This is the biggest change for travellers to Tanzania this year: since 1 October 2026, the Tanzania mandatory travel insurance, officially called "Inbound Travel Insurance", is required to enter Mainland Tanzania, home to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Kilimanjaro. It therefore comes on top of your visa, while Zanzibar has required its own insurance since 2024.
Don't worry, though: the process is quick and simple. Here is everything you need to know, checked against official sources by our team based in Moshi.
Tanzania mandatory travel insurance: the essentials
The Tanzania mandatory travel insurance has applied since 1 October 2026: foreign visitors entering Mainland Tanzania by air, land or sea must hold the official NIC policy. Its price is USD 44 per adult, with a 50% discount for ages 3 to 17, and it is free for children under 3. In addition, the policy is valid for 92 days with multiple entries, and can be bought on inbound.nicinsurance.co.tz or on arrival. Finally, remember that it is required even if you already have your own travel insurance.
What changes on 1 October 2026
The Ministry of Finance confirmed the start of this requirement on 1 October 2026. It stems from the Insurance (Inbound Travel Insurance for Foreign Visitors) Regulations, published as Government Notice No. 256 of 2026 on 4 September 2026, under Section 134A of the Insurance Act as amended by the Finance Act 2025, as reported by the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO).
Every point of entry
Airports, land borders and seaports: in other words, the requirement applies everywhere on the mainland.
A single insurer
Only the National Insurance Corporation (NIC) can issue it, or an authorised insurer in partnership with the NIC.
On top of your own policy
So even if you already have travel insurance, the NIC policy remains mandatory.
Checked on arrival
As a result, a digital or printed certificate may be checked when you arrive.
Who needs it, and who is exempt?
The Tanzania mandatory travel insurance applies to foreign visitors entering Mainland Tanzania, which includes travellers from the UK, the US, Europe, Canada and Australia. However, according to the official NIC FAQ, residents of East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states are excluded.
Good to know: it is your residence that counts, not your nationality. For example, a British citizen living in Kenya or South Africa may be exempt. According to current NIC guidance, other exemptions also exist, notably for Tanzanian residents, work or residence permit holders, the diaspora, diplomats and transit passengers. Always check your own situation before you travel.
Tanzania mandatory travel insurance: how much does it cost?
In practice, the premium is paid in Tanzanian shillings at the equivalent of USD 44, or about TZS 117,000 according to The Citizen. Moreover, groups of at least 10 adults may get a 10% discount, and payment is made online by card.
For example, a family of two adults and two children aged 8 and 12 will pay around USD 132 in total.
What the insurance covers
Emergency medical treatment
First, medical costs in an emergency during your stay.
Emergency medical evacuation
Next, transport to a suitable medical facility.
Emergency repatriation
Then, your return home if necessary.
Loss of luggage
Finally, compensation if your luggage is lost.
Keep your own travel insurance
However, the limits, conditions and exclusions are set out in the policy. It is therefore basic cover, and not a replacement for comprehensive travel insurance, which typically includes trip cancellation, activities such as climbing Kilimanjaro and higher medical limits.
How long is the insurance valid?
The Tanzania mandatory travel insurance is valid for up to 92 days from your arrival, with multiple entries: you can, for instance, pop over to Kenya and come back without buying a new one. On the other hand, for a longer stay, an extension must be requested from the NIC before the policy expires.
How to buy the Tanzania mandatory travel insurance, step by step
- Go to the official portalAs soon as your dates are set
Only use the official NIC portal, because third-party websites may appear.
- Choose your planIn a few minutes
Individual (1 to 2 people), family (3 to 9 people) or group.
- Enter your details and payBy card
Next, add your passport details and travel dates, then pay online.
- Receive your certificateBefore departure
Lastly, keep it on your phone and printed, together with your passport and e-visa.
Our advice: buying on arrival is possible, but we recommend buying before departure to avoid queues and any risk at the border. If needed, the NIC also lists 24/7 support on its portal.
Tanzania mandatory travel insurance or Zanzibar insurance: which one?
