Mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance for Tanzania
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Mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance for Tanzania
The Tanzanian government has introduced mandatory inbound travel insurance for foreign visitors entering Mainland Tanzania. From 1 October 2026, travelers to whom the requirement applies should arrange the designated cover before departure and keep their insurance certificate available for travel. This is a government entry requirement; each traveler is responsible for meeting the rules that apply to their journey.
When does the requirement begin?
Section 134A of Tanzania's Insurance Act was added by the Finance Act, 2025. The Insurance (Inbound Travel Insurance) Regulations, 2026 were published on 4 September 2026. Tanzanian High Commission guidance states that implementation begins on 1 October 2026. These are different dates: the 2025 legislation established the requirement, the 2026 regulations set out how it operates, and 1 October 2026 is the announced implementation date.
Who needs the policy?
The requirement applies to foreign visitors entering Mainland Tanzania through an airport, land border, or seaport, whether they are arriving for a safari, business, or another purpose. Tanzanian citizens are not subject to this foreign visitor requirement. The law also exempts residents of East African Community and Southern African Development Community partner states. If you may qualify for an exemption, confirm the current eligibility and evidence requirements with the relevant Tanzanian authority or insurer before traveling.
Cost, validity, and cover
The premium for the mandated Mainland inbound policy is the Tanzanian shilling equivalent of USD 44 per person. The policy provides cover for a stay of up to 92 days from arrival, subject to the dates and terms shown on the certificate. This is the price of the required inbound policy, not a general price for optional, more comprehensive travel insurance.
The stated categories of cover are emergency medical treatment or assistance, emergency medical evacuation, emergency repatriation, and loss of luggage. The Ministry of Finance has also described rescue services among the emergency assistance purposes. Read the policy issued to you for its actual benefits, limits, and conditions; do not assume that the inbound policy covers cancellation, every safari activity, or all medical costs.
Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar have separate insurance schemes
Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar operate separate inbound travel insurance arrangements. The Mainland scheme is associated with the National Insurance Corporation (NIC). Zanzibar introduced its own mandatory inbound travel insurance requirement on 1 October 2024 under the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, with cover provided by the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC). Official Zanzibar guidance states a USD 44 premium per eligible visitor and cover for a stay of up to 92 days; check the current price and eligibility for each traveler before purchase.
If your holiday combines a Mainland safari with a Zanzibar beach stay, check the requirements for both destinations. For example, an Arusha → Tarangire → Serengeti → Ngorongoro → Zanzibar itinerary visits four Mainland destinations before Zanzibar. The safari portion falls under the Mainland framework, while Zanzibar has its own insurance arrangement. For a trip involving both places, verify with NIC, ZIC, or a Tanzanian authority which policy or certificate is accepted for your route rather than assuming that one purchase meets every requirement.
What to do before departure
Check the latest official guidance for your passport, residency, arrival point, and itinerary.
If the Mainland requirement applies, use the officially designated NIC inbound insurance portal at inbound.nicinsurance.co.tz or another channel confirmed by the relevant Tanzanian authority. Buying before travel can make arrival procedures easier.
Enter your name, passport number, and travel dates carefully. Check that the issued certificate matches the passport you will carry.
Save the certificate where you can access it during travel and carry a printed or offline copy as a backup. Be ready to show proof of the required insurance when requested.
If you already have international travel insurance, keep it for any broader protection you need. Do not assume it substitutes for the Tanzanian inbound policy; confirm acceptance with the relevant Tanzanian authority or official insurer.
Official information and further reading
See the UK Tanzanian High Commission's mandatory insurance guidance www.tanzaniatourism.uk/mandatory-travel-insurance;
the Tanzania Finance Act, 2025, available from the Tanzania Insurance Regulatory Authority at tra.go.tz;
The official NIC inbound insurance guidance and purchase portal at inbound.nicinsurance.co.tz.
For related entry documents, see the Visa and Entry Requirements for Tanzania guideline.
Entry requirements and insurance arrangements can change. Verify the latest position with official Tanzanian authorities and the relevant official insurer before departure.