From 1 October 2026, foreign visitors entering mainland Tanzania must hold a government-approved inbound travel insurance policy. It costs $44 per person, and travellers without it can be refused entry. Here is what that means for your safari, in plain words from our team in Arusha.
The rule in short
| Mainland Tanzania | |
|---|---|
| Starts | 1 October 2026 |
| Price | $44 per visitor (payable in Tanzanian shillings) |
| Insurer | National Insurance Corporation (NIC) or an approved partner |
| Valid for | Up to 92 days, with multiple entries |
| Covers | Emergency medical treatment, medical evacuation, repatriation, lost luggage |
| Who is exempt | Residents of East African Community and SADC countries |
| Legal basis | Insurance (Inbound Travel Insurance) Regulations, 2026, GN No. 256 of 2026 |
Who needs it
Every foreigner arriving in mainland Tanzania by air, sea or land needs a policy, including travellers arriving at Kilimanjaro or Dar es Salaam for a safari or a Kilimanjaro climb. Residents of East African Community and SADC partner states are exempt. Without a valid policy, immigration can refuse entry.
What about Zanzibar?
Zanzibar has had its own compulsory visitor insurance since 1 October 2024, run by the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC), with emergency medical cover up to $50,000. Reports differ on whether travellers who visit both the mainland and Zanzibar need one policy or two, so we check the current rule for your exact route before you travel.
How to get it
- Buy it before you travel, or at the port of entry when you land
- You receive a certificate, electronic or printed: keep it with your passport
- The premium is generally non-refundable
- We send every BigFiveTrails guest a reminder and the official instructions before departure
Do I still need my own travel insurance?
Yes, we strongly recommend it. The government policy is basic emergency cover. Your own insurance should also cover trip cancellation, delays, valuables and adventure activities such as climbing Kilimanjaro, which the mandatory policy is not designed for.
Booking with us
BigFiveTrails is a licensed Tanzanian tour operator (TALA licence no. 036593). We include the insurance in your pre-departure checklist, together with your visa and health advice, so nothing is missed at the airport. Rules can change, so always follow the latest official notice.
Frequently asked questions
01Is travel insurance mandatory for Tanzania?
Yes. From 1 October 2026 foreign visitors entering mainland Tanzania must hold the government inbound travel insurance, which costs $44 and is valid for up to 92 days.
02Can I use my own travel insurance instead?
No. The government policy is required even if you have private insurance. We still recommend your own policy for cancellation and wider cover.
03Where do I buy the Tanzania travel insurance?
From the National Insurance Corporation (NIC) or an approved partner, before you travel or at the port of entry. We send our guests the official instructions before departure.
Ready to plan?
Tell us your dates and travel style and we will shape a route around them.
