If you are planning a trip to Tanzania, understanding Travel insurance rules is a crucial step to complete before packing your bags. Following official government directives, foreign visitors entering Tanzania must hold mandatory inbound coverage for their trip
Following official government directives, foreign visitors entering Tanzania are required to hold mandatory inbound travel health insurance.
TL;DR – Quick Summary
- Mandatory Policy: Foreign travelers entering Tanzania must purchase government-mandated travel health insurance ($44 USD per adult).
- One Policy Rule: You only need one insurance policy for all of Tanzania. You do not need separate coverage for Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.
- Which Portal to Use? Apply using the portal for your first point of entry into Tanzania:
- Landing on the Mainland first (e.g., Kilimanjaro JRO or Dar es Salaam DAR)? Apply via NIC at inbound.nicinsurance.co.tz.
- Flying directly into Zanzibar (ZNZ) first? Apply via ZIC at inbound.visitzanzibar.go.tz.
- Private Insurance Still Recommended: Local government insurance provides basic emergency care, but you still need private travel insurance for high-altitude Kilimanjaro evacuations, trip cancellations, and international medical repatriation.
What Is the Mandatory Tanzania Travel Insurance Requirement?
Effective October 1, 2026, all foreign visitors entering Mainland Tanzania are required to hold a mandatory inbound travel insurance policy issued by the country’s National Insurance Corporation (NIC). This follows Zanzibar’s mandatory insurance requirement (issued by Zanzibar Insurance Corporation – ZIC) established in late 2024.
Important Note: Even if you already have comprehensive international travel insurance, credit card coverage, or private health coverage, you are still required to purchase this local Tanzanian policy.
Mainland Tanzania vs. Zanzibar: Which Insurance Should You Apply For?
If your travel itinerary combines both Mainland Tanzania and the Zanzibar archipelago, you only need one policy for your entire trip. Your initial point of entry determines which policy you must purchase:
| Entry Detail | Mainland Tanzania (First Point of Entry) | Zanzibar (First Point of Entry) |
| Mandatory Policy | National Insurance Corporation (NIC) Inbound Insurance | Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) Inbound Insurance |
| Base Cost | USD $44 per visitor (payable in USD or TZS equivalent) | USD $44 per adult ($22 per child age 3–17) |
| Max Coverage Length | Up to 92 days (multiple entries allowed) | Up to 92 days (multiple entries allowed) |
| Official Application Portal | inbound.nicinsurance.co.tz | inbound.visitzanzibar.go.tz |
| Onward Travel Rules | Valid for onward travel to Zanzibar. Do not buy a second ZIC policy. | Valid for onward travel to Mainland Tanzania. Do not buy a second NIC policy. |
Key Rule for Zanzibar Travelers:
- Arriving in Mainland Tanzania First: If your flight lands on the mainland first (such as Dar es Salaam DAR or Kilimanjaro JRO) or you cross a mainland land border, you must obtain the NIC Inbound Travel Insurance. When you travel onward to Zanzibar, you are not required to buy a second Zanzibar (ZIC) policy. Simply keep a digital or printed copy of your valid NIC insurance certificate ready for border verification upon entry into Zanzibar.
- Arriving in Zanzibar First: If your international flight arrives directly into Zanzibar (ZNZ), you must obtain valid ZIC Inbound Travel Insurance. If you travel onward to Mainland Tanzania later during your trip, you do not need to purchase the NIC Mainland policy. Present your valid ZIC insurance certificate to mainland immigration officers upon arrival.
What Does the Insurance Cover?
The government policy is designed to cover key travel and emergency medical expenses while you are in the country, including:
- Emergency medical expenses and hospitalization within local facilities
- Emergency local medical evacuation
- Repatriation of remains
- Personal accident coverage
- Baggage loss or delay under designated terms
What Information Do You Need to Apply?
When purchasing your inbound policy online or at the border, make sure you have the following underwriting details ready:
- Passport Number
- Full Name and Date of Birth
- Nationality and Country of Residence
- Arrival Date and Departure Date
- Purpose of Travel (e.g., Leisure, Business)
- Contact Details and Emergency Contact Person
- First Point of Entry into Tanzania
- Payment Method (Credit/Debit card or cash on arrival)
Where and How Can You Purchase the Insurance?
