Tanzania has announced that, beginning in the 2025/26 financial year, all foreign visitors to Mainland Tanzania, excluding citizens from East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries,will be required to purchase a travel insurance policy upon entry. The policy, which will cost USD 44 (approximately TSh 115,000), is designed to enhance visitor safety and reduce the burden on public healthcare systems.
The insurance will cover emergency medical treatment, evacuation and repatriation, personal accidents, rescue operations, and compensation for lost or delayed baggage. It will be valid for a maximum stay of 92 days. The directive was announced in a public notice issued by the Ministry of Finance on July 4, 2025, as part of wider reforms to the country’s Insurance Act.
Although the policy is officially part of the current fiscal year’s agenda, implementation has been delayed until January 2026 to allow time for consultations with stakeholders and to finalize regulatory frameworks.
The move mirrors a similar requirement introduced in Zanzibar in October 2024. However, concerns have been raised by tourism stakeholders regarding the possibility of double charges for travelers who visit both Zanzibar and Mainland Tanzania. With both jurisdictions operating separate insurance systems, some fear the policy could result in confusion or added costs for visitors, potentially dampening Tanzania’s competitiveness in the regional tourism market.
Travel Agents and hospitality industry players have welcomed the government’s intention to prioritize visitor health and safety, but have urged for clearer guidelines, especially for tourists who already hold valid international travel insurance. Several industry representatives have suggested that the insurance be made available for purchase online before arrival, to streamline the entry process and avoid long queues at airports or border crossings.
As the country positions itself as a leading destination for tourism in Africa, the government is expected to provide further clarity on the operational aspects of the new insurance requirement in the coming months.
Sources:
The Citizen Tanzania, Additional context from Travel and Tour World and Eastleigh Voice reporting on regional tourism policy trends.
