Whether on safari in the Serengeti or climbing to the summit of Kilimanjaro, travellers to Tanzania must now take out an insurance policy to enter.
The “Inbound Travel Insurance” is compulsory for all visitors from Oct 1, according to Tanzanian officials.
Holidaymakers are being told to arrange the policy in advance online via the website of the national insurance company NIC, though officials say it should also be possible to take out the policy on arrival in the country.
The cost is around US$44 (RM180) per person and the policy is valid for 92 days.
According to NIC, the insurance covers medical emergencies, lost luggage and medically necessary repatriations.
Germany’s Foreign Office is nevertheless recommending that travellers also take out a separate international health insurance policy at home for the duration of the stay, in order to be fully covered in such cases.
The island of Zanzibar, with its famous beaches, which is part of Tanzania, has required entry insurance for two years. This can be taken out with ZIC, the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation. It also costs around US$44 and is valid for 92 days.
Is one policy enough for someone planning a safari followed by a beach holiday on Zanzibar, for example?
According to the NIC website: Yes.
It states that insurance cover applies both on the mainland and on the island. Conversely, a ZIC policy is also recognised on the mainland. Holidaymakers therefore need only one of the two policies.
However, travellers entering via the mainland should take out NIC cover, while those entering via Zanzibar should take out ZIC cover, according to a statement from the Tanzanian Finance Ministry on the implementation of the scheme.
In addition to the appropriate compulsory insurance, tourists also need a valid passport and a visa to enter the country. They are advised to apply for the visa well in advance online and should allow at least 10 working days for processing. The visa costs US$50 (RM204.50) and is valid for up to 90 days per visit.
Residents of East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) partner states are exempt from the mandatory insurance requirement, according to the NIC website.
The EAC comprises Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Somalia. SADC member states include South Africa, Angola, Botswana, Malawi, Namibia, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe, among others.
Tanzania’s tourism sector has shown strong growth despite the new insurance requirement. The country recorded over two million international arrivals in 2025, up 7.1%. – dpa
