A new entry requirement for Mainland Tanzania
From 1 October 2026, applicable foreign visitors entering Mainland Tanzania must 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), the authorities will refuse entry to visitors entering Mainland Tanzania without a valid policy. 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. Keep the NIC insurance certificate 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. Keep the ZIC insurance certificate available for verification.
| First point of entry | Policy to obtain | Continuing on |
|---|---|---|
| Mainland Tanzania (for example, arriving at Kilimanjaro or Dar es Salaam) | NIC Inbound Travel Insurance | To Zanzibar: no separate ZIC policy needed |
| Zanzibar | ZIC Inbound Travel Insurance | To Mainland Tanzania: no NIC policy needed |
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
Travelers should not regard the mandatory inbound insurance 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 for inbound insurance directly with the insurer
Travelers apply through the National Insurance Corporation of Tanzania. We are glad to walk you through it, but the traveler purchases the policy in their own name.
Questions travelers are asking
Does Tanzania require mandatory travel insurance?
Yes. From 1 October 2026, applicable foreign visitors entering Mainland Tanzania must 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 the authorities accept, so travelers relying on it should carry documentation.
What happens if I arrive without it?
Under Regulation 4(4), the authorities will refuse entry to a visitor entering Mainland Tanzania without a valid policy. Travelers can purchase the policy 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 inbound insurance policy valid?
Up to 92 days from the date of arrival, with multiple entries permitted during that period. For a longer stay, you must arrange further cover with NIC before the policy expires.
What does the inbound insurance 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. We recommend obtaining it before arrival to avoid delays.
Does it replace my own travel insurance?
No. Travelers should not regard the mandatory inbound insurance as a replacement for comprehensive personal travel insurance, and they should not assume that an existing travel insurance policy satisfies 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. The relevant Tanzanian authorities may amend or further clarify insurance and entry requirements. Travelers should verify the latest requirements before departure.
Sources: Government Notice No. 256 of 2026, the Insurance (Inbound Travel Insurance) Regulations, 2026; National Insurance Corporation of Tanzania, official FAQs.
Last reviewed 4 October 2026.
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