Tanzania Mandatory Travel Insurance 2026: Everything Visitors to Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar Must Know
From 1 October 2026, Tanzania mandatory travel insurance becomes an entry requirement for eligible foreign visitors arriving in mainland Tanzania, at a flat cost of about USD 44 per adult. Zanzibar has had its own version since October 2024. If you are planning a safari, a Kilimanjaro climb, or a beach stay in Zanzibar, this guide explains who must buy the policy, what it costs, where to buy it and how the mainland and Zanzibar rules fit together.
What Is Tanzania's New Inbound Travel Insurance?
The rule comes from the Insurance (Inbound Travel Insurance) Regulations, 2026 (Government Notice No. 256 of 2026). It follows amendments to the Insurance Act made in 2025. The Ministry of Finance confirmed the start date in a notice dated 25 September 2026.
It applies to eligible foreign visitors entering mainland Tanzania by air, land or sea. It is a government-designated policy, not an optional extra. Visitors who arrive without valid cover can be denied entry.
Key Facts at a Glance
Detail | Information |
Start date | 1 October 2026 |
Who must buy it | Eligible foreign visitors entering mainland Tanzania |
Cost | USD 44 per adult, payable in the Tanzanian shilling equivalent (roughly TZS 116,000, depending on the exchange rate) |
Validity | Up to 92 days from arrival |
Entries | Multiple entries during the validity period |
Mainland provider | National Insurance Corporation (NIC) |
Zanzibar provider | Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) |
Official mainland portal | |
Official Zanzibar portal | |
Exempt | Residents of East African Community (EAC) and SADC member states |
What Does the Policy Cover?
The policy has four main benefits:
Emergency medical treatment
Emergency medical evacuation
Emergency repatriation
Loss, theft or permanent loss of baggage during the coverage period
The exact limits and terms are stated in the certificate you receive. Coverage begins as soon as you pay.
Does My Own Travel Insurance Replace It?
No. This is a local entry requirement. Your credit card cover or international policy does not replace it, because the regulations require a policy from NIC or a registered insurer working with NIC.
It is also a basic entry policy. For a safari, a mountain trek or an expensive trip, most travellers will still want comprehensive cover for trip cancellation, delays, adventure activities and higher medical limits.
Who Is Exempt?
The regulations exclude residents of East African Community and SADC partner states. The test is residency, not just nationality. If you are not sure whether you qualify, check with NIC before you travel.
Children and Group Pricing
The USD 44 figure is the adult rate. Zanzibar's scheme, and reports on the mainland scheme, list these discounts:
Infants (0-2): free
Children (3-17): 50% discount, about USD 22
Groups of 10 or more adults: 10% discount
Some sources give slightly different age cut-offs, for example "under 3" instead of "0-2". Confirm your family's exact price on the official portal when you buy.
How to Buy Tanzania Mandatory Travel Insurance
Work out your first point of entry into Tanzania (mainland or Zanzibar).
Open the matching official portal: NIC for the mainland, ZIC for Zanzibar.
Enter your identity details, passport number, nationality, arrival date, contact details and expected length of stay.
Pay by debit or credit card.
Receive your e-certificate with a QR code by email.
Keep it on your phone and carry a printed copy with your passport.
You can also buy at the entry point, and cash is accepted on arrival. The Ministry of Finance recommends buying before you fly to avoid queues and delays. Buy every traveller's policy at least a few days before departure.
NIC offers 24/7 support on 0800 110 041 and +255 736 100 800 (also the claims line).
How Tanzania Mandatory Travel Insurance Works in Zanzibar
Zanzibar has required its own Zanzibar Mandatory inbound insurance since 1 October 2024. It covers Unguja, Pemba and the smaller islands, and it is sold only by the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC). The price is USD 44 per adult, USD 22 for children aged 3-17, and free for infants. It is valid for 92 days.
The 2026 announcement means the two systems now sit side by side, and your first point of entry decides which provider you use:
Where you first enter Tanzania | Buy from |
Kilimanjaro (JRO), Dar es Salaam (DAR) or a mainland land border or seaport | NIC |
Zanzibar airport or seaport | ZIC |
The Ministry also stated that if an emergency happens anywhere in the United Republic of Tanzania, you will be helped by the insurer that issued your policy, subject to its terms.
Do I Need Two Policies for a Safari Plus Zanzibar Trip?
One policy is enough. If you land at Kilimanjaro, do your safari, then fly on to Zanzibar, your NIC policy covers the whole trip. The same applies in reverse if you land in Zanzibar first and hold a ZIC policy.
One caution: the government notice does not word this as an explicit "one policy is sufficient" rule. It says only that emergency services are provided by your issuing insurer anywhere in Tanzania. Until NIC and ZIC publish detailed operational guidance, keep your certificate handy, and if you are flying between the mainland and Zanzibar, check with your tour operator or the insurer before you travel.
Typical Scenarios
Safari, then Zanzibar (fly into Kilimanjaro): buy NIC.
Zanzibar beach holiday only: buy ZIC.
Land in Zanzibar first, then go on safari: buy ZIC.
Kilimanjaro trek with a Zanzibar extension: buy NIC.
Practical Tips Before You Travel
Check your first arrival airport on your ticket before choosing NIC or ZIC.
Buy for every traveller, including children who fall into the paid age range.
Save the QR certificate offline in case airport Wi-Fi is slow.
Keep your visa separate. This insurance does not replace the visa. Visitors who need one must still apply, including through the official Tanzanian e-Visa portal.
Go to the official portals only. Use inbound.nicinsurance.co.tz or visitzanzibar.go.tz, and avoid third-party sellers who add markups.
Stay longer than 92 days? You will need a new policy or an extension. NIC says extensions can be arranged before expiry.
Refunds depend on NIC's refund policy and the timing of cancellation. Proof of trip cancellation may be required.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Tanzania mandatory travel insurance start?On 1 October 2026 for mainland Tanzania. Zanzibar's requirement has applied since 1 October 2024.
How much does it cost?USD 44 per adult, paid in the Tanzanian shilling equivalent. Children and group discounts may apply.
How long is it valid?Up to 92 days, with multiple entries.
Can I buy it at the airport?Yes, but buying online before you travel is strongly recommended.
What happens if I arrive without it?The regulations allow immigration to deny entry to travellers who are required to hold the policy and do not have it.
Are East African and SADC residents exempt?Yes, residents of EAC and SADC partner states are excluded.
Final Thoughts
Tanzania mandatory travel insurance adds a small cost and one extra step, but it is simple to complete online. Buy the correct policy for your first point of entry, keep your QR certificate ready, and consider adding comprehensive private cover for the rest of your trip.
Rules and pricing can change. Always confirm the latest details on the official NIC and ZIC portals before you travel. Last updated: 30 September 2026.
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