Tanzania Mandatory Travel Insurance 2026: What International Visitors Need to Know
Planning a safari in Tanzania or a beach holiday in Zanzibar? From 1 October 2026, eligible foreign visitors entering mainland Tanzania must obtain the government-designated mandatory inbound travel insurance. This requirement is separate from Zanzibar’s existing inbound insurance scheme and applies even if you already have travel insurance from your home country, subject to the applicable exemptions and rules.
At Nature Bound Africa, we want our guests to arrive prepared, understand the entry requirements and enjoy their African adventure with confidence. This guide explains the new mainland Tanzania requirement, the cost, what the policy covers, where to purchase it and what to know if your itinerary combines mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.
What is Tanzania’s mandatory inbound travel insurance?
Tanzania’s mandatory inbound travel insurance is a government-required insurance policy for eligible foreign visitors entering mainland Tanzania. The requirement was introduced under the Insurance (Inbound Travel Insurance) Regulations, 2026, and took effect on 1 October 2026.
The policy is intended to provide assistance for specified emergencies during a visitor’s stay. The National Insurance Corporation (NIC) is the designated provider for visitors whose first point of entry is mainland Tanzania, while the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) provides the applicable policy for visitors entering through Zanzibar.
The requirement applies to eligible visitors arriving through airports, seaports and land borders. Travellers should confirm whether an exemption applies to their circumstances before departure.
Official information: National Insurance Corporation inbound travel insurance.
How much does mandatory Tanzania travel insurance cost?
The prescribed premium for the mainland Tanzania inbound insurance policy is the Tanzanian shilling equivalent of US$44 per eligible visitor.
The policy provides cover for a maximum of 92 days, subject to the policy terms and the dates shown on the insurance certificate.
For a couple, the standard mainland premium would therefore be US$88 in total if both travellers are required to purchase the policy. For a family or group, calculate the total based on the number of eligible travellers and the applicable rules.
Always check the official insurance portal for the current price, payment process and any applicable exemptions before travelling.
Official mainland Tanzania application: https://inbound.nicinsurance.co.tz/
Who needs to purchase Tanzania’s mandatory travel insurance?
The requirement generally applies to foreign nationals entering mainland Tanzania, including visitors arriving for:
- Wildlife safaris in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire.
- Mount Kilimanjaro trekking and climbing.
- Beach holidays and onward travel to Zanzibar.
- Cultural tours, photography trips and other leisure activities.
- Business and other visits covered by the regulations.
The mainland rules exempt qualifying residents of East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) partner states. The exemption is framed around residence status, rather than simply citizenship, so travellers who intend to rely on it should verify the current evidence requirements with the official authorities.
If you are unsure whether you qualify, contact the insurer before travelling rather than assuming you are exempt.
I already have travel insurance. Do I still need the government policy?
Yes, if you fall within the mandatory scheme and no exemption applies. Existing travel insurance purchased from an international insurer does not automatically replace the designated inbound policy.
However, the mandatory policy should not be treated as a substitute for comprehensive travel insurance. Its benefits, limits and exclusions may differ from those of your personal policy.
We recommend maintaining suitable travel insurance that covers your individual needs, including:
- Emergency medical treatment and hospitalisation.
- Medical evacuation and repatriation.
- Trip cancellation and interruption.
- Lost or delayed baggage.
- Activities such as high-altitude trekking, where relevant.
- Pre-existing medical conditions, if cover is available and required.
Read the wording of your policy carefully and confirm that your planned activities are covered.
What does the mandatory inbound insurance cover?
The mainland scheme provides specified benefits relating to medical emergencies, emergency medical evacuation or repatriation, and loss of luggage. The precise benefits, monetary limits, exclusions and claims procedures are determined by the applicable policy.
Before purchasing, review the official policy documents and save the emergency contact information. Do not assume that every medical expense or travel disruption is covered.
For a safari in remote areas or a Mount Kilimanjaro climb, additional comprehensive insurance is particularly important because evacuation and specialist treatment can be expensive.
How do I buy the mandatory insurance for mainland Tanzania?
The designated insurer advises eligible visitors to arrange their policy before arrival where possible. The official portal provides information on the application process, payment and policy documentation.
Follow these steps:
- Visit the official NIC inbound insurance website.
- Enter the requested personal, passport and travel information.
- Check the details carefully before payment.
- Complete the payment through the official system.
- Save your insurance certificate and any verification QR code.
