Tanzania Introduces Mandatory Travel Insurance For Global Visitors From October 2026 With New Tourism Entry Rules

On 1 October 2026, the insurance requirement for international visitors to Tanzania will change. All visitors to the Tanzania mainland will be required to purchase an insurance policy from the National Insurance Corporation (NIC). The cost of this policy will be approximately US$44. At the time of this change, Tanzania will not require a visa for visitors from a number of countries. After this date, in addition to a passport, visitors will be required to show immigration officers other travel documents and their insurance policy. Individuals who do not have the required insurance will not be allowed to enter Tanzania.

Tanzania’s new insurance policy is aimed at enhancing and guaranteeing the safety of visitors and to raise resources to meet liability obligations in respect to emergency and unscheduled evacuation, repatriation and compensation of visitors. Like other unforeseen and unfortunate events that may occur to visitors, for example accidents while in Tanzania and loss of baggage. The new insurance policy will require millions of travelers to other countries to Tanzania to have mandatory insurance. Compulsory travel insurance policies to cover emergencies have been instituted in a number of countries.

Tanzania Creates New Insurance Rule To Protect International Travellers

The mandatory insurance programme has been developed under Tanzania’s insurance regulations and introduced through the legal framework of the Insurance Act, Cap. 394, with implementation details issued through government procedures. The policy establishes a dedicated inbound insurance system specifically designed for foreign visitors entering Mainland Tanzania.

Under the new arrangement, the National Insurance Corporation (NIC) will manage the insurance programme for travellers entering Mainland Tanzania. The state-backed insurance provider will issue approved policies through an official digital platform, allowing visitors to complete the process before travelling.

The requirement covers international visitors entering through major Mainland Tanzania gateways, including:

• Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam
• Kilimanjaro International Airport
• Other airports and land border entry points across Mainland Tanzania

The introduction of the policy means travel companies, airlines, tour operators and accommodation providers will need to update their pre-arrival information systems to ensure visitors understand the new requirement before departure.

Key Details Of Tanzania’s Mandatory Travel Insurance Policy

The new inbound insurance system includes several important requirements that international visitors must understand before travelling.

The policy will remain valid for up to 92 days from the date of arrival. Visitors staying longer than this period will need to obtain a new insurance policy. The 92-day validity period also allows multiple entries within the approved coverage period, according to the policy conditions.

US$44 Insurance Covers Medical Emergencies Evacuation And Baggage Loss

The mandatory insurance policy has been designed to provide basic protection for unexpected incidents that may occur during a visitor’s stay in Tanzania.

The coverage includes four main areas:

The requirement is particularly relevant for Tanzania’s adventure and nature-based tourism sector. Many visitors travel to remote safari destinations, national parks and mountain regions where emergency transportation can be challenging and expensive. Popular tourism locations such as the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Mount Kilimanjaro attract travellers from across the world, making emergency response planning a key part of destination management. The insurance system provides a formal mechanism to support visitors when unexpected situations occur during their journey.

Existing International Travel Insurance Will Not Replace Tanzania Policy

A major feature of Tanzania’s new regulation is that travellers with existing international insurance policies will still need to purchase the approved local mandatory insurance. Private travel insurance from international companies will not replace the required NIC-issued policy for visitors entering Mainland Tanzania.

The mandatory insurance is considered an entry requirement rather than an optional travel protection product. This means international travellers must complete the required insurance purchase process even if they already have coverage for medical emergencies, travel delays or baggage protection from another provider. The new rule will operate alongside existing Tanzania visa requirements. Visitors who require tourist e-Visas or other travel permissions will still need to complete those procedures separately.

Mainland Tanzania And Zanzibar Operate Separate Insurance Requirements

Tanzania has created separate insurance systems for Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar because the two destinations operate through different administrative structures. Travellers entering Mainland Tanzania must purchase insurance through the National Insurance Corporation (NIC). Visitors arriving directly into Zanzibar must obtain insurance through the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC), where a mandatory visitor insurance system has already been operating since October 2024.

The entry location determines which insurance provider travellers must use.

Travellers planning combined holidays that include both Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar should carefully consider their first entry point. Although the insurance providers are different, emergency services are recognised across the United Republic of Tanzania according to the applicable policy conditions.

Digital Certificate System Makes Insurance Verification Easier

Tanzania will use a digital certificate system to simplify insurance registration and verification.

Visitors will be required to provide basic travel information during the application process, including:

• Passport details
• Arrival date
• Contact information
• Expected travel duration

After completing payment, travellers will receive a digital insurance certificate containing a QR code. The certificate can be stored on a smartphone or printed before departure. Immigration officials will use the QR code system to confirm insurance validity during arrival procedures. The digital approach is expected to reduce paperwork and improve processing efficiency at Tanzania’s airports and border crossings.

EAC And SADC Residents Exempt From Mandatory Insurance

The insurance requirement is based on residency rather than nationality alone. Residents of member states belonging to the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) are exempt from purchasing the mandatory inbound insurance policy.

However, travellers from many major international tourism markets, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, European Union countries and Australia, will generally need to purchase the required coverage before entering Mainland Tanzania. The residency-based exemption system means that authorities will consider where travellers legally reside rather than only the passport they carry.

Tanzania Tourism Industry Prepares For New Visitor Requirement

Tanzania remains one of Africa’s most important tourism destinations, attracting millions of international visitors every year through its wildlife, adventure and coastal experiences.

The country’s tourism economy depends heavily on international travellers visiting destinations such as:

• Serengeti National Park
• Ngorongoro Crater
• Mount Kilimanjaro
• Tarangire National Park
• Zanzibar beaches and islands

The introduction of mandatory travel insurance adds a new administrative step for visitors but also creates a structured framework for emergency assistance. Travel agencies, safari operators, airlines and hospitality businesses will need to include the insurance requirement in booking information, travel documents and customer communication.

New Rule Places Travel Insurance Among Essential Tanzania Travel Documents

From October 2026, international visitors travelling to Mainland Tanzania will need to prepare more than traditional travel documents.

The essential arrival checklist will include:

• Valid passport
• Required visa or entry permission
• Mandatory NIC travel insurance certificate
• Digital or printed QR-code confirmation

The introduction of the new policy is an effort by the government of the United Republic of Tanzania to enhance tourism safety and ensure that tourism board visitors have some means to call for emergency assistance during their visit. More and more countries are introducing similar policies to ensure visitors’ safety and security. From October 2026, visitors traveling to the East African Countries will need to have travel insurance prior to their arrival, in addition to a passport and visa. This will simplify the arrival process. Travel insurance will, however, be an additional cost to visitors that is not currently in place.