Tanzania Mainland has introduced a mandatory travel insurance requirement starting October 1, 2026. Foreign visitors must purchase a local inbound policy issued by the National Insurance Corporation (NIC) or its partners, regardless of whether they already hold private international travel insurance.
Heading to Tanzania? Here is What You Need to Know About the New Mandatory Travel Insurance
Planning your dream Tanzanian safari or a trek up Mount Kilimanjaro? There is a major update to travel regulations that you need to know before you board your flight.
Starting October 1, 2026, the Government of Mainland Tanzania has introduced a mandatory inbound travel insurance requirement for all foreign visitors. To help you navigate this change seamlessly, we have broken down all the essential details so your journey remains stress-free.
What is the New Rule?
All international visitors entering Mainland Tanzania must hold a local travel insurance policy issued by the National Insurance Corporation (NIC).
Even if you already have premium international travel insurance, a policy through your credit card, or private health coverage from home, it will not substitute for this mandatory local policy. You will still be required to purchase the official Tanzanian inbound insurance.
How Much Does It Cost?
The pricing is structured per person and provides excellent, affordable coverage for your peace of mind:
Adults (18+): USD $44
Children (Ages 3–17): USD $22 (50% discount)
Infants (Ages 0–2): Free of charge
Groups: Traveling with friends or family? Groups of 10 or more adults receive a 10% discount on the adult rate.
What Does the Insurance Cover?
The policy is valid for up to 92 days and allows for multiple entries. It is specifically designed to protect you during your travels and covers:
Emergency medical expenses and hospitalization
Emergency medical evacuation (crucial for wilderness safaris and mountain treks)
Lost or delayed baggage
Repatriation of remains
Mainland Tanzania vs. Zanzibar: How to Apply
Tanzania has two distinct entry systems depending on where your flight lands first. It is vital to purchase your insurance through the correct portal based on your initial point of entry:
Landing in Mainland Tanzania (e.g., Kilimanjaro JRO, Dar es Salaam DAR): You must purchase your policy online before you travel through the official NIC Inbound Portal.
Landing in Zanzibar First (ZNZ): Zanzibar operates under its own mandatory insurance framework. If you fly directly into Zanzibar, you must buy your insurance via the Visit Zanzibar Portal.
Note: Once purchased at your initial gateway, the coverage protects you as you travel between the mainland and the islands, but your paperwork must match your first arrival airport.
Exemptions
Are you a citizen of an East African Community (EAC) or Southern African Development Community (SADC) member state? If so, you are exempt from this mandatory local insurance requirement.
What Should You Do Next?
We highly recommend purchasing your mandatory insurance online a few days before your departure to avoid delays at airport immigration. Once bought, download the digital certificate to your phone and print a physical copy to keep with your passport.
As your trusted tour operator, we are tracking these regulations closely to ensure your holiday is seamless. If you have any questions about how this impacts your upcoming itinerary with us, please reach out to our team!
