Now, Tanzania Joins Zanzibar, Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda In Implementing Mandatory Travel Insurance for Foreign Nationals: All You Need To Know About This Latest Update

Published on July 5, 2025

Until July 5, 2025, Tanzania has made it compulsory for all foreign nationals arriving to obtain travel insurance. From October 1, 2024, clients will be required to purchase travel insurance on arrival and this service will be offered by the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC). The $44-insurance cover covers tourists for a maximum of 92 days and provides covers for health issues, lost baggage, loss of passport, accidents, and evacuation in case of emergencies. In doing so, Tanzania joins other East African nations like Zanzibar, Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda in instituting such measures to enhance tourist safety and make entry procedures easier.

Regional Adoption of Mandatory Travel Insurance

Tanzania’s initiative is part of a broader regional trend where neighboring countries in East Africa have also recognized the importance of travel insurance in safeguarding both tourists and the local healthcare infrastructure. Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda have already put policies in place that require foreign visitors to possess valid travel insurance as a condition for entry. These measures ensure that tourists are protected against unforeseen medical emergencies, accidents, and other travel-related incidents, thus reducing the burden on public health services while enhancing the overall visitor experience.

Impact on Tourism and Visitor Experience

The introduction of mandatory travel insurance is expected to have a multifaceted impact on tourism in Tanzania and across the East African region:

1. Enhanced Tourist Safety: With comprehensive coverage that includes medical emergencies, accidents, and emergency evacuations, tourists can travel with peace of mind knowing they are protected against potential risks during their stay.
2. Streamlined Entry Processes: By incorporating the insurance requirement into the visa application process, the countries can expedite entry procedures. This reduction in wait times and enhanced border control efficiency is likely to improve the overall visitor experience.
3. Financial Protection for Healthcare Systems: Mandatory insurance ensures that tourists bear the cost of their medical care if necessary, alleviating the financial strain on local healthcare facilities. This allows resources to be allocated more efficiently to residents and ensures that public health systems are not overwhelmed by visitors seeking treatment.
4. Promotion of Responsible Tourism: By requiring travel insurance, tourists are encouraged to consider the potential risks of their travels and take responsibility for their own safety. This policy fosters a culture of responsible tourism and strengthens the connection between travelers and the communities they visit.

Challenges and Considerations

While the policy provides numerous benefits, its implementation will come with certain challenges:

• Awareness and Compliance: Ensuring that all travelers are aware of the new insurance requirement and comply with it could be challenging, particularly for those unfamiliar with the policy or who may not be aware of the specific insurance providers.
• Cost Implications: The added cost of purchasing insurance may deter some budget-conscious travelers. This could have an impact on the number of tourists visiting these destinations, especially for those who were planning on visiting without additional expenses.
• Administrative Coordination: Successful implementation will require effective coordination between immigration authorities, insurance providers, and tourism agencies. Streamlined processes and clear communication will be essential to ensuring smooth enforcement of the new policy.

What’s Next
In furthering their tourism policy development, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda take a crucial step to foster sustainability and resilience for East African tourism by putting tourists first and including robust insurance coverage for travelers within the travel process itself. By doing so, these nations are setting a powerful example for responsible and sustainable tourism development. By doing so not only is the tourist protected but also long-term sustainability of East African tourism is secured so both locals and travelers benefit from a healthy and protected travel environment.

Sources: Tanzania Ministry of Tourism, Zanzibar Insurance Corporation, Kenya Tourism Board, Uganda Tourism Board, Rwanda Development Board.