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 policy costs US$44, is valid for up to 92 days with multiple entries, and is separate from any travel insurance you purchased in your home country.
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 US$44 inbound policy is designed specifically for emergencies during your stay. It is not a substitute for comprehensive trip insurance, but it does guarantee a baseline of cover that every visitor can rely on. It includes:
Included in the US$44 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 |
|---|---|
| Cost | US$44 per traveller |
| Validity | Up to 92 days |
| Entries | Multiple entries within the validity period |
| Where to buy | Online before travel at the official NIC portal (inbound.nicinsurance.co.tz), or at the point of entry into Tanzania |
| Currency | US dollars |
| Standard terms of the 2026 mandatory inbound travel insurance for Mainland Tanzania. | |
How and when to buy it
The easiest way is to buy the policy online before you fly through the official government portal run by the National Insurance Corporation (NIC) at inbound.nicinsurance.co.tz. The application takes a few minutes: you enter your passport and travel details, pay the US$44 fee, and receive your certificate of cover by email. Alternatively, the policy can be purchased at the point of entry — for example at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or another designated port — on arrival. We strongly recommend buying it before you travel so that you already hold proof when you land, which keeps your arrival quick and stress-free after a long flight.
Before you travel
- Check whether your travel agent or tour operator can include the policy in your booking
- Buy the US$44 policy from an approved provider in advance where possible
- 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 | US$44 |
| Child | US$22 |
| Travellers from SADC and EAC member states | US$22 |
| Zanzibar mandatory inbound travel insurance fees, per the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (zic.co.tz). Fees and coverage are subject to change in line with regulatory requirements. | |
You can apply for the Zanzibar policy online before travel through the official portal at inbound.visitzanzibar.go.tz. Note that 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, you should plan for both requirements and carry proof of each.
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.
Preguntas Frecuentes
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 the US$44 inbound policy for entry into Mainland Tanzania.
How much is Tanzania's mandatory travel insurance?
It costs US$44 per traveller, is valid for up to 92 days, and allows multiple entries into Tanzania within that period. It covers emergency medical treatment, medical evacuation, repatriation and loss of luggage.
Where can I buy the mandatory inbound insurance?
For Mainland Tanzania, buy it online before travel at the official NIC portal (inbound.nicinsurance.co.tz), or at the point of entry on arrival. For Zanzibar, apply online at inbound.visitzanzibar.go.tz. Buying in advance is recommended so you already hold proof when you land.
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 runs its own mandatory inbound insurance through the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation. It costs US$44 per adult, US$22 per child, and US$22 for travellers from SADC and EAC member states, and applies even if you already hold other travel insurance. Apply online before travel at inbound.visitzanzibar.go.tz.
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