 2 vs. Terminal 3
For the longest time, Terminal 2 was the only game in town. It was crowded. You've probably seen the old reviews complaining about the lack of space. Today, Terminal 2 is mostly the hub for domestic hops—think flights to Dar es Salaam, Arusha, or those tiny bush planes heading to the Serengeti. If you're flying Precision Air or Coastal Aviation, this is likely where you'll spend your time. It’s functional, but it’s definitely "old school" Zanzibar.
Then there’s Terminal 3.
This was a massive $128 million project that finally gave the island an entry point capable of handling the big birds from Qatar Airways, Emirates, and Turkish Airlines. It’s where the international action happens. When you land at Zanzibar International Airport ZNZ from outside Tanzania, this is your doorstep. The layout is pretty intuitive, but the bureaucracy can still feel a bit "analog" despite the shiny surroundings.
Pro tip: If you're arriving on an international flight but then connecting to a domestic one, you’ll have to physically exit Terminal 3 and walk or take a quick shuttle over to Terminal 2. Don’t assume your bags will just magically reappear on the small plane.
Navigating the Visa Maze and Entry Requirements
Tanzania's visa system is... interesting. You can get a Visa on Arrival, but honestly, it’s a gamble. Sometimes it takes twenty minutes. Sometimes it takes two hours. If three big flights land at the same time, the hall becomes a sea of tired tourists clutching $50 or $100 bills.
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Basically, do yourself a favor and get the E-Visa online at least two weeks before you fly. It doesn't always save you from standing in a line, but it saves you from the paperwork stress.
Wait. There’s a new thing.
As of late 2024, Zanzibar implemented a mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance. This is specific to Zanzibar (Unguja and Pemba) and is separate from any travel insurance you already have. You have to book it through the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) website. It costs $44 per person. You might get checked for it at the health desk before you even hit passport control. If you don't have it, you'll be redirected to a kiosk to buy it on the spot. It’s a bit of a headache, but it’s the law now, so just factor it into your budget.
The Yellow Fever Question
People get stressed about Yellow Fever cards. Here is the deal: if you are flying directly from Europe, the US, or the Middle East, you generally don't need it. However, if you are transiting through a "Yellow Fever endemic" country (like Kenya or Ethiopia) for more than 12 hours, the health officers at Zanzibar International Airport ZNZ will likely ask to see your Yellow Book. If you're coming from mainland Tanzania, you usually don't need it, but since rules change like the tides, carrying that little yellow card is just smart travel.
Baggage, Porters, and the "Helpful" Hustle
Once you clear immigration, you hit the baggage claim. It’s a standard setup, but here’s where the "island vibes" start. You’ll see guys in official-looking vests offering to grab your bags. These are porters. They aren't free. If you let them touch your suitcase, expect to tip a couple of dollars or a few thousand Tanzanian Shillings.
If you want to handle your own stuff, just give a polite "Hapana asante" (No thank you) and keep moving.
Customs is usually a breeze, but they do have X-ray machines for exiting bags. Be aware that Zanzibar is strictly plastic bag free. If you have those plastic duty-free bags or even Ziplocs visible, they might take them. They’re pretty serious about keeping the island clean.
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Getting Out of ZNZ: The Transport Game
The exit gate is where the real Zanzibar begins. You'll be greeted by a wall of drivers holding signs. It’s loud. It’s hectic. It’s brilliant.
If you haven't pre-booked a transfer, you're going to pay the "tourist tax." A taxi to Stone Town (about 15-20 minutes away) should cost around $15 to $20. If you're heading all the way north to Nungwi or Kendwa, expect to pay $40 to $50.
- Official Taxis: They usually have a yellow stripe or a specific plate.
- Dala-Dalas: These are the local minibuses. They are incredibly cheap (less than a dollar), but they aren't for the faint of heart. They don't really have room for big suitcases, and they are packed tight. If you’re a backpacker on a budget, look for the route into Stone Town outside the airport gates.
- Car Rentals: There are desks inside the terminal. Just remember, you need a temporary Zanzibar driving permit (which the rental company arranges) to drive legally here. International permits alone aren't enough.
Money, SIM Cards, and Staying Connected
Don't leave the airport without a local SIM. While your hotel will have Wi-Fi, it will probably die the moment a palm frond touches a power line. Zantel is the undisputed king of coverage on the island.
There’s a Zantel kiosk right in the arrivals area. For about $10-$15, you can get a mountain of data that will last your whole trip. They’ll even register it for you right there—just bring your passport.
As for cash, there are ATMs at Zanzibar International Airport ZNZ, but they are notoriously finicky. Sometimes they run out of cash; sometimes they just don't like foreign Visa cards.
Expert Insight: Always carry a backup of US Dollars. Make sure the bills are printed after 2006. Many places in Zanzibar—including the airport desks—will flat-out refuse "old" head dollars because of past forgery issues in the region.
The Departure Experience: Don't Cut it Close
Leaving the island is a different beast. Even though Terminal 3 is faster, the security checks can be redundant. You might have your bags scanned three different times before you even see a gate.
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The departures area in Terminal 3 has a decent duty-free shop and a couple of cafes. If you have access, the Marhaba Lounge is a decent place to hide from the crowds, though it’s not exactly the Emirates First Class lounge in Dubai. It has snacks, drinks, and—crucially—consistent AC.
One weird thing to watch out for: the "Departure Tax." Usually, this is included in your ticket price these days, but if you’re flying a very small charter or a domestic hop on a budget carrier, double-check if you owe a separate fee. It's rare now, but it used to be a standard $30-50 surprise.
Beyond the Runway: Why ZNZ Matters
Zanzibar isn't just a beach destination anymore. The airport is the gateway to a massive blue economy. We're seeing more business travelers coming in for tech conferences in Stone Town and investors looking at the growing luxury real estate market. The airport’s expansion was a signal to the world that Zanzibar is open for more than just backpackers and honeymooners.
The location is also strategic. ZNZ is a jumping-off point for Pemba Island (the quieter, greener cousin) and Mafia Island. If you're looking for the "real" East Africa, you’re likely passing through these gates.
Actionable Steps for a Smooth Arrival
To make your transition from the plane to the beach as seamless as possible, follow this checklist:
- Apply for the E-Visa at least 14 days before departure via the official Tanzania Immigration website.
- Purchase the Zanzibar Mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance before you fly. Keep a digital and printed copy of the QR code.
- Download the "Zantel" or "Airtel" app if you plan to top up data, but definitely get your SIM at the airport kiosk before leaving.
- Carry crisp, new US Dollar bills (post-2006) for emergencies, even if you plan on using Shillings (TZS) for local markets.
- Pre-book your airport transfer. It saves you 20 minutes of haggling in the heat when you're already jet-lagged.
- Pack a pen. Seriously. You’ll still likely have to fill out a paper arrival card even with an E-Visa.
Zanzibar International Airport ZNZ is the start of your adventure. It might be a little loud and the humidity will hit you like a physical object, but once you’re through those doors and into a taxi, the spice-scented air and the sight of the dhows on the horizon make every bit of airport friction worth it. Keep your cool, have your paperwork ready, and remember that "Pole Pole" (slowly, slowly) is the local mantra for a reason.