New Mandatory Travel Insurance for Tanzania: What You Need to Know
As of September 4, 2026, foreign visitors entering mainland Tanzania will be required to have mandatory travel insurance. This new policy, introduced by government regulations, will cost approximately US$44. It applies to eligible travellers arriving by air, sea, or land.
However, it’s crucial to note that Tanzania has not yet announced the official start date for enforcement, meaning travellers do not need to purchase this new insurance policy immediately.
What the $44 Tanzania Travel Insurance Covers
The mandatory travel insurance policy is valid for up to 92 days, allowing for multiple entries within this period. If your stay exceeds 92 days, a new policy will be required.
The minimum coverage provided by this insurance includes:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Emergency repatriation
- Loss of baggage
Travellers will have the option to purchase the insurance prior to their trip or upon arrival at the point of entry. Upon successful payment, an electronic or paper certificate will be issued by the insurer. Be aware that foreign visitors arriving without valid insurance may face denial of entry into Tanzania.
Tanzania Travel Insurance Exemptions
The new regulations specifically exclude residents of East African Community (EAC) partner states and Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states from the mandatory insurance requirement. It is important to note that this exemption applies to residents, not just those holding EAC or SADC passports.
For visitors from other countries, such as India, this new insurance will become an additional entry requirement, supplementing existing requirements like a Tanzania visa or e-Visa, once the policy is enforced.
Potential Dual Cost: Tanzania and Zanzibar Mandatory Travel Insurance
A key concern for travellers planning to combine a mainland Tanzania safari with a visit to Zanzibar is the potential for double insurance costs.
Zanzibar has had its own mandatory travel insurance requirement since October 1, 2024. This policy, issued by the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC), costs $44 per adult and is also valid for up to 92 days.
The new mainland Tanzania regulations, however, specify insurance issued by Tanzania’s National Insurance Corporation (NIC) or an insurer partnered with NIC. Currently, there has been no official announcement regarding mutual recognition between the mainland and Zanzibar insurance schemes.
Therefore, a combined itinerary involving mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar could potentially necessitate purchasing two separate $44 policies, resulting in a total cost of $88. This $88 figure remains unconfirmed until further clarification is issued.
This situation highlights a common challenge in regional travel rules, where similar requirements may exist but operate as distinct systems at different borders.
When Will Tanzania Begin Enforcing the Mandatory Travel Insurance?
While the regulations were published on September 4, 2026, they do not specify an enforcement date. Travellers are advised to await official announcements from Tanzania regarding several key points before making any purchases:
- The definitive official start date for the new rule.
- Details on the online purchase process for the insurance.
- A list of approved insurers and accepted payment arrangements.
- Clarification on how insurance policies will be verified at immigration checkpoints.
- Confirmation on whether mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar insurance policies will be mutually recognized.
For international travellers planning itineraries that include destinations like Kilimanjaro, Arusha, or a safari, potentially followed by Zanzibar, the clarification on mutual recognition is particularly important, as it will directly impact overall costs and pre-travel preparations.
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