Tanzania Introduces Mandatory USD 44 Travel Insurance for Foreign Visitors From October 2026
Tanzania is introducing a mandatory inbound travel insurance requirement for foreign visitors entering the country through Mainland Tanzania from 1 October 2026.
Under the new regulations, the insurance will cost USD 44 per visitor and provide coverage for up to 92 days. The Tanzanian Ministry of Finance has advised international travellers to arrange the required insurance before travelling in order to help facilitate entry procedures and avoid unnecessary delays upon arrival.
What is Tanzania’s new USD 44 travel insurance requirement?
The new requirement applies to foreign nationals entering Mainland Tanzania through airports, seaports and land borders, subject to the exemptions set out in the regulations.
The insurance is intended to provide protection for specified travel-related emergencies, including medical emergencies, evacuation, repatriation and other covered situations, according to the applicable policy terms.
The official government notice confirms that the premium is USD 44 per visitor, with coverage valid for up to 92 days.
When does the Tanzania travel insurance requirement start?
The Mainland Tanzania requirement officially begins on:
1 October 2026
The announcement follows the publication of the Inbound Travel Insurance Regulations for Foreign Visitors Entering Mainland Tanzania, Government Notice No. 256 of 2026, dated 4 September 2026.
International travellers planning Tanzania holidays from October 2026 onward should therefore include the mandatory insurance requirement in their travel preparations.
Where should foreign visitors buy the insurance?
The designated insurance provider depends on where you enter Tanzania.
Entering through Mainland Tanzania
Foreign visitors entering through Mainland Tanzania are required to obtain the inbound travel insurance from the National Insurance Corporation (NIC).
This includes visitors arriving through Mainland airports, seaports and land borders.
Entering through Zanzibar
Visitors entering through Zanzibar obtain the mandatory inbound travel insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC).
Zanzibar introduced its own mandatory inbound travel insurance requirement in October 2024, so travellers planning a Zanzibar holiday should continue to check the latest official requirements before departure.
How much does Tanzania travel insurance cost?
The mandatory inbound travel insurance premium is:
USD 44 per visitor
The policy is valid for up to 92 days, according to the latest official government notice.
Travellers should check the official insurance provider’s current payment instructions and policy terms before making their trip.
What does the insurance cover?
The exact benefits and limitations depend on the policy terms. NIC’s current information for Mainland Tanzania identifies coverage relating to areas including:
- Emergency medical expenses
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Repatriation
- Loss of baggage
Travellers should read the policy conditions carefully and should not assume that the mandatory inbound policy replaces comprehensive travel insurance for every aspect of a trip.
For example, travellers may still want to consider separate travel insurance for broader benefits such as trip cancellation, personal belongings, adventure activities or other risks not included in the mandatory policy.
Does this apply to every foreign visitor?
The Mainland Tanzania scheme has exemptions. NIC’s current FAQ states that the mandatory Mainland cover excludes residents of East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) partner states.
Because eligibility and exemptions can depend on residency and the applicable regulations, travellers should verify their situation with the official Tanzanian authorities or designated insurance provider before travelling.
What does this mean for travellers planning a Tanzania safari?
For visitors planning a Serengeti safari, Ngorongoro Crater trip, Kilimanjaro climb, Tarangire safari, cultural tour or beach holiday, the new insurance requirement should be added to the pre-travel checklist for trips beginning from 1 October 2026.
A simple Tanzania travel checklist could include:
Before departure:
- Check your passport validity.
- Confirm your Tanzania visa requirements.
- Arrange the mandatory inbound travel insurance where applicable.
- Keep your insurance certificate and travel documents accessible.
- Confirm your safari, accommodation and airport transfers.
- Check the latest entry and health requirements before departure.
What about travellers visiting both Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar?
Travellers combining destinations such as Serengeti + Zanzibar should pay particular attention to the point of entry.
The official government notice states that visitors entering through Mainland Tanzania obtain the relevant inbound insurance from NIC, while visitors entering through Zanzibar obtain it from ZIC.
If your itinerary includes both Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, check the current requirements and insurance arrangements applicable to your entry point and itinerary before travelling.
Is the USD 44 insurance the same as normal travel insurance?
Not necessarily.
The mandatory inbound travel insurance is a specific entry requirement established under Tanzania’s insurance regulations. It should not automatically be treated as a complete substitute for a broader travel insurance policy.
Travellers should review both the mandatory policy and any separate travel insurance they may purchase to understand what is covered, including medical treatment, evacuation, baggage, cancellation and other travel risks.
Final travel advice
Tanzania remains one of Africa’s most popular destinations for wildlife safaris, Kilimanjaro adventures, cultural experiences and Zanzibar beach holidays.
For international visitors travelling from 1 October 2026, the new USD 44 mandatory inbound travel insurance should simply become another item on the Tanzania pre-travel checklist.
The most important step is to check the latest official requirements before departure and obtain the appropriate insurance through the designated provider.
Information in this article is based on the Tanzanian Ministry of Finance public notice issued on 27 September 2026 and current information published by the National Insurance Corporation. Travellers should verify requirements directly with the relevant Tanzanian authorities before departure.
