Tanzania will from October 1 require most foreign visitors entering Mainland Tanzania to have mandatory inbound travel insurance, introducing a new cost and compliance requirement for travellers and the region’s travel trade.
The requirement applies to foreign visitors arriving through airports, seaports and land borders and follows the publication of the Insurance (Inbound Travel Insurance) Regulations, 2026. Tanzania’s Ministry of Finance confirmed September 25 that implementation will begin on October 1.
The insurance will be issued by the National Insurance Corporation (NIC) and will cost US$44 for an adult, with children aged three to 17 eligible for a 50 per cent discount. Children aged below three will not be charged. Groups of at least 10 people are eligible for a 10 per cent group discount.
The cover is valid for up to 92 days, including multiple entries during the period of validity. It provides benefits including emergency medical treatment, emergency medical evacuation, repatriation and cover for lost luggage.
Travellers can obtain the policy online before departure or at the point of entry. NIC has advised visitors to obtain the cover before arrival and carry the insurance certificate for verification.
A key consideration for travel agents is that the exemption is based on residence rather than nationality. The regulations exempt residents of East African Community (EAC) Partner States and Southern African Development Community (SADC) Partner States from the mandatory cover.
The requirement also comes as Tanzania continues to operate separate insurance arrangements for Zanzibar. Zanzibar introduced its own mandatory travel insurance for foreign visitors in October 2024, administered by the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC).
For itineraries combining the mainland and Zanzibar, the applicable insurance arrangement depends on the traveller’s entry point and circumstances. Travel businesses should therefore avoid treating the Mainland NIC policy and Zanzibar’s ZIC cover as interchangeable without confirming the applicable requirement.
The new measure will have a direct bearing on Kenya’s travel trade, particularly agents selling Tanzania safaris, Kilimanjaro climbs and combined Mainland-Zanzibar holidays. Quotations prepared for clients who are not covered by the EAC or SADC residence exemption will need to account for the additional US$44 adult charge.
