Tanzania will introduce mandatory travel insurance for foreign visitors from October 1, 2026, adding a new entry requirement for travellers visiting East Africa’s second-largest economy.
- Visitors must purchase inbound travel insurance costing $44, valid for up to 92 days.
- Tanzania will mandate travel insurance for all foreign visitors starting October 1, 2026.
- Insurance for mainland Tanzania will be provided by the National Insurance Corporation, while Zanzibar visitors will use the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation.
- This new requirement adds an extra expense for tourists, supporting Tanzania’s crucial tourism sector and aligning with similar measures in Zanzibar.
Under the new rules, foreign visitors entering mainland Tanzania will be required to purchase inbound travel insurance costing $44, equivalent to about Sh117,000, with cover lasting for up to 92 days.
The requirement follows the introduction of the Inbound Travel Insurance Regulations for Foreign Visitors Entering Mainland Tanzania through Government Notice No. 256 of 2026, published on September 4.
The regulations were issued under Section 134A of Tanzania’s Insurance Act, Cap. 394, which was amended through the Finance Act 2025 to introduce mandatory inbound travel insurance for foreigners entering the country.
According to a statement signed on September 25 by Permanent Secretary and Paymaster General Natu Mwamba, visitors entering through mainland Tanzania will obtain the insurance from the National Insurance Corporation.
Those entering through Zanzibar will, however, obtain cover from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation.
The policy is designed to provide emergency assistance to foreign visitors during their stay in Tanzania and will remain valid for a maximum of 92 days.
More broadly, the government has said the scheme will cover travel-related health emergencies, repatriation costs, accidents, baggage delays and theft, subject to the policy terms.
“International travellers should obtain the required cover before travelling to Tanzania to avoid delays during entry procedures,” the Ministry said.
Tanzania adds new requirement for international travellers
The policy introduces another cost for international travellers visiting Tanzania, whose tourism industry remains an important source of foreign exchange and economic activity.
Meanwhile, the country recorded GDP of about $90.1 billion in 2025, according to World Bank data, while the IMF said economic growth reached 5.9% during the year and is expected to remain strong over the medium term, supported by sectors including mining, agriculture and tourism.
The travel insurance requirement follows similar measures already operating in Zanzibar, where foreign visitors are required to obtain mandatory inbound travel insurance.
Previously, Tanzania’s government proposed extending the system to mainland Tanzania in its 2025 budget, setting the premium at $44 and providing cover for up to 92 days.
