Is travel insurance mandatory for Tanzania?
Yes. From 1 October 2026, most foreign visitors entering mainland Tanzania by air, land or sea must hold the government's inbound travel insurance. It costs USD 44 per adult, is valid for up to 92 days and is bought from the National Insurance Corporation (NIC). Visitors who enter through Zanzibar buy a separate policy from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC), which has been required there since October 2024.
This policy is an entry requirement set by the government. It does not replace the private travel insurance you should already have for your safari, Kilimanjaro climb or beach holiday. This guide is based on the Ministry of Finance public notice, the official NIC portal and FAQs, and was last updated on 3 October 2026. Rules can be clarified by the authorities, so check the official portal again shortly before you fly.
Tanzania travel insurance requirements 2026: cost, validity and providers
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Start date | 1 October 2026 for mainland Tanzania (Zanzibar since 1 October 2024) |
| Legal basis | Inbound Travel Insurance Regulations, Government Notice No. 256 of 4 September 2026, under Section 134A of the Insurance Act, Cap. 394 |
| Who must have it | Foreign visitors entering by air, land or sea, unless exempt |
| Mainland provider | National Insurance Corporation (NIC) |
| Zanzibar provider | Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) |
| Premium | USD 44 per adult, paid in Tanzanian shillings at the USD equivalent |
| Validity | Up to 92 days, multiple entries |
| Covers | Medical emergencies, emergency evacuation or repatriation, loss of luggage |
| Where to buy | NIC official portal (mainland) or ZIC official portal (Zanzibar) |
What is Tanzania's mandatory inbound travel insurance?
It is a compulsory emergency cover for foreign visitors, created by the Insurance (Inbound Travel Insurance) Regulations, 2026. The Ministry of Finance announced in a public notice that implementation for mainland Tanzania would officially start on 1 October 2026. The aim is to make sure every visitor has access to emergency medical services during their stay.
If something happens during your trip, the insurer you bought from provides the service, subject to the policy terms. In practice, that means NIC for mainland arrivals and ZIC for Zanzibar arrivals.
Tanzania mandatory travel insurance timeline
| Date | What happened |
|---|---|
| 1 October 2024 | Zanzibar starts requiring ZIC inbound insurance |
| 4 September 2026 | Mainland regulations published as Government Notice No. 256 |
| 27 September 2026 | Public notice confirms the 1 October start date |
| 1 October 2026 | Mandatory inbound insurance begins for mainland Tanzania |
Who needs Tanzania travel insurance, and who is exempt?
The rule applies to foreign nationals entering mainland Tanzania through airports, seaports and land borders. That includes typical safari, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar travelers from the USA, UK, Europe, Australia and Asia.
Official exemption: NIC's FAQ states that residents of East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) partner states are excluded. Several tour operator bulletins quoting current NIC guidance also list Tanzanian residents, holders of valid work or residence permits, diaspora members, diplomats and transit passengers. Because exemption details can be updated, confirm your category on the NIC FAQ page before you travel.
NIC or ZIC: which insurance should you buy?
The simple rule is to buy the policy for your first point of entry. You do not need to buy a second policy for the other side of the country. NIC and ZIC guidance says a valid policy from either insurer covers onward travel between the mainland and Zanzibar.
| Your itinerary | Buy |
|---|---|
| Fly into Kilimanjaro (JRO) for a safari, then relax in Zanzibar | NIC only |
| Fly into Dar es Salaam (DAR), then take a flight or ferry to Zanzibar | NIC only |
| Fly into Zanzibar (ZNZ) first, then go to the mainland | ZIC only |
| Cross a land border into Tanzania, for example from Kenya at Namanga | NIC only |
Keep a copy of your certificate, because officials may ask to verify it when you move between the mainland and Zanzibar. If your trip combines the northern safari circuit with a beach stay, see our safari and Zanzibar beach combinations.
How much does Tanzania's mandatory travel insurance cost?
