Tanzania Introduces Mandatory Travel Insurance for International Visitors — Effective 1 October 2026
From 1 October 2026, international visitors entering Mainland Tanzania will generally need mandatory inbound travel insurance. Here’s what safari travellers and travel partners need to know about the new requirement, costs, coverage and where to purchase the policy.
Tanzania Introduces Mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance for International Visitors
Travel Advisory | Effective 1 October 2026
Travellers planning to enter Mainland Tanzania from 1 October 2026 should be aware of a new inbound travel insurance requirement.
Under Tanzania’s Insurance (Inbound Travel Insurance) Regulations, 2026, foreign visitors arriving in Mainland Tanzania by air, road or sea will generally be required to have a valid inbound travel insurance policy, unless they fall within an approved exemption category.
For our guests and travel partners arranging Tanzania safaris, we recommend taking care of this requirement before departure to ensure a smooth arrival.
Where should the policy be purchased?
The appropriate policy depends on the traveller's first point of entry into Tanzania:
First point of arrival
Official insurance provider
Mainland Tanzania
National Insurance Corporation (NIC)
Zanzibar
Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC)
Mainland Tanzania: NIC Inbound Travel Insurance
Zanzibar: ZIC Inbound Travel Insurance
Travellers combining a Northern Tanzania safari and Zanzibar should check the latest guidance from the relevant insurer when purchasing their policy, particularly regarding the recognition of a policy across both destinations.
What does it cost?
The standard premium for an adult is approximately USD 44, payable in Tanzanian shillings.
Current published rates include:
- Adults: USD 44 equivalent in TZS (Tanzanian Shillings)
- Groups of 10 or more adults: 10% discount
- Children aged 3–17: 50% discount
- Children aged 0–2: No charge
The policy can be valid for up to 92 days and allows multiple entries during the period of validity.
What does the inbound policy cover?
The inbound policy provides cover for key travel emergencies, including:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Medical evacuation
- Repatriation
- Loss of luggage
Guests should nevertheless understand that this is not a substitute for comprehensive travel insurance.
Anyone travelling to Tanzania for activities such as Kilimanjaro climbing, trekking or other adventure activities should have separate personal travel insurance that specifically covers their planned activities, medical emergencies and evacuation requirements.
Who may be exempt?
Current guidance indicates that certain travellers may be exempt, including:
- Tanzanian residents
- Holders of valid work or residence permits
- Members of the Tanzanian diaspora
- Diplomats
- Transit passengers
- Residents of eligible East African Community (EAC) or Southern African Development Community (SADC) partner states
Exemption status should be confirmed on an individual basis. Nationality alone does not necessarily determine whether a traveller qualifies.
Our recommendation to guests and travel partners
For all Tanzania bookings with travel from 1 October 2026 onwards, we recommend that travel partners:
- Establish the guest's first arrival point in Tanzania.
- Confirm whether the traveller is subject to the inbound insurance requirement.
- Use the appropriate official NIC or ZIC website to purchase the policy.
- Arrange the insurance before departure whenever possible.
- Ensure the guest carries a copy of the insurance certificate during the journey.
Taking care of this requirement in advance can help avoid unnecessary delays on arrival and allow guests to focus on what they came to Tanzania for the safari, wildlife and landscapes.
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