If you are planning to climb Kilimanjaro, safari in the Serengeti, or relax on the beaches of Zanzibar, there is an important new entry requirement to add to your checklist. From 1 October 2026, the Tanzanian government requires most international visitors arriving in Mainland Tanzania to hold a dedicated inbound travel insurance policy.
This is a separate, government-mandated policy, not the ordinary travel or medical insurance you may already have bought at home. Our Moshi team has put together a clear, plain-language summary of what the new rule means for your trip, what the insurance covers, who does not need it, and how to arrange it without any last-minute stress at the airport.
From 1 October 2026, international visitors entering Mainland Tanzania should be prepared to show proof of mandatory inbound travel insurance. The standard adult rate is US$44, with age and group discounts shown by NIC. The policy is valid for up to 92 days with multiple entries and is separate from insurance purchased at home.
Why the new rule was introduced
Tanzania welcomes well over a million international visitors a year, many of them heading into remote areas such as Mount Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti plains and the Ngorongoro Highlands. While these destinations are extraordinary, they are also far from major hospitals, and the cost of a medical evacuation, whether from the upper slopes of Kilimanjaro or a lodge in the bush, can run into tens of thousands of US dollars.
In the past, a small number of travellers arrived without adequate cover, leaving them exposed to large bills and creating pressure on local emergency services. The 2026 regulation makes inbound insurance mandatory so that every visitor is protected for emergency treatment, evacuation and repatriation from the moment they enter the country.
What the mandatory insurance covers
The inbound policy (US$44 at the standard adult rate) is designed specifically for emergencies during your stay. It is not a substitute for comprehensive trip insurance, but it provides a baseline of cover. It includes:
Included in the Mainland inbound policy
- Emergency medical treatment while in Mainland Tanzania
- Medical evacuation to an appropriate facility
- Repatriation to your home country where medically necessary
- Compensation for loss of luggage
- Validity for up to 92 days from the date of issue
- Multiple entries into Tanzania within the validity period
The mandatory inbound policy is a Tanzania-specific requirement. Even if you already hold travel or medical insurance from your home country, you are still expected to obtain this policy. Think of it as a country-level safety net that works alongside, not instead of, your existing cover.
How much it costs and how long it lasts
| Detail | Summary |
|---|---|
| Standard adult cost | US$44; see the age and group rates below |
| Validity | Up to 92 days |
| Entries | Multiple entries within the validity period |
| Where to buy | Official NIC portal (click the links below); check entry arrangements before travelling |
| Currency | US dollars |
| Standard terms of the 2026 mandatory inbound travel insurance for Mainland Tanzania. | |
Mainland Tanzania: age and group rates
| NIC plan | Travellers | Displayed rates and discounts |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | 1–2 people | Adults: US$44 each; ages 0–2: free (100% discount); ages 3–17: US$22 (50% discount) |
| Family | 3–9 people | Adults: US$44 each; ages 0–2: free (100% discount); ages 3–17: US$22 (50% discount) |
| Group | 10–100 people | Adults ages 18–100: 10% discount (US$39.60 against the US$44 standard rate); ages 0–2: free; ages 3–17: 50% discount (US$22 against the standard rate) |
| NIC's plan selector displays these group sizes and age discounts. Check the final quoted total on the application portal; do not assume discounts can be combined. | ||
How and when to buy it
Apply through the official National Insurance Corporation (NIC) website before you fly. Select the individual, family or group plan that fits your party, enter the required travel details and review the quoted charge before paying. The portal also lets you track application progress and verify policy details. Buying in advance means you can carry proof of cover when you arrive.
- Mainland insurance portal NIC home page; track applications and verify policies
- Choose a Mainland insurance plan Direct link to individual, family and group plans
Before you travel
- Check whether your travel agent or tour operator can include the policy in your booking
- Apply through the official NIC portal in advance and check your party's age and group discounts
- Keep a digital and printed copy of your certificate of cover with your passport
- Note the 92-day validity if you plan an extended or return trip
Who is exempt
Residents of East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) partner states are exempt from the mandatory inbound insurance under the 2026 regulations. If you fall into one of these categories, you do not need to purchase the US$44 policy, though we still recommend carrying your own travel insurance for peace of mind.
EAC and SADC partner-state residents are exempt. All other international visitors entering Mainland Tanzania from 1 October 2026 should be prepared to show proof of the mandatory inbound travel insurance.
