Published: 29 September 2026
Travelling to Tanzania for a safari, a Mount Kilimanjaro trek or a beach holiday in Zanzibar? There is an important travel requirement to be aware of before departure.
The Government of Tanzania has announced that mandatory inbound travel insurance for foreign visitors entering mainland Tanzania will officially take effect on 1 October 2026. The requirement follows the publication of the Inbound Travel Insurance Regulations for Foreign Visitors Entering Mainland Tanzania under Government Notice No. 256 of 2026. This is in addition to the existing mandatory inbound travel insurance requirement for visitors to Zanzibar. Read the official government announcement.
The new arrangement means travellers need to pay attention to where they enter Tanzania and which insurance provider they are required to use. This is particularly relevant for visitors planning a Tanzania safari, an international arrival followed by a domestic flight, or a combined mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar holiday.
- What is the new Tanzania travel insurance requirement?
Under the announced arrangements, foreign visitors entering mainland Tanzania must obtain the designated inbound travel insurance through the National Insurance Corporation (NIC). Visitors entering through Zanzibar must obtain the corresponding cover through the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC).
The announced premium is US$44 per visitor, with cover valid for up to 92 days, subject to the policy terms. Travellers are advised to arrange the insurance before departure to help avoid unnecessary delays at the point of entry.
According to the official notice, the designated providers are:
- Mainland Tanzania: National Insurance Corporation (NIC).
- Zanzibar: Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC).
The government has published the implementation details through its official notice, while the insurance providers operate their respective online application portals. Read the full government announcement here.
- Where should you buy the mandatory inbound travel insurance?
Travellers should use the official portal corresponding to their entry destination rather than relying on third-party websites.
For mainland Tanzania
The National Insurance Corporation is the designated provider for foreign visitors entering mainland Tanzania. Applications can be made through the official NIC inbound insurance portal.
Official application website: NIC Inbound Travel Insurance
The portal provides information on eligibility, policy coverage, payment, documentation and frequently asked questions. According to NIC’s published FAQs, the policy is generally available for up to 92 days and costs the Tanzanian shilling equivalent of US$44 per person. NIC also identifies exemptions for residents of East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) partner states. Travellers should check their eligibility directly with NIC before purchasing.
For Zanzibar
Visitors entering through Zanzibar should apply through the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation’s designated inbound travel insurance website.
Official application website: Visit Zanzibar – Mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance
The portal allows travellers to start an application, make payment and check their application status. Zanzibar’s official tourism insurance website also advises visitors to obtain the required cover through the designated portal.
- Does this requirement apply to all Tanzania safari travellers?
The requirement is especially relevant to international visitors arriving for tourism, including wildlife safaris, mountain trekking, cultural tours and beach holidays.
However, the rules are not identical for every traveller or entry route. NIC’s published guidance identifies exemptions for residents of EAC and SADC partner states under the mainland arrangement. Visitors should verify their eligibility based on their residency status and travel plans rather than assuming that nationality alone determines whether an exemption applies.
For travellers planning a safari in northern Tanzania, such as Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park or Lake Manyara, the mainland insurance arrangement is particularly relevant when entering through a mainland airport or land border.
For visitors travelling directly to Zanzibar, the ZIC arrangement applies to visitors entering through the island, subject to the applicable rules and exemptions.
You can consult the NIC frequently asked questions and the UK Government’s Tanzania entry requirements for additional guidance.
- What if you are combining a Tanzania safari with Zanzibar?
Many visitors combine a wildlife safari in mainland Tanzania with a few days on Zanzibar’s beaches. If this is part of your itinerary, check the insurance requirements for your arrival route before travelling.
For example, a traveller arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport for a northern circuit safari and later flying to Zanzibar should confirm the applicable requirements for entry into mainland Tanzania and any separate requirements associated with their arrival in Zanzibar.
Similarly, visitors flying directly to Zanzibar and subsequently travelling to mainland Tanzania should check which insurance arrangements apply to their particular route.
Do not assume that purchasing one policy automatically satisfies every entry requirement. The official announcement states that the designated provider is determined by whether the visitor enters through mainland Tanzania or Zanzibar. Confirm how the policy applies to your complete itinerary with the relevant insurer before departure.
If you are planning a combined safari and beach holiday, you can explore Amet Adventures for travel planning and safari itinerary assistance.
- What does the insurance cover?
The inbound insurance scheme is intended to provide protection against specified emergencies during a visitor’s stay. NIC’s published information identifies benefits that include emergency medical expenses, baggage loss, emergency medical evacuation and repatriation, subject to the applicable policy wording and limits.
Travellers should read the full terms and conditions before purchasing. In particular, check the applicable benefit limits, exclusions, assistance arrangements and procedures for making a claim.
Important: Mandatory inbound travel insurance should not automatically be treated as a replacement for comprehensive international travel insurance. Travellers may still need separate cover for trip cancellation, travel delays, pre-existing medical conditions, adventure activities or other benefits not included in the mandatory policy.
If you already have an international travel insurance policy, contact the designated Tanzanian provider to confirm whether it meets the local entry requirement. Do not assume that an existing policy will be accepted in place of the prescribed cover.
- How should travellers prepare before departure?
To make your arrival as straightforward as possible, take the following steps before travelling:
- Confirm your entry route. Establish whether you will first enter through mainland Tanzania or Zanzibar.
- Check whether you qualify for an exemption. This is particularly important for residents of EAC and SADC partner states travelling to mainland Tanzania.
- Use the correct official portal. Apply through NIC for mainland entry or ZIC for entry through Zanzibar, as applicable.
- Complete the application and payment. Follow the instructions provided by the designated insurer.
- Keep your insurance certificate accessible. Save a digital copy and, if practical, carry a printed copy for verification at the point of entry.
- Check other entry requirements. Review your passport validity, visa requirements and any applicable health documentation before departure.
For visa information, use the official Tanzania Immigration eVisa portal. For the latest travel insurance guidance, consult the Tanzania government announcement and the relevant insurance provider.
Frequently asked questions about Tanzania’s mandatory inbound travel insurance
When does the new mainland Tanzania requirement begin?
The announced implementation date is 1 October 2026.
How much does the mandatory inbound travel insurance cost?
The announced premium is US$44 per visitor for cover of up to 92 days, subject to the applicable terms and eligibility rules.
Where do I purchase the insurance?
Use the NIC official portal for mainland Tanzania or the ZIC official portal for Zanzibar, according to your entry route.
Will my existing international travel insurance be accepted?
Do not assume so. The designated inbound policy is required where the rules apply. Contact the relevant provider to confirm your obligations and whether any exemption is available.
Do East African travellers need to purchase the mainland policy?
NIC’s published FAQs identify an exemption for residents of EAC and SADC partner states under the mainland arrangement. Check the official eligibility guidance for your circumstances before purchasing.
Do I need to arrange the insurance before arrival?
The government strongly advises travellers to arrange the required cover before travelling. NIC states that proof of coverage may be requested at arrival for verification.
Final travel advice
Tanzania remains a popular destination for wildlife safaris, mountain adventures and Indian Ocean beach holidays. As the new mainland inbound travel insurance requirement approaches, international visitors should confirm the applicable rules early and ensure that they use the designated insurance provider.
At Amet Adventures, we recommend checking official travel requirements before departure, particularly when your itinerary combines mainland Tanzania with Zanzibar or includes several international and domestic flight connections. A little preparation before travelling can help you avoid unnecessary complications on arrival.
