Tanzania makes travel insurance mandatory for foreign visitors

NIC and ZIC have confirmed that one policy covers both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, with the insurer determined by the traveler’s first point of entry

Foreign visitors entering mainland Tanzania by air, sea, or land must hold mandatory travel insurance from the National Insurance Corporation (NIC) as of October 1, 2026. The requirement was introduced under the Insurance (Inbound Travel Insurance) Regulations, 2026 (Government Notice No. 256), published in the Official Gazette on September 4, 2026, and confirmed by Tanzania’s Ministry of Finance on September 25, 2026.

Before October 1, 2026, only Zanzibar required mandatory inbound travel insurance, a system administered by the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) since October 1, 2024. The mainland requirement now extends the same principle to the rest of the country, with the NIC serving as the designated insurer for arrivals through mainland ports of entry such as Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro International Airport.

Private travel insurance purchased from international companies does not replace the required NIC or ZIC policy. The government-administered insurance is an additional entry requirement regardless of whether a traveler already holds their own coverage.

Do travelers need separate insurance for mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar?

Both the NIC and ZIC have confirmed that visitors do not need to purchase two mandatory insurance policies for a single trip that includes both destinations. The insurer is determined by where the traveler first enters the country.

Travelers entering mainland Tanzania first must purchase their insurance from the NIC. They can then continue to Zanzibar without buying a second policy. Travelers entering Zanzibar first must obtain their insurance from the ZIC, and that policy also covers onward travel to the mainland. In both cases, recognition of the original policy remains subject to its validity and applicable terms.

This arrangement is particularly relevant for tourists arriving at Dar es Salaam or Kilimanjaro International Airport for a safari before heading to Zanzibar, and vice versa. The NIC’s statement explicitly confirms a principle outlined in the Ministry of Finance’s September 25 notice: visitors should receive emergency assistance from their original insurer throughout the United Republic of Tanzania.

What happens to ZIC policies purchased before October 1?

The ZIC announced on September 28, 2026, that travelers who purchased and fully paid for their ZIC insurance before October 1, 2026, can keep their existing coverage even if their trip begins in mainland Tanzania. These travelers do not need to cancel their ZIC policy and purchase a new NIC policy, provided the existing insurance remains valid and covers the trip in question.

This transitional measure is designed to prevent travelers who planned their trips before the mainland requirement was introduced from incurring additional costs. For new policies purchased on or after October 1, the general rule applies: travelers must choose their insurer based on their first point of entry.

How much does the insurance cost?

The standard rate is USD 44 per adult, with the same pricing applied by both the NIC and ZIC. Young children receive free coverage, and both insurers offer three packages.

The Individual Package covers solo travelers or bookings for up to two people. The Family Package covers groups of three to nine people, with children retaining age-based discounts. The Group Package provides a 10% discount on adult rates for parties of at least 10 travelers. The NIC specifies a maximum of 100 people per group booking, while the ZIC lists a minimum of 10 without indicating an upper limit.

The ZIC additionally offers a dedicated category for international students studying in Zanzibar, with an exemption advertised on its website. Students should confirm eligibility requirements directly with the insurer.

How long is the insurance valid?

The NIC’s mandatory insurance provides coverage for up to 92 days from the dates shown on the traveler’s insurance certificate. During this period, multiple entries are permitted without the need to purchase a new policy for each border crossing.

The ZIC has also confirmed that visitors holding valid, unexpired ZIC insurance do not need to purchase another policy when subsequently entering mainland Tanzania or Zanzibar, subject to their policy’s terms and conditions.

Travelers planning to stay longer than 92 days can arrange an extension directly with the NIC before their original policy expires. An insurance extension is separate from an extension of permission to stay in Tanzania, which falls under the responsibility of the country’s immigration authorities.

What does the insurance cover?

The NIC has outlined the main benefits included in its inbound travel insurance policy. Coverage includes emergency medical treatment and certain emergency dental procedures, medical transportation, emergency evacuation, and repatriation, certain incidents involving lost or stolen checked baggage, personal liability coverage and certain legal expenses, assistance in the event of stolen travel documents, and repatriation of remains in the event of death.

These benefits are subject to the coverage limits, conditions, and exclusions specified in the insurance contract. Certain preexisting medical conditions, routine medical examinations, and trips undertaken specifically to receive medical treatment are subject to particular provisions. Travelers purchasing insurance through Zanzibar’s system should review the specific terms and conditions of their ZIC coverage separately.

How can travelers purchase the insurance?

Both the NIC and ZIC recommend purchasing insurance before departure to streamline entry procedures and avoid potential delays at the border. The appropriate portal depends on the traveler’s first point of entry.

Travelers entering mainland Tanzania first should use the NIC’s official portal. Travelers entering Zanzibar first should use the ZIC’s portal.

Both platforms allow applicants to enter personal information and travel details before completing payment. Insurance can also be purchased upon arrival, but authorities recommend completing the process in advance. Once the insurance is issued, travelers receive a certificate with a QR code that can be presented electronically or in printed form at entry points. The certificate should be kept accessible throughout the stay, including when traveling between the mainland and Zanzibar.

Who is exempt from the requirement?

The regulations provide exemptions for residents of East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states. For the mainland requirement, the NIC’s documentation refers to residency in the relevant member states rather than nationality alone.

However, the ZIC has stated that travelers who qualify for an exemption on the mainland are not automatically exempt from Zanzibar’s mandatory insurance requirement. Visitors should check the rules applicable to their individual circumstances and travel itinerary before assuming they are covered by an exemption.

For travelers from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and European countries who do not qualify for a specific exemption, the USD 44 insurance is now an additional entry requirement alongside existing visa obligations. The insurance requirement does not replace Tanzania’s other entry formalities, and travelers who require a visa must still obtain one, including through the country’s official eVisa portal.