Tanzania Increases Investment in Primary Healthcare and Medical Infrastructure
Starting October 1, 2026, foreign visitors entering Mainland Tanzania through airports, seaports or land borders will be required to have mandatory inbound travel insurance.
The new requirement follows the publication of Government Notice No. 256 of 2026 under Tanzania’s Insurance Act, as amended by the Finance Act 2025. The measure is intended to provide emergency protection for foreign visitors during their stay in Tanzania.
How Much Does Tanzania’s Mandatory Travel Insurance Cost?
The mandatory inbound travel insurance is priced at the equivalent of US$44 per visitor.
According to the National Insurance Corporation (NIC), the policy is valid for up to 92 days and provides protection against several travel-related emergencies.
Travelers planning to visit Tanzania should therefore check the official insurance requirements before departure to avoid potential delays during entry procedures.
What Does the Mandatory Travel Insurance Cover?
According to the National Insurance Corporation, the inbound insurance provides protection related to areas such as:
- Emergency medical expenses
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Repatriation
- Loss of baggage
- Emergency assistance services
The exact benefits, exclusions and limits depend on the terms and conditions of the policy.
Does the Requirement Apply to All Foreign Visitors?
For Mainland Tanzania, the new regulation applies to foreigners entering through land borders, seaports and airports.
However, NIC states that foreigners who are residents of EAC and SADC member states are excluded from the requirement. Travelers should therefore verify their eligibility according to nationality and immigration status before travelling.
Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar Have Different Rules
One important point for international travelers is that Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar have separate inbound insurance arrangements.
Mainland Tanzania
The new requirement for foreign visitors entering Mainland Tanzania takes effect on October 1, 2026. The mandatory insurance is provided through the National Insurance Corporation (NIC) under the new regulations.
Zanzibar
Zanzibar introduced its own mandatory inbound travel insurance earlier.
Since October 1, 2024, foreign visitors entering Zanzibar have been required to obtain inbound travel insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC). The policy is designed to cover stays of up to 92 days.
ZIC currently states that its inbound travel insurance is mandatory for foreign visitors and lists the premium at US$44 per adult.
Is Existing International Travel Insurance Enough?
This is an important issue for international travelers.
For Zanzibar, the government has stated that visitors must obtain the required inbound insurance through the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation and that other international travel insurance policies are not accepted as a substitute for the mandatory Zanzibar cover.
For Mainland Tanzania, travelers should follow the latest official guidance from NIC and the relevant authorities rather than assuming that an existing private or international policy automatically replaces the mandatory inbound cover.
What Could the New Rule Mean for Tanzania Tourism?
Tanzania is a major African tourism destination, attracting international visitors for wildlife safaris, national parks, Mount Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar’s beaches.
The introduction of mandatory inbound insurance means that travel insurance will become an important part of travel planning for visitors to Tanzania.
Tour operators, travel agencies and tourism businesses will also need to make international travelers aware of the new requirement and explain which insurance arrangement applies to their route of entry.
Why Is Travel Insurance Important for Visitors?
Adventure tourism, safaris, mountain trekking and long-distance travel can involve unexpected risks.
Insurance protection related to:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Medical evacuation
- Emergency repatriation
- Baggage-related incidents
- Emergency assistance
can help reduce certain financial risks associated with travel. The actual level of protection depends on the policy’s terms and conditions.
Key Tips for Travelers Visiting Tanzania in 2026
Visitors planning a trip to Tanzania should:
- Identify their entry point — Mainland Tanzania or Zanzibar.
- Check whether they are subject to the mandatory insurance requirement.
- Obtain the required inbound insurance through the appropriate official channel.
- Check that the insurance period matches their travel arrangements.
- Keep their insurance certificate and travel documents accessible.
- Review the policy’s benefits, exclusions and conditions before departure.
The National Insurance Corporation provides information on the Mainland Tanzania policy, while the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation manages the corresponding Zanzibar insurance scheme.
Conclusion
From October 1, 2026, foreign visitors entering Mainland Tanzania will be required to have mandatory inbound travel insurance. The announced premium is US$44, with coverage valid for up to 92 days.
Zanzibar, meanwhile, has operated a separate mandatory inbound travel insurance system since October 2024. Travelers visiting Tanzania should therefore check the applicable requirements according to their entry point, destination and nationality before travelling.
