Tanzania Confirms October 1 Launch of $44 Mandatory Travel Insurance for Mainland Visitors
Updated: 11 hours ago
DAR ES SALAAM, September 28, 2026 — Tanzania's Ministry of Finance has officially confirmed that mandatory inbound travel insurance for foreign visitors entering Mainland Tanzania will take effect on October 1, 2026, ending months of uncertainty over the implementation date.
The notice, dated September 25, 2026, and signed by Permanent Secretary and Paymaster General Dr. Natu Mwamba, supplements the Insurance (Inbound Travel Insurance) Regulations, 2026, published under Government Notice No. 256 on September 4, 2026, which established the terms of coverage but left the start date unspecified.
What the Requirement Means for Travellers
Every foreigner entering Mainland Tanzania by air, sea, or land must hold a valid inbound travel insurance policy issued by the National Insurance Corporation (NIC) or a registered insurer partnered with NIC.
The policy is not a substitute for a visa. Travellers who require a visa must still obtain one through the official Tanzanian e-Visa portal.
Aspect | Details |
Premium | USD 44 (approximately TZS 116,000) |
Validity | Up to 92 days from arrival |
Entries | Multiple entries permitted during validity |
Purchase Options | Before travel or at the point of entry |
Provider (Mainland) | |
Provider (Zanzibar) | Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) |
Exemptions | Residents of EAC and SADC partner states |
Travellers who arrive without valid coverage may be denied entry. The Ministry of Finance advises obtaining the policy before departure to avoid delays upon arrival.
Coverage Included
The policy must provide four core benefits:
Emergency medical treatment
Emergency medical evacuation
Emergency repatriation
Loss, theft, or permanent misplacement of luggage
The specific limits and conditions of each benefit are set out in the individual policy issued to the traveller.
Mainland vs. Zanzibar: Two Separate Systems
Travellers combining a mainland safari with a Zanzibar stay face two distinct insurance schemes. Zanzibar has required its own mandatory inbound travel insurance since October 1, 2024, priced at USD 44 for adults, USD 22 for children aged 3–17, and free for children under 3.
The Ministry's September 25 notice clarifies that the insurer depends on the point of first entry into the United Republic of Tanzania:
First Entry Point | Insurance Provider |
Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, or Mainland land borders | |
Zanzibar (airport or seaport) | ZIC |
The government statement indicates that coverage purchased from either organisation applies to emergencies occurring throughout the United Republic, subject to policy terms. It does not explicitly state that one policy suffices for both mainland and Zanzibar. Travellers planning multi-destination itineraries should confirm coverage scope directly with their chosen insurer before departure.
EAC and SADC Residents Exempt
The regulations define a "foreigner" as any person who is not a citizen of Tanzania, but exclude residents of East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) partner states.
This means Kenyan, Ugandan, Rwandan, South African, and other EAC/SADC residents do not need to purchase the policy, regardless of nationality. The regulatory text uses the concept of residence, not nationality — a distinction that matters for expatriates living in EAC or SADC countries on work permits or permanent residency.
How to Purchase
The NIC portal for inbound travel insurance is now accessible. Travellers enter personal details, passport information, nationality, arrival date, and planned length of stay.
After payment, an electronic certificate with a QR code is sent by email for presentation at entry. It can be saved digitally or printed. According to the NIC FAQ, payments can be made by debit or credit card online, and payment is also required for policies purchased upon arrival.
The Ministry recommends completing the process before departure.
Quick Reference Summary
Aspect | Details |
Effective Date | 1 October 2026 |
Premium | USD 44 |
Validity | Up to 92 days, multiple entries |
Coverage | Medical, evacuation, repatriation, luggage |
Mainland Provider | |
Zanzibar Provider | ZIC |
Exemptions | EAC/SADC residents |
Entry Without Policy | Denied |
Purchase Window | Before departure or on arrival |
Visa Requirement | Unchanged — separate process |
Read Also
Official Resources
Resource | Link |
Tanzania Immigration e-Visa Portal | |
NIC Inbound Travel Insurance Portal | |
Zanzibar Tourism Portal | |
Ministry of Finance Tanzania |
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