October 2, 2026 — Since October 1, foreign visitors entering mainland Tanzania must buy a government travel insurance policy. Until now the rule applied only to Zanzibar. The UK Foreign Office updated its Tanzania entry advice on October 1 and warns that travelers without the insurance may be refused entry.
The details
- Who issued it: Tanzania’s Ministry of Finance, under Government Notice No. 256 of 2026. The policy is sold by the state-owned National Insurance Corporation (NIC).
- Effective date: October 1, 2026, according to travel trade reports.
- Who must buy it: foreign visitors arriving by air, land or sea, including US and Canadian citizens. Trade reports say citizens of East African Community and SADC countries are exempt. The UK advice says residents are exempt.
- Cost: $44 per person, according to TravelDailyNews. The policy is valid for up to 92 days and covers multiple entries.
- What it covers: medical emergencies, evacuation and repatriation, and lost luggage.
- How to buy: online before travel, or on arrival by card or cash. A digital or printed certificate is your proof.
- Zanzibar: Zanzibar has had its own compulsory policy since October 2024, and the UK advice says other insurance is not accepted there. Travel And Tour World cites NIC as saying a traveler who enters through the mainland with the NIC policy can go on to Zanzibar without buying a second one.
- US and Canadian confirmation: we could not confirm the new rule on a US or Canadian government page today. Check with your airline or the Tanzanian embassy before flying.
What it means for airline travelers
- Buy it before you fly. Standby travelers often decide late, but this is not something to sort out in the arrivals queue. Buying ahead avoids delays at the border.
- Your own policy does not replace it. Employer or personal travel insurance is still worth having, but the government policy is required on top.
- Budget for it. A family of four pays $176, in addition to the visa fee.
- Carry proof. Keep the certificate on your phone and on paper, with your visa and return or onward ticket details.
- Going to Zanzibar directly? Check which policy applies to your point of entry before you buy.
Sources
- UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (official) — Tanzania: entry requirements
- TravelDailyNews — Tanzania introduces mandatory $44 travel insurance for foreign visitors
- Travel And Tour World — Tanzania Starts Mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance
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