Indeed, Zanzibar has required its own insurance since October 2024, through the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation. According to the Ministry of Finance, your first point of entry into Tanzania determines the insurer.
| If you arrive first… | Insurance to buy | Official portal |
|---|---|---|
| On the mainland: Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam, Arusha or a land border Most safaris | NIC | inbound.nicinsurance.co.tz |
| In Zanzibar (Unguja or Pemba) | Zanzibar Insurance Corporation | inbound.visitzanzibar.go.tz |
The Ministry states that cover applies to emergencies across the United Republic of Tanzania, subject to the policy terms. As a result, some professionals conclude that a single policy is enough for a safari followed by Zanzibar, but the official text does not say so explicitly. That is why, for a combined itinerary, you should check the conditions before you travel, or ask us: we follow how the rule is applied every day.
Your Tanzania entry checklist for 2026
Mandatory
- Passport valid for 6 months after arrival
- E-visa, from the official portal
- NIC insurance (or ZIC if you arrive in Zanzibar)
- Vaccination card, including yellow fever if requested
Strongly recommended
- Your own comprehensive travel insurance
- Digital copies of all documents
- Your government's travel advice, checked before departure
- Your tour operator's emergency number
Arriving at Kilimanjaro Airport? Discover the best things to do in Moshi, just 45 minutes away, and plan your safari with our Great Migration guide.
We help you with the paperwork
For every trip booked with us, we check with you which Tanzania mandatory travel insurance you need, NIC or Zanzibar, depending on where you arrive, and we make sure all your documents are ready before departure. Read what our travellers say on TripAdvisor.
Ask our team a questionOfficial sources
The requirement is brand new and details may still change, so check these pages before you travel.
- OfficialNIC inbound insurance portalBuy the mainland insurance online.
- OfficialNIC FAQCover, exemptions, validity and extensions.
- ZanzibarZanzibar official insuranceIf your first point of entry is Zanzibar.
- IndustryTATO announcementLegal framework and start date.
- PressThe CitizenThe Ministry of Finance announcement.
- VisaOfficial Tanzania e-visaThe other essential entry requirement.
Tanzania mandatory travel insurance: FAQ
What is the Tanzania mandatory travel insurance?
It is a new entry requirement. Since 1 October 2026, foreign visitors entering Mainland Tanzania must hold the official inbound travel insurance issued by the National Insurance Corporation (NIC). Zanzibar has had its own mandatory insurance since October 2024.
How much does the Tanzania mandatory travel insurance cost?
The equivalent of USD 44 per adult, paid in Tanzanian shillings. In addition, children aged 3 to 17 get a 50% discount, at about USD 22, and children aged 0 to 2 are covered free of charge. Groups of 10 or more adults may also get a 10% discount.
Is my own travel insurance enough to enter Tanzania?
No. Even a more comprehensive international policy does not replace the official NIC policy, which must be presented on entry. However, you should keep your own insurance too, because the NIC policy only offers basic cover.
Where can I buy the insurance?
On the official NIC portal, inbound.nicinsurance.co.tz, before you travel, or at the point of entry. We therefore recommend buying it before departure so you arrive with your certificate ready.
Who is exempt from the mandatory insurance?
Residents of East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states. According to current NIC guidance, other groups may also be exempt, such as Tanzanian residents, holders of work or residence permits, diplomats and transit passengers.
Do I need the insurance for a safari or a Kilimanjaro climb?
Yes. In fact, every foreign visitor entering Mainland Tanzania is concerned, whatever the purpose of the trip. For Kilimanjaro, comprehensive travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking is also strongly recommended.
Do I need two policies for Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar?
According to the Ministry of Finance, the insurer depends on your first point of entry: the NIC if you arrive on the mainland, and the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation if you arrive in Zanzibar. Cover applies to emergencies across the United Republic, subject to the policy terms. So, for a combined trip, check the conditions before you travel or ask us.
How do I prove I have the insurance on arrival?
After purchase, you receive a certificate to show in digital or printed form, together with your passport and visa. Keep a copy on your phone as well as a paper version.
Is the insurance refundable?
In principle, the premium is not refundable, except in case of cancellation or in the situations set out in the policy. Always check the conditions when you buy.
What happens if I arrive without insurance?
The regulations provide that a foreign visitor without a valid policy may be refused entry. You can also buy the insurance at the point of entry, but arriving with your certificate is much safer.
