Tanzania to introduce Mandatory Travel Insurance for all foreign visitors
Update 25th September
New regulations will require foreign visitors entering Mainland Tanzania through land borders, seaports, or airports to have mandatory travel insurance purchased from the Government of Tanzania, regardless of whether they have their own travel insurance already.
Start date: 1st October 2026
The insurance may be purchased before travelling at https://inbound.nicinsurance.co.tz/
This will also be available at the point of entry into Tanzania, but I do not have details, so for now assume pre-purchase only.
The fee has been set at USD $44 but is payable in Tanzanian shillings
The policy will be valid for a maximum of 92 days from the date of arrival and will allow multiple entries into mainland Tanzania during that period.
Citizens of member countries of the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) are exempt from this requirement.
Whilst this requirement is similar in nature to Zanzibar's mandatory requirement, it is separate, but only one or the other needs to be purchased, determined by the passenger's first port of entry :
If arriving into Mainland Tanzania first → Applicable visitors should obtain NIC Inbound Travel Insurance. Visitors travelling to Zanzibar next do not require to purchase the Zanzibar (ZIC) Insurance. Please keep a copy of the NIC insurance certificate available for verification.
If arriving into Zanzibar first → Guests who have already obtained valid ZIC Inbound Travel Insurance do not need to purchase the NIC Mainland insurance. Please keep a copy of the ZIC insurance certificate available for verification.
The insurance will provide cover for:
Emergency medical treatment
Medical evacuation
Repatriation of a patient or the remains of a deceased person
Loss of baggage
Coverage limits and claim conditions will be specified in the relevant insurance policy.
According to the regulations, the service will be provided by the National Insurance Corporation (NIC) or other registered insurance companies working in partnership with NIC, under the supervision of the Tanzania Insurance Regulatory Authority (TIRA).
The requirement has been introduced through the 2026 Inbound Travellers Insurance Regulations, published in the Government Gazette under Government Notice No. 256 of September 4, 2026.
Issued by KHAMIS MUSSA OMAR, Minister of Finance
More details to follow as soon as we have them...
Comments