What Is the New Tanzania Travel Insurance Requirement?

Effective October 1, 2026, all foreign visitors entering Mainland Tanzania are required to have a mandatory inbound travel insurance policy issued by the country’s National Insurance Corporation (NIC).

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 insurance policy.

Key Details	New Mainland Tanzania requirement
Who	Foreign visitors
Where	Mainland Tanzania
Entry points	Airports, land borders and seaports
Cost	Equivalent of US$44
Maximum validity	92 days from arrival
Multiple entries	Permitted during the policy period
Where purchased	Before travel or at the point of entry
Without insurance	Entry may be refused
Certificate	Insurer issues an electronic or physical certificate
EAC/SADC residents	Exempt
Typical cover	Emergency medical treatment, evacuation, repatriation and luggage-related cover

It is important to know that the new mandatory inbound insurance required by the Tanzanian Government is not the same as the comprehensive medical/travel insurance purchased internationally. Therefore it should be treated as an entry requirement, rather than as a replacement for comprehensive international medical/travel insurance.

It is highly recommended that climber still purchase appropriate insurance covering the following:

• medical treatment

• emergency evacuation

• repatriation

• high-altitude trekking

• trip cancellation/interruption

• baggage

To learn more about "Travel Medical/Trip Insurance" click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 supplementary coverage.

When should you buy NIC 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 Mainland Tanzania during that period.

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 through their dedicated emergency support line (Toll-Free within Tanzania: 0800110041), via email at customercare@nictanzania.co.tz, or by visiting any local NIC branch office.

Which Insurance Should You Apply For: Mainland Tanzania (NIC) or Zanzibar (ZIC)?

If your travel itinerary combines both Mainland Tanzania and the Zanzibar archipelago, you only need to purchase a policy for your initial point of entry into the country:

• Arriving in Mainland Tanzania First: If your flight lands on the mainland first (such as Dar es Salaam or Kilimanjaro International Airport) 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. Keep a copy of your valid NIC insurance certificate ready for border verification upon entry into Zanzibar.

• Arriving in Zanzibar First: If your international arrival is directly in Zanzibar, you must obtain valid ZIC Inbound Travel Insurance. If you travel to Mainland Tanzania later during your trip, you do not need to purchase the NIC Mainland policy again. Simply present your valid ZIC insurance certificate to mainland immigration officers for verification.