If you are a foreign visitor planning a trip to Tanzania, you now need travel insurance. This applies whether you enter through the mainland or through Zanzibar. The rule for the mainland began on 1 October 2026. Zanzibar has had the same rule since October 2024, so the mainland has now joined it.
The announcement came from the Ministry of Finance, which put out an official statement for the public. The rule rests on regulations released on 4 September 2026 under Government Notice No. 256 of 2026. The legal basis for the rule is the Insurance Act, which was amended through the Finance Act 2025. The notice was issued to inform the public, foreign travellers and the tourism industry.
What the insurance costs and covers
The insurance costs USD 44 per person. The policy pays for emergency medical needs, and a visitor can use it for a maximum of 92 days. If you face an emergency during your stay, the company that sold you the policy will help you. The help you get depends on the terms and conditions of your policy.
Buying from the right company
Two designated insurers handle this programme. If you enter Tanzania through the mainland, you must buy your policy from the National Insurance Corporation (NIC). If you enter through Zanzibar, you must buy it from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC). The notice states that the policy must come from the company that serves your point of entry. If you plan to visit both the mainland and Zanzibar, check the rules on both company websites before you book.
Why you should buy it early
The government strongly advises visitors to buy the insurance before they leave home. Having the policy ready in advance should help you clear arrival checks faster and keep your journey stress-free. Think of it like your visa. Just as you arrange a visa before you travel, you should now arrange your insurance as part of your trip preparation.
Where to get more details
Each insurer’s website gives the full steps for buying a policy, the cover on offer, the ways to pay and a way to confirm that your policy is valid.
