Tanzania Introduces Mandatory Travel Insurance for Foreign Visitors

A new entry requirement designed to provide essential protection for international travellers

Tanzania is introducing a new mandatory travel requirement for foreign visitors entering Mainland Tanzania, reinforcing the importance of preparation and peace of mind when travelling through one of Africa's most celebrated safari destinations.

From 1 October 2026, foreign visitors entering Mainland Tanzania will be required to have Mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance. The requirement follows the publication of the Inbound Travel Insurance Regulations for Foreign Visitors Entering Mainland Tanzania, Government Notice No. 256 of 2026, issued under Section 134A of the Insurance Act, Cap. 394.

For travellers planning a Tanzanian safari, this means inbound insurance now forms part of the essential pre-travel preparations alongside passports, visas and other entry documentation.

What does the new requirement mean for travellers?

Foreign visitors entering Mainland Tanzania through airports, seaports or land borders are required to obtain the designated inbound travel insurance from the National Insurance Corporation of Tanzania (NIC).

The policy costs the Tanzanian shilling equivalent of USD 44 per visitor and provides cover for up to 92 days. NIC states that the policy provides protection for emergencies including medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, repatriation and loss of luggage, subject to the applicable policy terms and conditions.

The Ministry of Finance advises international travellers to arrange the insurance before travelling to Tanzania, helping facilitate entry procedures and minimise unnecessary inconvenience or delays on arrival. Travellers should retain their insurance certificate, as proof of cover may be required for verification.

Who needs the Mainland Tanzania insurance?

The requirement applies to foreign nationals entering Mainland Tanzania through:

Airports

Seaports

Land borders

However, NIC currently states that residents of EAC Partner States and SADC Partner States are excluded from the Mainland Tanzania cover requirement. This is particularly relevant for regional travellers and travel professionals coordinating multi-country East and Southern African itineraries.

Travellers should always confirm their eligibility and the latest requirements before departure, particularly where nationality, residency or an itinerary involving several countries may affect the applicable arrangements.

What about Zanzibar?

Zanzibar operates a separate mandatory inbound travel insurance system, administered by the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC).

The Zanzibar requirement has been in place since 1 October 2024 and requires foreign visitors entering the islands to obtain the designated inbound insurance from ZIC. The policy provides cover for stays of up to 92 days.

ZIC's current published information lists the following premiums:

USD 44 per adult

USD 22 per child

USD 22 for travellers from EAC and SADC member states

Importantly, ZIC states that having existing international travel or medical insurance does not replace the mandatory Zanzibar policy.

For travel planners, the distinction between Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar is therefore important when preparing guest documentation and arranging travel insurance.

Why travellers should arrange insurance before departure

Luxury travel is built around seamless experiences — from the first airport greeting to the final transfer home.

Preparing required documentation before departure helps reduce unnecessary delays and allows guests to begin their Tanzanian experience with greater confidence.

This becomes particularly important for safari itineraries involving multiple destinations, domestic flights, remote airstrips and transfers between luxury lodges.

For Aerocruise and our travel partners, operational excellence means looking beyond the flight and a safari itself. It means anticipating the details that can affect a guest's journey and helping ensure that every connection is carefully coordinated.

With the introduction of Mainland Tanzania's mandatory inbound travel insurance from 1 October 2026, we encourage guests and travel partners to:

Check the latest entry requirements.

Confirm eligibility.

Arrange the appropriate inbound insurance before departure.

Keep proof of cover readily accessible throughout the journey.

Because when the practical details are taken care of, there is more time to focus on what brought you to Tanzania in the first place:

the wild landscapes, the quiet mornings, the extraordinary encounters and the moments that stay with you long after you leave.

Important information for travel partners

Mainland Tanzania

Effective: 1 October 2026
Designated provider: National Insurance Corporation of Tanzania (NIC)
Premium: Tanzanian shilling equivalent of USD 44 per visitor
Validity: Up to 92 days
Entry points: Airports, seaports and land borders
Key cover: Medical emergencies, emergency medical evacuation, repatriation and loss of luggage, subject to policy terms
Current NIC exemption: Residents of EAC and SADC Partner States

Zanzibar

Mandatory since: 1 October 2024
Designated provider: Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC)
Adult premium: USD 44
Child premium: USD 22
EAC/SADC traveller premium listed by ZIC: USD 22
Validity: Up to 92 days
Existing international insurance: Does not replace the mandatory ZIC inbound policy

Note:

Entry and insurance requirements can change. Travellers and travel professionals should verify the latest information directly with the relevant Tanzanian authorities, NIC or ZIC, before departure.