Tanzania Mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance 2026
Tanzania has introduced new mandatory inbound travel insurance requirements for eligible foreign visitors entering Mainland Tanzania under the Insurance (Inbound Travel Insurance) Regulations, 2026 — Government Notice No. 256 of 2026.
The regulations apply to eligible foreign visitors entering Mainland Tanzania through international airports, seaports, and land border crossings. Travellers are encouraged to obtain the required insurance before departure once the scheme becomes operational, helping ensure a smooth arrival and avoiding unnecessary delays at the point of entry. VELMA Law
What You Need to Know
Insurance Premium: Equivalent of USD 44, payable in Tanzanian Shillings (TZS).
Validity: Up to 92 days from the date of arrival, including multiple entries into Mainland Tanzania during the policy’s validity period.
Where to Purchase: The regulations allow the insurance to be purchased before travel or upon arrival at the point of entry.
Coverage: The mandatory policy includes protection for emergency medical treatment, emergency medical evacuation, emergency repatriation, and loss of luggage.
Travellers staying in Mainland Tanzania for longer than 92 days are required to obtain a new policy. Clyde & Co.
Who Is Exempt?
Under the published regulations, the definition of a foreigner subject to the requirement excludes residents of East African Community (EAC) Partner States and Southern African Development Community (SADC) Partner States. FB Attorneys
For other categories—including residency/work-permit holders, diplomats, transit passengers, or diaspora travellers—we recommend checking the latest official NIC guidance before publishing a definitive exemption list, as these details may depend on implementation guidance.
Already Have Travel Insurance?
The new requirement is a specific Tanzania inbound travel insurance policy. Having private or international travel insurance should not automatically be assumed to replace the mandatory policy unless this is expressly confirmed by the relevant Tanzanian authorities.
Travellers should therefore continue to maintain their own comprehensive travel insurance where appropriate, particularly for benefits or limits beyond those provided by the mandatory inbound policy.
Travelling Between Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar
Travellers should be aware that Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar currently have separate inbound travel insurance frameworks. Industry guidance published in September 2026 describes the new Mainland policy as separate from Zanzibar’s mandatory insurance scheme. Atta
Until the authorities issue clear official guidance confirming mutual recognition between the two schemes, we recommend not stating that purchasing one automatically exempts a traveller from purchasing the other.
What Should Tour Operators Do?
Tour operators and travel advisors should inform guests of the new requirement well in advance of travel and encourage them to check the latest official information before departure.
Once the insurance system is fully operational, completing the required insurance before travelling is recommended to help minimise delays at airports and border crossings.
What If I Arrive Without the Required Insurance?
The regulations allow eligible travellers to purchase the policy either before travelling or upon arrival at a designated point of entry.
However, the regulations also provide that a foreign visitor who is required to hold inbound travel insurance and does not possess valid cover may be denied entry into Mainland Tanzania. Clyde & Co.
Important Information
The information on this page is based on Government Notice No. 256 of 2026, published on 4 September 2026, together with implementation information available as of September 2026.
Please note that operational procedures, exemptions, implementation dates, payment arrangements and other requirements may be further clarified or amended by the relevant Tanzanian authorities.
Travellers are therefore strongly advised to check the latest official NIC information before travelling to Tanzania.
