Tanzania Mandatory Travel Insurance: $44 Fee and Zanzibar Rules

By Safari Desire | Last updated: October 01, 2026

Planning a Tanzania safari, a Mount Kilimanjaro climb or a holiday combining wildlife and Zanzibar? From October 1, 2026, qualifying foreign visitors entering Mainland Tanzania must have mandatory inbound travel insurance.

The standard Mainland policy costs the Tanzanian shilling equivalent of US$44 per person and provides coverage for up to 92 days, subject to the dates and conditions stated on the insurance certificate.

For travelers combining a safari with Zanzibar, there is an important clarification: you do not need to buy two mandatory inbound insurance policies for the same journey simply because you visit both Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, provided you hold a valid, applicable policy.

The Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) confirmed this in its public notice dated September 28, 2026. The notice also explains which insurer to use, how previously purchased Zanzibar policies are treated, and why Mainland exemptions do not automatically apply to Zanzibar.

If Mainland Tanzania is your first point of entry, use the official NIC insurance application portal. If you arrive in Zanzibar first, use the official ZIC inbound insurance portal.

Still planning your holiday? Explore our Tanzania Safari Tours for private itineraries through the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire and other leading wildlife destinations.

Tanzania mandatory inbound travel insurance is a compulsory policy for qualifying foreign visitors entering Mainland Tanzania through airports, land borders and seaports.

The Mainland scheme is administered through the National Insurance Corporation (NIC). Zanzibar has its own inbound insurance scheme through the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC).

The September 2026 clarification explains how these schemes apply when a visitor travels between the Mainland and Zanzibar. The appropriate insurer is determined by the traveler’s first point of entry into the United Republic of Tanzania, subject to the provision for existing ZIC policies purchased before October 1, 2026.

When Does Tanzania’s Mandatory Travel Insurance Start?

The ZIC public notice confirms October 1, 2026 as the effective date for mandatory inbound travel insurance for foreign visitors entering Mainland Tanzania.

Travelers arriving from that date should establish whether the requirement applies to them and arrange the appropriate policy before departure.

For example, a visitor arriving internationally at Kilimanjaro International Airport for a northern Tanzania safari should use the Mainland NIC scheme, unless a relevant exemption or the notice’s provision for an existing ZIC policy applies.

How Much Does Tanzania Mandatory Travel Insurance Cost?

NIC lists the standard Mainland premium as the Tanzanian shilling equivalent of US$44 per person.

Confirm the final amount through the official application portal when purchasing your policy. The Mainland premium should not be treated as a quotation for a Zanzibar-issued policy.

The September 28 ZIC notice does not specify discounted premiums for children, infants or groups. Families and group organizers should confirm any applicable pricing arrangements directly with the relevant insurer before making payment.

No. According to the ZIC public notice, a foreign visitor is not required to purchase two mandatory inbound travel insurance policies for the same journey merely because the itinerary includes both Zanzibar and Mainland Tanzania.

You must hold a valid and applicable policy and keep the insurance certificate and QR code available for verification when traveling between the two destinations.

If You Arrive in Mainland Tanzania First

When Mainland Tanzania is your first point of entry, obtain the applicable mandatory inbound insurance through NIC.

For example:

International arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport → Tanzania safari → Zanzibar beach holiday

For this itinerary, the first point of entry is Mainland Tanzania. Use the NIC portal and retain your valid insurance documents when continuing to Zanzibar.

Apply for Mainland Tanzania Inbound Travel Insurance through NIC

If You Arrive in Zanzibar First

When Zanzibar is your first point of entry, obtain the applicable mandatory inbound insurance through ZIC.

For example:

International arrival in Zanzibar → Beach stay → Flight to Mainland Tanzania for a safari

For this itinerary, use the Zanzibar insurance portal and keep your valid certificate and QR code when continuing to the Mainland.

Apply through the Official Zanzibar Inbound Insurance Portal

If You Already Purchased Zanzibar Insurance Before October 1, 2026

The public notice includes a specific provision for travelers who purchased and fully paid for a valid ZIC mandatory inbound travel insurance policy before October 1, 2026, but whose itinerary begins in Mainland Tanzania.

These travelers do not need to cancel the existing policy or purchase another policy for the same insured journey.

