Tanzania and Zanzibar have introduced new travel insurance rules requiring all visitors to take out a specific travel insurance policy before visiting the country. In force since 1 October 2026, the regulation means foreign visitors are obliged to purchase national insurance policies before beginning their trip.
The new rules will affect foreign visitors, who are now required to carry proof that they are insured under section 134A of Tanzania’s Insurance Act. Regardless of their nationality or whether they arrive by air, land or sea, they must take out a policy through the National Insurance Corporation. If entering via Zanzibar, travellers will need to apply through the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation.
Individual (for solo travellers and couples), family (for three to nine people) and group policies (for at least 10 travellers) are available. The premiums at the time of writing are $44 per adult and $22 per child (aged 3–17). A 10% discount is applied to groups of 10 people or more, while children under three years of age are covered free of charge. Policies remain valid for 92 days and cover travellers for multiple entries or visits during that time.
In good news for visitors planning popular itineraries such as a safari stay in Tanzania combined with an island beach holiday in Zanzibar, the relevant insurance companies have confirmed that travellers do not need to purchase both policies, as either policy is valid for travel between the mainland and Zanzibar.
People simply transiting through the country are exempt, as are anyone travelling on a diplomatic passport and holders of selected work and residence permits. Some citizens of other African states, such as those from member states of the East African Community, are also not required to have the insurance.
Everyone else visiting Tanzania and Zanzibar will now need to take out the mandated policy, even if they already hold their own separate travel insurance. The designated cover is designed to cover the costs of emergency assistance for tourists in the event of accidents or health emergencies, as well as repatriation and personal liability. Tanzanian officials have also said the insurance covers baggage delays and theft.
Expected to affect around 2.3 million people, the move introduces additional costs for travellers at a time when the cost of international travel is volatile, following months of a fuel crisis caused by the US-Israel war with Iran and subsequent shipping blockades. But Zanzibar and Tanzania are not the only destinations requiring travel insurance: Argentina, various EU Schengen nations, Kenya and Qatar all require similar insurance cover.
