Travelling to Tanzania? New Mandatory Travel Insurance Starts 1 October 2026

What does the new Tanzania travel insurance requirement mean?

For travellers who are subject to the new requirement, an inbound travel insurance policy must be obtained when entering Mainland Tanzania. Under the regulations, a visitor who arrives without a valid policy can be refused entry.

The policy is issued by the National Insurance Corporation (NIC), or by a registered insurer working in partnership with NIC, and costs the Tanzanian-shilling equivalent of US$44 per adult. The cover is valid for up to 92 days and allows multiple entries during the validity period.

The policy is designed to provide assistance for situations including:

• Emergency medical treatment
• Emergency medical evacuation
• Repatriation
• Loss of luggage

The regulations leave the exact benefit limits and exclusions to the policy wording, so it is worth reading the certificate and policy that NIC issues.

The policy therefore forms part of the entry requirements for eligible foreign visitors; it should not be confused with the wider travel insurance that travellers may choose to purchase for their trip.

How much does the mandatory insurance cost?

The standard adult premium is:

US$44 per adult, paid in the Tanzanian-shilling equivalent

Reduced rates for children and groups have also been announced for the policy, following the same structure that Zanzibar publishes for its own scheme:

^* The US$44 premium is set by the regulations and confirmed by NIC. Child, infant and group rates are not set out in Government Notice No. 256 or in NIC’s published FAQs at the time of writing, so please confirm the rate that applies to your party with NIC when you buy the policy.

The policy is valid for up to 92 days, including multiple entries during the validity period. If you stay in Mainland Tanzania for longer than 92 days, the regulations require a new policy.

For travellers booking longer Tanzania holidays, this is an important cost to factor into the overall trip budget.

Who needs the insurance?

The requirement applies to eligible foreign visitors entering Mainland Tanzania through:

• Airports
• Seaports
• Land borders

There is, however, an important exemption that travellers from East Africa should understand.

According to the regulations and NIC’s current guidance, the definition of a foreigner for this requirement excludes residents of East African Community (EAC) Partner States and Southern African Development Community (SADC) Partner States.

This means that the exemption is based on residence, not simply on the passport a traveller holds.

The regulations define a foreigner as anyone who is not a citizen of the United Republic of Tanzania, and then exclude residents of EAC and SADC Partner States. They do not specify what evidence of residence will be accepted, so travellers relying on the exemption should carry documentary proof of their residence status.

For example, travellers who are residents of an EAC Partner State should check the exemption before purchasing the policy.

If you are unsure whether the exemption applies to you, we recommend confirming your status with the relevant Tanzanian authorities or NIC before travelling.

What about travellers who already have travel insurance?

This is an important distinction.

The new Tanzanian inbound policy is a specific entry requirement. Having your own international travel insurance does not automatically mean that you can disregard the Tanzanian requirement.

Your existing travel insurance may provide broader benefits, higher medical limits, trip cancellation protection, personal liability, or other benefits that the mandatory inbound policy may not provide.

For this reason, travellers should look at the two separately:

The mandatory policy should therefore not necessarily be viewed as a replacement for comprehensive travel insurance.

Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar: what’s the difference?

This is where things become particularly important for travellers combining a Tanzania safari with Zanzibar.

Zanzibar has operated its own mandatory travel insurance arrangement since 1 October 2024, administered by the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC).

Mainland Tanzania’s new requirement is administered through the National Insurance Corporation (NIC).

So, if your holiday includes destinations such as:

Serengeti → Ngorongoro → Arusha → Zanzibar

it is important to understand which insurance arrangement applies to your journey and your point of entry.

The Ministry of Finance’s statement of 25 September 2026 explains that visitors entering through Mainland Tanzania obtain their cover from NIC, while visitors entering through Zanzibar obtain their cover from ZIC. It adds that, if an emergency occurs anywhere in the United Republic of Tanzania, travellers are assisted by the insurer that issued their policy, subject to the policy terms.

The Tanzanian Ministry of Finance has specifically advised international travellers to obtain the required cover before travelling to avoid delays during entry procedures.

Because the Mainland and Zanzibar schemes have separate administrative arrangements, and official guidance does not yet spell out every combination (for example, arriving at Kilimanjaro and later flying on to Zanzibar), travellers should confirm the applicable policy rather than assuming that an existing insurance certificate automatically satisfies every requirement.

What does this mean for travellers from Kenya?

For our travellers and travel partners in Kenya, this is an especially useful update.

Tanzania remains one of the most popular destinations for East African travellers, whether for:

• Serengeti safaris
• Ngorongoro Crater
• Mount Kilimanjaro climbs
• Tarangire National Park
• Family holidays
• Honeymoons
• Golf and safari combinations
• Zanzibar beach holidays
• Combined Kenya–Tanzania safaris

Kenya is an EAC Partner State, so the residence exemption described above is directly relevant to travellers who live in Kenya. Travellers should therefore check their residence status and entry arrangements before purchasing the new policy.

For those who are subject to the requirement, the additional US$44 per adult should also be considered when preparing a Tanzania holiday budget.

Can I buy the insurance before I travel?

Yes.

NIC advises eligible travellers to obtain the inbound travel insurance before arriving in Tanzania, with proof of the policy available for verification at the point of entry. NIC issues a digital and/or printed certificate for this purpose.

The regulations also allow the policy to be bought at the point of entry, but buying it in advance can help reduce unnecessary delays when arriving at the airport or border.

As with any travel requirement, we recommend checking the latest official instructions shortly before departure, as implementation procedures can change.

What should you do if you are travelling to Tanzania after 1 October 2026?

Before departure, we recommend checking these five things:

1. 01

   Check where you are entering Tanzania

   Are you arriving through:

   • Kilimanjaro International Airport?
   • Julius Nyerere International Airport?
   • A land border?
   • A seaport?
   • Zanzibar?

   Your point of entry is important when determining which insurance arrangement applies.

2. 02

   Check whether you qualify for an exemption

   If you are a resident of an EAC or SADC Partner State, check the applicable exemption before purchasing the policy, and carry proof of your residence status.

3. 03

   If required, obtain the mandatory insurance

   Eligible travellers should arrange the required cover before travelling and keep their insurance certificate accessible.

4. 04

   Don’t forget your existing travel insurance

   The mandatory Tanzanian policy should not automatically be treated as a substitute for comprehensive travel insurance.

5. 05

   Let your travel consultant know your full itinerary

   This is particularly important for Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar holidays, where your points of entry determine which insurance arrangement applies.

Planning a Tanzania safari?

Tanzania remains one of Africa’s most extraordinary safari destinations, from the vast plains of the Serengeti and the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Conservation Area to the landscapes around Tarangire and the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro.

At Shishi Footsteps, we don’t just arrange the destination; we help you understand the safari beforehand.

Whether you’re dreaming of a classic Serengeti safari, a Kilimanjaro adventure, a family holiday, a honeymoon or a Tanzania safari followed by Zanzibar, our team can help you plan the experience around your interests, travel style and budget.

And as travel requirements continue to evolve, we will continue sharing important updates to help our travellers prepare with confidence.