You have two options for purchasing your policy:
- Online (Recommended): Apply in advance at the official portal corresponding to your first point of entry:
- Mainland First: inbound.nicinsurance.co.tz
- Zanzibar First: inbound.visitzanzibar.go.tz
- You can pay securely online using debit or credit cards.
- On Arrival: You can purchase coverage at designated entry points upon landing or crossing the border. Official counters for the National Insurance Corporation (NIC) and NMB Bank are set up to process cash or card payments.
Designated Entry Points Offering On-Site Coverage (Mainland)
Airports:
- Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR)
- Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
- Songwe Airport (MBI)
- Mwanza Airport (MWZ)
- Arusha Airport (ARK)
Land Borders:
- Namanga Border (Kenya border)
- Tarakea Border (Kenya border)
- Horohoro Border (Kenya border)
- Holili Border (Kenya border)
- Sirari Border (Kenya border)
- Tunduma Border (Zambia border)
- Rusumo Border (Rwanda border)
- Mutukula Border (Uganda border)
Why You Still Need Private Comprehensive Travel Insurance
While government-mandated travel health insurance provides basic emergency care within local Tanzanian facilities, it is not a substitute for a comprehensive private travel insurance policy.
At Pristine Trails, as a premier East Africa tour operator, we require all of our guests to maintain private comprehensive travel insurance with a minimum of $150,000 USD in medical coverage.
Here is why carrying your own private policy alongside government-issued coverage is critical:
- High-Altitude Trekking Limits: If you are booking Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking Tours, government insurance does not cover specialized mountain rescue, high-altitude evacuation, or emergency medical transport above 3,000 meters altitude. Pristine Trails requires high-altitude trekking coverage up to 6,000 meters altitude.
- Trip Cancellation & Interruption: Government schemes do not reimburse your prepaid safari bookings, international airfare, or hotel accommodations if your trip is canceled due to illness, family emergencies, or severe weather delays.
- Emergency International Repatriation: If a medical emergency requires air ambulance transport back to your home country, private international policies cover these costs, whereas local government policies only assist with care at regional facilities.
To learn more about our booking rules and policy guidelines, review our complete Pristine Trails Travel Insurance Policy.
What Else Do You Need to Travel to Tanzania?
Before departure, make sure you have all three core entry requirements checked off:
- Tourist Visa:
- Cost: $100 USD for U.S. citizens; $50 USD for standard passport holders (Canadians, Europeans, UK, Australian, Asian citizens, etc.).
- How to get it: Apply for an e-Visa online in advance or obtain a Visa on Arrival at designated ports.
- Note: Citizens under the Referral Visa category cannot get a Visa on Arrival and must apply online well in advance.
- Mandatory Inbound Insurance:
- Purchased online or on arrival for $44 USD per person.
- Vaccines and Health Clearance:
- Ensure routine inoculations are up to date. A Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate is required if you are traveling from or transiting through a yellow-fever endemic country.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What if I already have my own travel insurance?
You must still purchase the government-mandated local policy. Personal travel insurance will not exempt you from this entry requirement at border control. Think of your personal policy as essential supplementary coverage for high-altitude evacuation, trip cancellations, and international repatriation.
When should you buy inbound travel insurance?
You should purchase your insurance online before arrival at entry points. Having your printed or digital insurance certificate ready will speed up your immigration processing.
What is the duration of the policy?
The policy provides coverage for up to 92 days from your arrival date and permits multiple entries into Tanzania during that period.
Do I need to buy insurance twice if I visit both Kenya and Tanzania?
Yes! Kenya and Tanzania are separate sovereign countries with distinct mandatory travel health insurance programs. If your safari crosses between both nations, you must satisfy Kenya’s requirement as well as Tanzania’s requirement. For full details on Kenya’s portal rules, read our Mandatory Kenya Travel Insurance Guide.
How do travelers file a claim with NIC during their stay?
NIC provides 24/7 assistance for travelers after your policy start date. In the event of a claim or emergency, you can contact NIC directly via email at customercare@nictanzania.co.tz, or by visiting any local NIC branch office.
Planning Your East African Safari?
Navigating entry requirements across Tanzania and Zanzibar does not have to be confusing.
Explore our Custom Safaris or reach out to the Pristine Trails team today to start planning your East African adventure!