The Ministry of Finance sets the premium at USD 44 per visitor. NIC charges the Tanzanian shilling equivalent, so the dollar amount can move slightly with the exchange rate. NIC's published plans add discounts for children and larger parties.
| Traveler | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult (18 and over) | USD 44 |
| Child (3 to 17 years) | 50% discount, about USD 22 |
| Infant (0 to 2 years) | Free |
| Adults in a group of 10 or more | 10% discount, about USD 39.60 |
NIC offers three plan types: Individual (1 to 2 people), Family (3 to 9 people) and Group (10 or more people). Estimated totals, based on these published discounts:
- Couple (2 adults): about USD 88.
- Family of 4 (2 adults, 2 children aged 3 to 17): about USD 132.
- Family with an infant (2 adults, 1 child, 1 infant under 3): about USD 110.
- Group of 10 adults: about USD 396.
The mandatory policy is a government charge. Unless your operator tells you otherwise, it is not part of your safari price, so check your quote. For the rest of your budget, see our guide to Tanzania safari costs.
What does the mandatory policy cover, and what does it exclude?
According to NIC, the policy gives financial protection for:
- Emergency medical treatment during your stay in Tanzania.
- Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation.
- Loss of luggage.
Cover starts immediately after payment, based on the dates on your certificate. The policy documents reported by tour operators list exclusions that include pre-existing medical conditions, war and armed conflict, terrorism, certain natural catastrophes and epidemics, criminal acts or reckless conduct, alcohol, drugs or non-prescribed medication, and certain hazardous or high-risk activities. Read the full terms on the NIC portal.
The mandatory policy does not cover trip cancellation, flight delays, missed connections or most adventure-activity risks, so keep your own comprehensive travel insurance.
Do you still need your own travel insurance?
Yes. The government policy is narrow by design. A private policy can add trip cancellation and interruption, delayed or lost baggage beyond the basic cover, higher medical limits, and cover for activities such as trekking or ballooning. If you are climbing, check that your policy covers high-altitude trekking to the summit height of Kilimanjaro and evacuation by helicopter. Our Kilimanjaro climbing guide explains what else to prepare.
How to buy Tanzania inbound travel insurance, step by step
- Check you are not exempt. Review the exemption list on the NIC FAQ page.
- Decide where you first enter. Mainland (JRO, DAR or a land border) means NIC. Zanzibar (ZNZ) first means ZIC.
- Open the official portal. Go to inbound.nicinsurance.co.tz for the mainland or inbound.visitzanzibar.go.tz for Zanzibar.
- Enter your details. NIC asks for passport information, travel dates, nationality, purpose of visit, first entry point and basic personal details.
- Choose your plan and pay. Online payment is by Visa or Mastercard. NIC also accepts payment at designated counters on arrival.
- Save your certificate. NIC issues a digital certificate that you can print. Keep a copy on your phone and a printed copy with your passport.
Can you buy the insurance when you land?
NIC says insurance can be bought online or at the point of entry. However, NIC's own FAQ says foreigners must obtain cover before arrival, and the Ministry of Finance strongly advises buying before you travel to avoid delays at entry. After a long flight, joining a payment queue is the last thing you want, so buy online before you leave home.
Kilimanjaro climbers and safari travelers: what to do
- Arriving at Kilimanjaro (JRO): buy NIC cover, the same as every other mainland arrival.
- Adding Zanzibar: no second policy is needed if you entered the mainland first.
- Climbing Kilimanjaro: keep a private policy with high-altitude and evacuation cover as well.
- Combining with Kenya: if you cross by land into Tanzania, the land border rule applies, so buy NIC cover first.
Also check your other entry documents. Our guides cover the Tanzania visa, yellow fever requirements and recommended vaccinations. If you are still working out flights, see our flights and hotels page.
Extensions, refunds and claims
- Extensions: if you stay longer than 92 days, arrange an extension through NIC before the policy expires.
- Refunds: possible depending on NIC's refund policy and when you cancel. Proof of trip cancellation may be required.
