Tanzania Publishes Regulations for Mandatory $44 Travel Insurance: 92-Day Validity, Four Minimum Coverages, But No Start Date Yet
Updated: 2 hours ago
DAR ES SALAAM, September 18, 2026 — More than a year after first announcing its intention to impose travel insurance on foreign visitors, mainland Tanzania has finally published the implementing regulations, setting the price at US$44, the validity period at 92 days, and outlining four minimum coverage requirements.
The Insurance (Inbound Travel Insurance) Regulations, 2026 were published in Government Notice No. 256 of September 4, 2026, adopted pursuant to Section 134A of the Insurance Act, introduced by the Finance Act 2025 . However, the government has not yet announced when the system will actually begin enforcement at borders .
Key Details of the Mandatory Insurance
Aspect | Details |
Legal Basis | Insurance (Inbound Travel Insurance) Regulations, 2026 |
Published | Government Notice No. 256, September 4, 2026 |
Premium | US$44 (approx. TZS 116,000) |
Validity | 92 days from arrival |
Entries | Multiple entries permitted during validity |
Purchase | Before travel OR at point of entry |
Providers | National Insurance Corporation (NIC) or registered insurers in partnership with NIC |
Enforcement Date | Not yet announced |
A foreigner who arrives in mainland Tanzania without valid inbound travel insurance may be denied entry .
Four Minimum Coverage Requirements
The regulations mandate four minimum guarantees:
Coverage | Details |
Emergency Medical Treatment | Urgent medical care during stay |
Emergency Medical Evacuation | Transport to appropriate medical facilities |
Emergency Repatriation | Return of remains or medical repatriation |
Loss of Luggage | Compensation for lost, stolen, or misplaced baggage |
Specific limits, benefits, and exclusions must be stated in the policy issued to the traveler .
Critical Distinction: "Residents," Not "Nationals"
One important detail deserves emphasis. The regulations define a "foreigner" as any person who is not a citizen of the United Republic of Tanzania, but exclude residents of East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) partner states .
Some media reports have incorrectly framed this as a nationality-based exemption. The regulatory text specifically uses the term "residents" of EAC or SADC states .
For travelers from other countries — including European, North American, and Asian nationals — the new insurance will become an additional entry formality once the system is deployed.
Potential Double Insurance Issue: Mainland + Zanzibar
A significant unresolved question remains for travelers combining mainland Tanzania with Zanzibar. Since October 1, 2024, Zanzibar has required its own mandatory travel insurance at US$44 for adults, issued by the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) , also valid for 92 days .
The two schemes are administered by different bodies — ZIC for Zanzibar and NIC for the mainland — and no mutual recognition mechanism has been announced .
This means a traveler on a classic itinerary such as Kilimanjaro or Arusha → Safari → Zanzibar could face two scenarios:
Scenario | Cost |
Mutual recognition established | US$44 (one policy) |
No recognition (current situation) | US$88 (two policies) |
The US$88 total cannot yet be considered an obligation, but represents a possible consequence if no link is established between NIC and ZIC .
What Happens Next
The publication of the regulations is a crucial step, but does not yet mean travelers must purchase this insurance before departure. The text published on September 4 does not set a start date or indicate when enforcement will begin .
The next step should reveal:
The date from which insurance will actually be required at borders
Practical arrangements for online subscription
Policy verification mechanisms
Possible coordination between NIC and ZIC schemes
Quick Reference Summary
Aspect | Details |
Premium | US$44 |
Validity | 92 days, multiple entries |
Minimum Coverages | 4 (medical, evacuation, repatriation, luggage) |
Exemptions | EAC/SADC residents |
Provider | NIC or partner insurers |
Enforcement Date | Not yet announced |
Zanzibar Scheme | Separate, US$44, ZIC-issued |
Potential Total | US$88 if no mutual recognition |
Read Also
Official Resources
Resource | Link |
Tanzania Ministry of Finance | |
National Insurance Corporation (NIC) | |
Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) | |
Visit Zanzibar Official Portal | |
Tanzania eVisa Portal |
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