Travelling to Zanzibar? The island has its own scheme
Zanzibar operates its own mandatory inbound travel insurance, administered by the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC), and it applies to all foreign visitors entering the islands, even if you already hold travel or medical insurance from another provider. It covers medical emergencies, accidents and other unforeseen incidents during your stay in Zanzibar.
| Traveller | Zanzibar inbound insurance cost |
|---|---|
| Adult, standard rate | US$44 |
| Child | US$22 standard child rate; the plan selector shows ages 3–17 at 50% off the adult rate |
| Infant aged 0–2 | Free of charge, as shown on the plan selector |
| Travellers from SADC and EAC member states | US$22 per ZIC's published rate |
| ZIC's published rates and the official Zanzibar plan selector. Final prices and eligibility are confirmed in the official application; fees may change. | |
Zanzibar: individual, family, group and student plans
| Zanzibar plan | Who it is for | Displayed discount or eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | Up to 2 people | Infants aged 0–2: free; children aged 3–17: 50% off; adults: full applicable rate |
| Family | 3–9 people | Infants aged 0–2: free; children aged 3–17: 50% off; adults: full applicable rate |
| Group | From 10 people | Infants aged 0–2: free; children aged 3–17: 50% off; adults: 10% discount (US$39.60 if the US$44 standard adult rate applies) |
| Students | International students studying in Zanzibar | The official plan selector says exempt; check eligibility and required documentation in the portal |
| The Zanzibar plan selector shows these age bands and plan sizes. ZIC separately publishes US$22 for SADC/EAC travellers. Confirm your final charge and whether discounts can be combined before payment. | ||
Apply for Zanzibar's policy through the official portal before travel. The Zanzibar scheme is separate from the Mainland Tanzania policy: if your itinerary combines a Kilimanjaro climb or mainland safari with a Zanzibar beach stay, plan for both requirements and carry proof of each.
- Choose your Zanzibar travel insurance plan Official individual, family, group and student application portal
- Read Zanzibar Insurance Corporation's guidance Official eligibility and published standard rates
Does it apply to Kilimanjaro and safari trips?
Yes. Because the rule applies to entry into Mainland Tanzania, it covers every type of trip, Kilimanjaro treks departing from Moshi, Northern Circuit safaris from Arusha, day tours and beach extensions on the mainland. The inbound policy adds a country-wide layer of protection on top of the specialised cover you need for high-altitude trekking.
For Kilimanjaro, your personal travel insurance must still cover trekking and emergency evacuation up to 6,000 m (Uhuru Peak is 5,895 m). The mandatory inbound policy complements this but is not a replacement for high-altitude evacuation cover. See our Travel Insurance page for full details.
How it fits with the insurance you already need
Tanzania Travelers requires every guest to carry comprehensive travel insurance for the full duration of their trip. From October 2026, you will effectively hold two layers of protection: the government-mandated inbound policy for entry into Mainland Tanzania, and your own comprehensive policy covering cancellations, baggage, high-altitude trekking and anything else specific to your itinerary.
- Mandatory inbound policy — US$44, required for entry, covers emergencies within Mainland Tanzania
- Personal travel insurance — required by us for all trips, covers cancellation, baggage, altitude and more
- Both together — the recommended, compliant way to travel in Tanzania from October 2026
Our recommendation
If you are travelling with us from October 2026 onwards, plan for the US$44 inbound policy as part of your trip budget and buy it before you fly so your arrival is smooth. Carry your own comprehensive travel insurance as well, and make sure it covers Kilimanjaro to 6,000 m if you are climbing. We are happy to answer any questions about how the new requirement applies to your specific itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the mandatory travel insurance the same as my normal travel insurance?
No. The mandatory inbound policy is a separate, Tanzania-specific requirement introduced in 2026. Even if you already hold travel or medical insurance from your home country, you are still expected to obtain Mainland inbound cover. US$44 is the standard adult rate; child and group discounts are listed above.
How much is Tanzania's mandatory travel insurance?
Mainland Tanzania's standard adult charge is US$44. NIC shows ages 0–2 at no charge, ages 3–17 at half price (US$22), and a 10% adult discount for groups of 10–100. Check your final quote on the official NIC application portal. The policy is valid for up to 92 days with multiple entries.
Where can I buy the mandatory inbound insurance?
Use the clickable official NIC Mainland portal and direct plan-selection links above, or the official Zanzibar application portal linked in the Zanzibar section. Apply ahead of travel so you can carry proof of cover.
Who is exempt from the mandatory travel insurance?
Residents of East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) partner states are exempt under the 2026 regulations. All other international visitors should be prepared to show proof of cover.
Does the new rule apply to Kilimanjaro climbers?
Yes. It applies to entry into Mainland Tanzania, so it covers Kilimanjaro treks, safaris and mainland beach trips. You will still need your own comprehensive policy that covers trekking and evacuation to 6,000 m for Uhuru Peak.
Does the mandatory insurance cover Zanzibar?
Zanzibar has a separate mandatory inbound policy. ZIC publishes US$44 per adult, US$22 per child and US$22 for travellers from SADC/EAC states. Its plan selector shows free cover for ages 0–2, a 50% discount for ages 3–17, a 10% adult group discount from 10 people, and a student exemption subject to eligibility. Use the official Zanzibar portal linked above.
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