Keep your existing ZIC certificate and QR code available for verification, and ensure the policy remains valid for your travel dates.

Who Is Exempt from Mainland Tanzania Mandatory Insurance?

The ZIC notice confirms that qualifying travelers from East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) Partner States are exempt from the Mainland mandatory inbound insurance requirement.

NIC’s official FAQ describes this exclusion in terms of foreign residents of those Partner States.

Travelers who believe they qualify should confirm their eligibility and any required supporting documentation before departure.

Mainland Exemptions Do Not Automatically Apply to Zanzibar

The public notice explicitly states that the Mainland exemption must not be interpreted as an automatic exemption from Zanzibar’s applicable insurance requirements.

Where the Zanzibar requirement applies, the traveler must obtain the appropriate cover through ZIC.

This matters for travelers who enter the Mainland under an exemption and later fly to Zanzibar. Having an exemption from the Mainland requirement does not, by itself, satisfy Zanzibar’s insurance rules.

What Does the NIC Inbound Travel Insurance Cover?

NIC identifies the following areas of protection:

• Emergency medical expenses
• Loss of baggage
• Emergency medical evacuation
• Repatriation

Coverage is subject to the policy’s benefit limits, exclusions and conditions. Read the issued documents carefully rather than assuming that every medical expense, evacuation or baggage incident is covered.

If your holiday includes a Mount Kilimanjaro climb, ask your insurer to confirm the altitude and activity coverage you need. Review your wider personal travel insurance for cancellation protection and other requirements specific to your trip.

How to Apply for Tanzania Mandatory Travel Insurance

Arrange your insurance once your itinerary and travel dates are confirmed.

Step 1: Identify Your First Point of Entry

Determine whether your international arrival into Tanzania is in:

• Mainland Tanzania: use NIC.
• Zanzibar: use ZIC.

If you already hold a ZIC policy fully paid before October 1, 2026, check the existing-policy provision explained above.

Step 2: Use the Official Application Portal

For Mainland-first entry:

Official NIC Tanzania Inbound Insurance Application

For Zanzibar-first entry:

Official ZIC Zanzibar Inbound Insurance Portal

Step 3: Enter Your Details Accurately

NIC requests passport information, travel dates, purpose of visit and basic personal details.

Check that your information matches your passport and that the policy dates correspond with your journey.

Step 4: Complete Payment and Confirm Policy Issuance

Follow the insurer’s payment instructions and confirm that your insurance documents have been issued successfully.

NIC’s FAQ lists online debit or credit card payment and cash payment upon arrival. It also advises visitors to obtain insurance before arrival, so completing the process before departure is preferable.

Step 5: Save Your Certificate and QR Code

Keep an electronic or printed copy of your insurance certificate and QR code throughout the journey.

Save an offline copy on your phone so you can present it without an internet connection. A printed copy can also be useful.

Can You Buy Tanzania Inbound Insurance on Arrival?

NIC’s official FAQ provides for purchasing insurance at entry points, while also advising foreign visitors to obtain it before arrival.

Safari Desire recommends completing the application before traveling. This gives you time to check your details, confirm successful payment and ensure that your documents are accessible.

How Long Is the Insurance Valid?

The Mainland NIC policy provides coverage for up to 92 days, with the applicable coverage dates stated on the certificate.

The ZIC public notice also confirms that a valid, unexpired ZIC mandatory policy within its 92-day coverage period remains applicable for subsequent entry into Mainland Tanzania or Zanzibar, subject to its terms.

A new policy is required when the existing policy expires or otherwise becomes invalid.

If your plans change or your stay extends beyond the insured period, contact the issuing insurer before your cover ends to confirm the arrangements needed.

Why You Must Keep Your Certificate and QR Code

The September 28 notice requires travelers to retain their insurance certificate and QR code, electronically or in print, throughout the journey.

These documents may be scanned or checked at relevant entry points to establish:

• Authenticity
• Policy validity
• The applicable coverage period

Keep them with your passport and other travel documents, especially when flying between Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.

Download the Official Tanzania and Zanzibar Insurance Public Notice

The September 28, 2026 ZIC public notice explains the Mainland commencement date, first-point-of-entry rule, existing policies, duplicate payments, EAC/SADC exemptions and proof-of-insurance requirements.

