Planning an African safari or a beach holiday in Zanzibar? Before booking your flights to Tanzania, there is an important travel requirement you should know about: mandatory inbound travel insurance for foreign visitors.
As of October 2026, Tanzania has implemented mandatory inbound travel insurance for eligible foreign visitors entering both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. Whether you are planning to explore the Serengeti National Park, visit the Ngorongoro Crater, climb Mount Kilimanjaro, or relax on Zanzibar’s white-sand beaches, it is important to understand which insurance policy applies to your journey.
What Is Mandatory Travel Insurance in Tanzania?
Mandatory inbound travel insurance is a government-required insurance policy for eligible foreign visitors entering Tanzania. It is intended to provide assistance in certain unexpected situations during your visit.
The mainland requirement officially commenced on 1 October 2026, while Zanzibar introduced its own mandatory inbound travel insurance requirement on 1 October 2024.
The insurance arrangement is administered through designated providers:
- Mainland Tanzania: National Insurance Corporation (NIC).
- Zanzibar: Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC).
The applicable policy depends on your first point of entry into Tanzania. Visitors travelling between mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar should check the official guidance to avoid purchasing duplicate insurance for the same journey. Official guidance
How Much Does Mandatory Travel Insurance Cost?
The standard premium specified for mainland Tanzania’s inbound insurance is the equivalent of US$44 per eligible foreign visitor. Zanzibar also lists a standard price of US$44 per adult, with certain reduced rates and exemptions depending on eligibility.
The policy can cover a period of up to 92 days, subject to its terms and conditions.
For the latest requirements and online applications, use the official portals:
- Mainland Tanzania: https://inbound.nicinsurance.co.tz/
- Zanzibar: https://inbound.visitzanzibar.go.tz/
Always confirm the price and your eligibility before travelling, as regulations and applicable exemptions may vary.
What Does Tanzania’s Mandatory Insurance Cover?
The inbound travel insurance scheme is intended to provide assistance for specified emergencies and travel-related incidents. Depending on the applicable policy and its terms, benefits may include:
- Medical emergencies.
- Emergency medical evacuation.
- Repatriation in qualifying circumstances.
- Lost luggage and other specified travel incidents.
Read the policy wording carefully to understand the limits, exclusions and conditions. Do not assume that the mandatory policy replaces comprehensive international travel insurance.
Do You Still Need Travel Insurance If You Already Have It?
Yes, you should check the specific entry requirements even if you already have travel insurance from your home country.
A personal travel insurance policy may offer valuable protection for trip cancellation, delays, medical expenses, adventure activities and other risks. However, an existing private policy does not automatically replace the applicable Tanzanian inbound insurance requirement.
For complete peace of mind, confirm the mandatory policy requirements and maintain appropriate personal travel insurance for the full duration of your trip.
Does Mandatory Insurance Apply to Tanzania Safaris?
If you are planning a Tanzania safari, it is important to understand the insurance requirement before arrival.
Safari destinations and activities may include:
- Serengeti National Park and the Great Migration.
- Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the Ngorongoro Crater.
- Tarangire National Park.
- Mount Kilimanjaro trekking.
- Lake Manyara National Park.
- Zanzibar beach holidays.
- Combined Tanzania safari and Zanzibar packages.
Your inbound insurance requirement is determined by the applicable entry rules, not by which national park or hotel you visit. For specialised activities such as mountain climbing, check that your separate travel insurance provides the appropriate coverage.
What Happens If You Arrive Without the Required Insurance?
Travellers who are subject to the mandatory insurance requirement should arrange the applicable policy before departure whenever possible.
Failure to meet the entry requirements may cause difficulties at immigration, including possible refusal of entry. Keep your insurance certificate and QR code accessible, either digitally or as a printed copy, and follow the instructions issued by the relevant authorities.
Travellers should also check whether any nationality-based or residency-based exemptions apply to them.
Important Information for Visitors Travelling Between Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar
Many visitors combine a wildlife safari in mainland Tanzania with a relaxing beach holiday in Zanzibar.
According to the official clarification published in October 2026, travellers with a valid and applicable inbound insurance policy generally do not need to buy a second policy solely because their itinerary includes both destinations. The policy must remain valid, and its terms and applicable entry rules must be satisfied.
Your first point of entry matters:
- If you enter through mainland Tanzania first, consult NIC.
- If you enter through Zanzibar first, consult ZIC.
Official information:
- Mainland Tanzania insurance: https://inbound.nicinsurance.co.tz/
- Zanzibar insurance: https://inbound.visitzanzibar.go.tz/
Plan Your Tanzania Adventure with Safari Goats
At Safari Goats, we believe a great African adventure begins with good preparation. From the endless plains of the Serengeti to the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater and the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar, we help travellers plan memorable experiences across Tanzania and East Africa.
Before travelling, make sure your passport, visa, mandatory inbound travel insurance and personal travel insurance arrangements are in order.
Ready to explore Tanzania? Discover our safari experiences at https://safarigoats.com/ and start planning your next adventure.
Travel information note: Insurance requirements, prices, coverage and exemptions can change. Always verify the latest rules with the official insurance provider before departure.
