Prepared by Nature Bound Africa, Arusha, Tanzania. Updated 1 October 2026.
Tanzania mandatory travel insurance takes effect for applicable foreign visitors entering mainland Tanzania from 1 October 2026. The announced premium is USD 44 per visitor, with protection for up to 92 days. If you are planning a safari, a Kilimanjaro climb or a safari and Zanzibar holiday, include this requirement in your pre-departure preparations.
This guide explains the official announcement, which provider to use and the practical steps to take before travelling. You can also explore our Tanzania safari packages while planning your journey.
What has the Tanzanian government introduced?
The Ministry of Finance announced implementation under the Insurance (Inbound Travel Insurance) Regulations, 2026, Government Notice No. 256 of 4 September 2026. NIC is the designated mainland provider; ZIC serves visitors entering through Zanzibar. The notice advises travellers to arrange insurance before departure to make arrival procedures easier.
Read the official government public notice published by the Embassy of Tanzania.
Who needs Tanzania mandatory travel insurance?
NIC identifies applicable foreign arrivals through airports, seaports and land borders. Its published FAQ excludes foreigners who are residents of East African Community (EAC) or Southern African Development Community (SADC) partner states. Because the wording refers to residence, confirm your eligibility and required evidence with NIC before relying on an exemption.
Visitors arriving from the USA, UK, Canada, Australia or Europe should check whether they fall within an exemption rather than assume their existing insurance satisfies this requirement.
How much does the insurance cost?
The published standard premium is USD 44 per visitor. NIC describes the mainland payment as the Tanzanian shilling equivalent. For two travellers paying the standard rate, budget USD 88. Keep this amount visible in your travel budget alongside flights, accommodation and safari expenses.
Check the official purchase portal for the amount applicable to each traveller. Do not assume family discounts or child rates are identical between the mainland and Zanzibar schemes.
Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar: which policy should you buy?
Choose the designated provider according to your first point of entry into Tanzania:
- Mainland first: use the official NIC inbound travel insurance portal.
- Zanzibar first: use the official Zanzibar inbound insurance portal for ZIC cover.
You do not need to buy both policies for a combined mainland and Zanzibar journey when the first-entry cover remains valid and applicable. NIC confirms reciprocal onward travel under the policy terms. Keep your certificate available for both parts of the trip. Read NIC’s mainland–Zanzibar clarification.
For example, if your international arrival is at Kilimanjaro Airport before a northern Tanzania safari and Zanzibar beach stay, the mainland NIC scheme is the starting point. If you arrive internationally in Zanzibar before flying to the mainland, start with ZIC.
What does the insurance cover?
NIC describes protection for covered medical emergencies, medical transportation, evacuation or repatriation, emergency dental needs, specified checked-baggage losses, personal liability, certain legal expenses and assistance with stolen travel documents. Benefits have limits and exclusions; a listed category does not mean every incident is covered.
NIC also identifies exclusions involving certain pre-existing illnesses, routine examinations and travel specifically for medical treatment. Read your actual policy wording before purchasing.
Should you keep your own comprehensive travel insurance?
Our planning recommendation is to keep suitable personal travel insurance and check how it works alongside the mandatory policy. Ask your insurer about cancellation, interruption, medical conditions, evacuation and every activity on your itinerary.
For a Mount Kilimanjaro climb, ask explicitly about trekking to your planned maximum altitude and rescue arrangements. Do not infer mountain cover from a general reference to medical evacuation. For a multi-country itinerary, check protection for each country and travel day.
How to prepare before departure
- Confirm your first international entry point and check exemptions with the appropriate provider.
- Open the official NIC or ZIC portal directly.
- Have passport information and journey details ready; check all entries carefully.
- Complete the purchase and obtain your certificate.
- Check the names, dates and policy details. Save an offline copy and carry a printed backup.
- Review benefits, exclusions and the assistance instructions before leaving home.
NIC’s official frequently asked questions give purchase and certificate guidance. Its portal lists 24-hour assistance on +255 736 100 800 and wecare.inbound@nicinsurance.co.tz. Use your policy’s instructions when requesting help.
Questions travellers often ask
Does existing overseas travel insurance remove the requirement?
The official notice directs applicable visitors to the designated local provider. Do not treat a personal overseas policy as an exemption; confirm any special circumstances directly with NIC or ZIC.
Is insurance the same as a visa?
No. Prepare your immigration documents separately. Check the requirements for your nationality and itinerary before departure.
What if the holiday includes safari and Zanzibar?
Use the first-entry provider and retain the valid certificate throughout the combined journey, subject to its terms.
Are the rules and policy terms subject to updates?
Yes. This article reflects information checked on 1 October 2026. Recheck the official portals close to departure, especially for exemptions, prices and policy conditions.
Plan your Tanzania journey with Nature Bound Africa
Our Arusha team can help you coordinate your safari route, arrival transfers, lodges and onward travel. Share your travel dates and preferred experiences, and we will prepare a journey around you.
Contact Nature Bound Africa to plan your Tanzania safari or message Eliya and the team on WhatsApp.
