New Mandatory Travel Insurance for Tanzania: What Safari Travelers Need to Know
From October 1, 2026, every foreign visitor entering mainland Tanzania must hold valid Inbound Travel Insurance, under the Insurance (Inbound Travel Insurance) Regulations, 2026 (Government Notice No. 256). The rule applies at all airports, seaports and land borders. Zanzibar has required its own version since October 2024. If you are joining us on safari this season or next, here is what you need to know and exactly where to buy it.
The good news: it is quick to arrange online, costs USD 44 per adult, and takes only a few minutes. The key is knowing which website to use, and that depends on where you first land.
The rule at a glance: buy where you first arrive
You purchase the insurance based on your first point of entry into Tanzania.
If you first arrive in Zanzibar (Unguja or Pemba): buy your insurance at visitzanzibar.go.tz. Required since October 1, 2024.
If you first arrive in mainland Tanzania (e.g. Kilimanjaro, Arusha, Dar es Salaam, or a land border): buy your insurance at inbound.nicinsurance.co.tz. Required from October 1, 2026.
So a guest flying into Kilimanjaro for safari, then continuing to Zanzibar for the beach, buys through the mainland site. A guest who starts on Zanzibar and flies on to the Serengeti buys through the Zanzibar site.
You only need one policy. It covers you for onward travel between the mainland and Zanzibar:
Arriving in mainland Tanzania first: buy NIC insurance. You do not need the Zanzibar (ZIC) insurance if you travel on to Zanzibar. Keep a copy of your NIC certificate for verification.
Arriving in Zanzibar first: buy ZIC insurance. You do not need NIC insurance if you travel on to the mainland. Keep a copy of your ZIC certificate for verification.
Entering Zanzibar first
If your trip begins in Zanzibar, buy your policy from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) through the official Zanzibar government portal: https://visitzanzibar.go.tz/. You will not need a separate NIC policy if you continue to the mainland.
Cost: USD 44 per adult; USD 22 for children aged 3–17; children under 2 are exempt.
Valid for: 92 days from arrival.
Covers: emergency medical care, medical evacuation and repatriation, plus some baggage protection.
How: apply and pay online before you travel, then keep your certificate on your phone or printed with your passport.
Entering mainland Tanzania first (required from October 1, 2026)
If you land first on the mainland, which includes most safari guests arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport, buy your policy from the National Insurance Corporation of Tanzania (NIC): https://inbound.nicinsurance.co.tz. You will not need the Zanzibar (ZIC) policy if you continue to Zanzibar.
Start date: mandatory for all foreign visitors entering on or after October 1, 2026, through all airports, seaports and land borders.
Legal basis: the Insurance (Inbound Travel Insurance) Regulations, 2026, Government Notice No. 256.
Cost: USD 44 per adult (or the equivalent in Tanzanian shillings). Infants 0–2 are free, children 3–17 receive 50% off, and groups of 10 or more adults receive 10% off.
Valid for: up to 92 days, with multiple entries.
Covers: emergency medical treatment, medical evacuation, repatriation and loss of luggage.
Exempt: according to current NIC guidance, Tanzanian residents, valid work or residence permit holders, diaspora, diplomats, transit passengers, and residents of EAC or SADC Partner States.
How: buy online before you travel, or on arrival. We recommend buying before you fly, so you skip an extra queue after a long journey.
You still need your own travel insurance
The government policy is a basic safety net, not a replacement for comprehensive travel insurance. It is designed for emergencies while you are in Tanzania.
We continue to strongly recommend your own policy that covers trip cancellation and interruption, flight delays, pre-existing medical conditions, and high-value medical evacuation, including air evacuation from remote safari areas back home. Check that your policy covers the activities on your itinerary, such as Kilimanjaro climbs or balloon safaris.
Our tips before you travel
Check your first arrival point on your flight itinerary, then use the matching website above.
Buy a policy for every traveler, including children aged 3 and over.
Have your passport details ready. Buy it a few days before departure.
Carry proof of your certificate, both on your phone and printed, alongside your visa.
Only use the official sites. Look-alike websites may charge extra fees.
At Duma Explorer, our Arusha team keeps a close eye on every change to Tanzania's entry rules, so you can focus on the adventure ahead. If you have any questions about the new insurance or your upcoming safari, get in touch with us. We will make sure you arrive ready.