- Keep an electronic copy and, if practical, a printed copy with your travel documents.
You may also be able to purchase the policy at designated points of entry, subject to the official arrangements. Pre-arranging cover can help reduce avoidable delays.
Apply here: Official NIC inbound insurance portal.
Is Zanzibar’s mandatory travel insurance different from mainland Tanzania’s?
Yes. Zanzibar introduced its own mandatory inbound travel insurance scheme on 1 October 2024. The designated provider is the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC).
For visitors whose first point of entry into the United Republic of Tanzania is Zanzibar, the applicable policy is obtained through ZIC. For visitors entering through mainland Tanzania first, the applicable mainland policy is obtained through NIC.
The Zanzibar scheme has its own eligibility, premium and policy conditions. Check the official ZIC portal for the latest requirements, particularly if you are travelling with children or qualify for a regional exemption.
Official Zanzibar application: https://inbound.visitzanzibar.go.tz/.
Do I need to buy two insurance policies if I visit mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar?
Not necessarily. The Zanzibar Insurance Corporation issued a clarification on 7 October 2026 explaining that visitors should not be required to purchase duplicate mandatory policies for the same journey merely because their itinerary includes both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, provided their existing policy is valid and applicable.
The applicable policy is generally determined by your first point of entry into the United Republic of Tanzania.
For example:
Example 1: Arriving in Kilimanjaro or Dar es Salaam first
If you enter mainland Tanzania first for a safari or Kilimanjaro climb and later travel to Zanzibar, the mainland NIC policy is the applicable policy under the current guidance.
Example 2: Flying directly to Zanzibar first
If Zanzibar is your first point of entry, obtain the applicable ZIC inbound insurance policy.
Example 3: Returning to Tanzania during the policy’s validity
A valid, unexpired applicable policy within its 92-day coverage period should continue to apply to subsequent entries, subject to its terms and conditions.
Keep your insurance certificate and QR code throughout your journey, and confirm the current rules if your itinerary involves unusual entry arrangements or a policy purchased before 1 October 2026.
Official clarification: ZIC notice on mainland and Zanzibar insurance.
What happens if I arrive without the required insurance?
Eligible travellers are expected to comply with the applicable mandatory insurance requirements. Under the mainland regulations, entry may be denied to a foreign visitor who does not hold a valid required policy.
Do not rely on being able to resolve the matter at the airport. Check your eligibility, arrange the correct policy and keep proof of cover accessible before departure.
If your insurance purchase is delayed or you encounter problems with the official portal, contact the designated insurer for instructions.
Does mandatory travel insurance replace my visa or other travel documents?
No. The insurance requirement is separate from immigration requirements.
You must still meet the applicable visa or travel-authorisation rules for your passport, carry a valid passport and comply with any other entry requirements relevant to your itinerary.
If you are travelling to Kenya as part of a wider East African holiday, check Kenya’s separate Electronic Travel Authorisation requirements as well.
For Tanzania visa applications, use the official Tanzania Immigration eVisa system.
What should safari travellers do before travelling to Tanzania?
If you are planning a safari, Kilimanjaro climb or beach extension, we recommend checking your travel documents before your departure date.
Use this checklist:
- Confirm whether you are subject to the mandatory inbound insurance requirement.
- Identify your first point of entry into Tanzania.
- Purchase the applicable policy through the official NIC or ZIC portal.
- Save your certificate and QR code.
- Arrange separate comprehensive travel insurance for your needs and activities.
- Confirm your visa and passport requirements.
- Check yellow fever and other health requirements for your complete itinerary.
- Keep insurance documents and emergency contacts accessible while travelling.
These preparations are especially helpful if your journey includes remote safari parks, mountain trekking, domestic flights or several destinations.
Plan your Tanzania safari with Nature Bound Africa
At Nature Bound Africa, we help travellers plan tailor-made safaris, Kilimanjaro climbs and Zanzibar extensions from our base in Arusha, Tanzania. Our team can help you understand the practical preparations for your itinerary and identify the official resources you need before departure.
Please remember that insurance eligibility, coverage and entry requirements are determined by the relevant authorities and insurers. Travellers should verify the latest official rules before travelling.
Explore our Tanzania safari journeys, discover our Mount Kilimanjaro climbing options or contact Nature Bound Africa to start planning your trip.
Travel prepared, explore responsibly and enjoy your Tanzanian adventure.