- Claims and emergencies: NIC runs 24/7 assistance on +255 736 100 800, with 0800 110 041 for calls within Tanzania, and an email line at wecare.inbound@nicinsurance.co.tz.
Use official portals only
Buy only from the official government-designated sites: NIC for mainland Tanzania and the ZIC portal for Zanzibar (more on ZIC at zic.co.tz). Avoid lookalike sites and unofficial agents that may add fees, and always check the web address before you enter passport details.
FAQ: Tanzania mandatory travel insurance
Is travel insurance mandatory for Tanzania in 2026?
Yes. From 1 October 2026, most foreign visitors entering mainland Tanzania by air, land or sea must hold the government's inbound travel insurance from NIC. Zanzibar has had its own mandatory scheme through ZIC since October 2024. Certain categories, such as residents of EAC and SADC partner states, are exempt.
How much is Tanzania's mandatory travel insurance?
The premium is USD 44 per adult, charged in Tanzanian shillings at the USD equivalent. Published NIC plan terms give children aged 3 to 17 a 50% discount, cover infants aged 0 to 2 free, and give groups of 10 or more adults a 10% discount. The final price is shown at checkout.
Does my existing travel insurance replace the mandatory Tanzania policy?
No. The government policy is a separate entry requirement, and a private or credit card policy does not replace it. It is also not a substitute for comprehensive travel insurance, because it only covers medical emergencies, evacuation or repatriation and loss of luggage.
Do I need both NIC and ZIC insurance if I visit the mainland and Zanzibar?
No. Buy the policy for your first point of entry. NIC and ZIC guidance says a valid NIC policy covers onward travel to Zanzibar, and a valid ZIC policy covers onward travel to the mainland. Keep your certificate with you for verification.
Can I buy Tanzania travel insurance on arrival?
NIC lists purchase at entry points as an option, but the Ministry of Finance and NIC both advise buying before you travel to avoid delays at arrival. The safest approach is to buy online at least a few days before your flight and carry the certificate.
Do children need Tanzania travel insurance?
Children are covered by the requirement, but the cost is lower. Under NIC's published plan terms, children aged 3 to 17 pay 50% of the adult premium and infants aged 0 to 2 are free.
Is the insurance required for Kilimanjaro climbers and safari travelers?
Yes, if you are an eligible foreign visitor entering mainland Tanzania. Climbers should still keep a private policy with high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation cover, because the government policy has exclusions, including certain hazardous activities.
Who is exempt from Tanzania's mandatory travel insurance?
NIC's FAQ excludes residents of East African Community and Southern African Development Community partner states. Tour operators quoting current NIC guidance also list Tanzanian residents, valid work or residence permit holders, diaspora, diplomats and transit passengers. Confirm your own category on the NIC portal before you travel.
Can I extend or get a refund on the policy?
NIC says policies can be extended through NIC before they expire if you stay longer than 92 days. Refunds may be granted depending on NIC's refund policy and the timing of the cancellation, and proof of trip cancellation may be required.
What happens if I arrive without the insurance?
The Ministry of Finance treats it as an entry requirement and advises travelers to buy before arrival to avoid delays. We cannot predict how it will be applied at each border post, so do not arrive without your certificate.
Expert advice
- Buy your NIC or ZIC policy as soon as your flights are booked and your arrival airport is final.
- Match the policy to your first point of entry, not your final destination.
- Save the certificate as a PDF on your phone and print one copy with your passport.
- Keep a separate comprehensive policy for cancellation, baggage delay and adventure cover.
- Check the official portals again a few days before you fly, because procedures can be clarified at short notice.
Official sources
- Ministry of Finance public notice, published by the Embassy of Tanzania in Rome
- NIC Inbound Travel Insurance portal and its FAQs
- Zanzibar inbound travel insurance portal (ZIC)
Premiums, exemptions and procedures may change, so always confirm the current requirements on the official portals before you travel.