Tanzania's Mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance: What Every Visitor Needs to Know

By the Tanzania Travel & Safari Company team

Since 1 October 2026, every foreign visitor arriving in Tanzania needs one more document alongside their passport and visa: a state inbound travel insurance policy. The Government of Tanzania now requires it for entry to both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, whether you fly into Kilimanjaro, land in Dar es Salaam, arrive in Zanzibar or cross a land border. Immigration checks for it on arrival.

The good news is that it is cheap, quick to buy online, and one policy covers your whole trip. Here is everything you need to know before you travel.

Who needs it

All incoming foreign visitors entering on or after 1 October 2026. A few groups are exempt:

• Residents of East African Community (EAC) and SADC member states
• Tanzanian residents and holders of a valid work or residence permit
• Diplomats
• Transit passengers who do not leave the airport

For most international travellers, whatever country you are flying in from, the requirement applies.

What it costs

One policy is valid for up to 92 days from arrival and covers multiple entries. If your itinerary crosses into Kenya, Rwanda or Uganda and then returns to Tanzania, you do not need to buy a second policy.

Where to buy it

Buy the policy online before you depart, from the portal that matches where you land first:

• Landing on the mainland first (Kilimanjaro International Airport, Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, or a land border): inbound.nicinsurance.co.tz
• Landing in Zanzibar first (Abeid Amani Karume International Airport): inbound.visitzanzibar.go.tz

Multi-destination trips need only one policy

Many of our guests combine a northern safari or a Kilimanjaro climb with a few days on the beach in Zanzibar. You only need one policy for the whole trip. A policy bought on the mainland portal covers onward travel to Zanzibar, and a Zanzibar policy covers the mainland.

What it covers

The state policy covers emergency medical treatment, medical evacuation, repatriation and travel disruption while you are in Tanzania. It is designed to make sure every visitor has a basic safety net for local emergencies.

Why you still need your own travel insurance

The mandatory policy is not a substitute for comprehensive travel insurance. It does not cover trip cancellation or curtailment, and it is not the flying doctor evacuation cover we strongly recommend for Kilimanjaro climbs and remote safari areas. We continue to ask every guest to arrange a full private travel insurance policy in addition to the state cover.

Your pre-departure checklist

1. Buy the policy online before you fly, from the portal for your first point of entry.
2. Buy one for every traveller in your group, including children aged 3 and over.
3. Keep the certificate with your passport and visa, either printed or saved on your phone.
4. Arrange your own comprehensive travel insurance as well.

We will help you get it right

This requirement is new, and the portals are still settling in. When we confirm your itinerary, we will remind you to buy the policy and can walk you or your group through the purchase. Our practical information page and FAQ keep the details up to date, but always check the official portal for the current position before you travel.

Have a question about entry requirements for your trip? Get in touch and our team will be happy to help.