A new entry requirement for Mainland Tanzania
From 1 October 2026, applicable foreign visitors entering Mainland Tanzania are required to hold valid Inbound Travel Insurance under the Insurance (Inbound Travel Insurance) Regulations, 2026 — Government Notice No. 256 of 2026.
The requirement applies to eligible foreign visitors entering Mainland Tanzania through airports, seaports and land borders.
Key information
- Premium
- Tanzanian shilling equivalent of USD 44 per person
- Validity
- Up to 92 days from the date of arrival
- Entries
- Multiple entries are permitted during the policy validity period
- Coverage
- Emergency medical treatment, emergency medical evacuation or repatriation, and loss of luggage
- Who is exempt
- Residents of East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) Partner States. The exemption is based on residence, not nationality.
- Without a policy
- Under Regulation 4(4), visitors entering Mainland Tanzania without a valid policy will be refused entry. It may be purchased before travel or at the point of entry.
- Before you fly
- Travelers are encouraged to obtain the insurance before arrival to avoid delays at the point of entry
Travelers should keep a copy of their insurance certificate available for verification during their journey.
Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar
Travelers visiting both Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar generally require one applicable mandatory inbound insurance policy, determined by their first point of entry.
If arriving in Mainland Tanzania first
Applicable visitors should obtain NIC Inbound Travel Insurance. Travelers who subsequently continue to Zanzibar do not need to purchase a separate Zanzibar ZIC policy. The NIC insurance certificate should be kept available for verification.
If arriving in Zanzibar first
Travelers who already hold valid ZIC Inbound Travel Insurance do not need to purchase NIC insurance again when continuing to Mainland Tanzania. The ZIC insurance certificate should be kept available for verification.
This reflects current operational guidance. The Regulations do not yet expressly address how the mainland scheme interacts with Zanzibar’s, so we recommend confirming the requirement close to departure.
Personal travel insurance
The mandatory inbound insurance should not be regarded as a replacement for comprehensive personal travel insurance. NndeeAfrika recommends that all guests maintain appropriate personal travel insurance for their individual circumstances, including cover for trip cancellation, interruption and other risks that may fall outside the mandatory policy.
Apply directly with the insurer
Applications are made through the National Insurance Corporation of Tanzania. We are glad to walk you through it, but the policy is purchased in the traveler’s own name.
Questions travelers are asking
Does Tanzania require mandatory travel insurance?
Yes. From 1 October 2026, applicable foreign visitors entering Mainland Tanzania are required to hold valid Inbound Travel Insurance under the Insurance (Inbound Travel Insurance) Regulations, 2026 — Government Notice No. 256 of 2026. The requirement applies at airports, seaports and land borders.
Who is exempt?
Residents of East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) Partner States. The exemption is based on residence, not nationality. The Regulations do not specify what evidence of residence is accepted, so travelers relying on it should carry documentation.
What happens if I arrive without it?
Under Regulation 4(4), a visitor entering Mainland Tanzania without a valid policy will be refused entry. The policy can be purchased before travel or at the point of entry, but buying it in advance avoids delays at the border.
How much does it cost?
The premium is the Tanzanian shilling equivalent of USD 44 per person.
How long is the policy valid?
Up to 92 days from the date of arrival, with multiple entries permitted during that period. For a longer stay, further cover must be arranged with NIC before the policy expires.
What does it cover?
Emergency medical treatment, emergency medical evacuation or repatriation, and loss of luggage.
Do I need separate insurance for Zanzibar and Mainland Tanzania?
Travelers visiting both generally require one applicable mandatory inbound insurance policy, determined by their first point of entry. Arriving in Mainland Tanzania first, applicable visitors should obtain NIC Inbound Travel Insurance and do not need a separate Zanzibar ZIC policy. Arriving in Zanzibar first, travelers holding valid ZIC Inbound Travel Insurance do not need to purchase NIC insurance again when continuing to the mainland. This reflects current operational guidance; the Regulations do not yet expressly address it, so please confirm close to departure.
Where is it purchased?
Through the official National Insurance Corporation portal at inbound.nicinsurance.co.tz, or at the point of entry. Obtaining it before arrival is recommended to avoid delays.
Does it replace my own travel insurance?
No. The mandatory inbound insurance should not be regarded as a replacement for comprehensive personal travel insurance, and an existing travel insurance policy should not be assumed to satisfy the mandatory requirement. We recommend maintaining appropriate personal cover for your circumstances, including trip cancellation and interruption.
Do I need to show the certificate?
Travelers should keep a copy of their insurance certificate available for verification during their journey.
This information reflects Government Notice No. 256 of 2026 and current operational guidance available as of September 2026. Insurance and entry requirements may be amended or further clarified by the relevant Tanzanian authorities. Travelers should verify the latest requirements before departure.
Last reviewed 30 September 2026.
Planning a journey to Tanzania? Speak with Evance or Jennifer — or read more about our Tanzania safaris and Zanzibar.