Download the Official Tanzania and Zanzibar Inbound Travel Insurance Clarification — PDF

The three-page document provides the official clarification for travelers, airlines, tour operators and other tourism stakeholders. Read it alongside the applicable insurer’s current guidance and policy terms.

Tanzania Mandatory Travel Insurance FAQs

Is travel insurance mandatory for Tanzania from October 1, 2026?

Yes. The ZIC public notice confirms October 1, 2026 as the effective date for mandatory inbound travel insurance for qualifying foreign visitors entering Mainland Tanzania.

How much is Mainland Tanzania mandatory travel insurance?

NIC lists the standard premium as the Tanzanian shilling equivalent of US$44 per person. Confirm the final payable amount through the official application portal.

Which insurance should I purchase for a Tanzania safari followed by Zanzibar?

If your first point of entry is Mainland Tanzania, obtain the applicable policy through NIC. Keep your valid certificate and QR code when continuing to Zanzibar.

The notice states that you do not need two mandatory policies merely because the same journey includes both destinations.

Which insurance should I purchase if I arrive internationally in Zanzibar?

Use ZIC when Zanzibar is your first point of entry. Retain the valid policy documents when continuing to Mainland Tanzania.

I bought Zanzibar insurance before October 1, 2026. Must I replace it if my trip starts on the Mainland?

No, provided the ZIC policy was fully paid before October 1, 2026 and remains valid for the same insured journey. The notice says you do not need to cancel it or purchase another policy.

Are EAC and SADC travelers exempt?

Qualifying EAC and SADC travelers are exempt from the Mainland requirement. However, this does not automatically exempt them from Zanzibar’s applicable insurance requirements.

Do I need Zanzibar insurance if I was exempt from buying a Mainland policy?

Where Zanzibar’s requirement applies to you, obtain the applicable cover through ZIC. A Mainland exemption alone does not satisfy Zanzibar’s rules.

Must I buy another ZIC policy if I leave and return during its validity?

The notice confirms that a valid, unexpired ZIC policy within its 92-day coverage period remains applicable for subsequent Mainland or Zanzibar entry, subject to its terms.

Are discounts available for children, infants or groups?

The September 28 clarification does not specify discounted premiums. Confirm any age-related or group pricing directly with NIC or ZIC during the application process.

Does my existing international travel insurance replace the mandatory policy?

Do not assume that it does. The notice directs visitors to the applicable NIC or ZIC scheme according to their first point of entry.

Confirm compliance with the relevant insurer and review your personal international travel insurance separately for the broader protection your holiday needs.

Does the compulsory policy cover a Mount Kilimanjaro climb?

Do not assume that all climbing activities, altitudes or evacuation circumstances are included. Ask your insurer to confirm the coverage required for your route and planned activities.

What proof of insurance should I carry?

Retain your insurance certificate and QR code, electronically or in print, throughout your journey. These may be checked at entry points.

Does purchasing insurance replace a Tanzania visa?

No. Insurance and immigration permissions are separate requirements. Check the visa rules applicable to your nationality and itinerary.

Where can I obtain help with an NIC policy?

NIC’s official FAQ lists its assistance number as +255 736 100 800. For questions about a ZIC policy or the public notice, contact ZIC through its official channels.

Planning Your Tanzania Safari

Once your itinerary is confirmed, identify your first point of entry, arrange the applicable insurance and save your certificate and QR code with your travel documents.

Explore our Tanzania Safari Tours for private journeys through Tarangire National Park, the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, including itineraries with a Zanzibar beach stay.

Safari Desire can tailor your holiday around your travel dates, preferred accommodation, interests and budget. Preparing your entry documents in advance will help you begin your safari with everything ready.

Official Information and Application Links

• ZIC public notice, September 28, 2026: Clarification on the Implementation of Mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance for Foreign Visitors Entering Zanzibar and Tanzania Mainland — available in the downloadable PDF accompanying this article.
• NIC Official Frequently Asked Questions
• NIC Mainland Tanzania Insurance Application
• ZIC Zanzibar Inbound Insurance Portal

Information checked: October 01, 2026. Confirm current requirements and your policy’s terms through the official insurer before departure.