From 1 October 2026, most foreign visitors entering mainland Tanzania must obtain the mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance from the National Insurance Corporation (NIC) (Ministry of Finance notice). Without it, you can be refused entry. Here is what it costs, who is exempt, how to buy it, and which policy you need if your trip includes Zanzibar.
Tanzania’s Ministry of Finance confirmed the start date in a public notice issued by the Permanent Secretary and Paymaster General. When we first wrote about the scheme on 21 September, no date had been set. Here is everything confirmed since.
Quick answer: do I need Tanzania travel insurance in 2026?
Yes, if you are a foreign visitor entering mainland Tanzania from 1 October 2026. You need the Tanzania Inbound Travel Insurance issued by NIC, at US$44 per adult and valid for up to 92 days. If you enter Tanzania through Zanzibar, the insurance is issued by the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) instead. Residents of EAC and SADC countries are exempt. Sources: Ministry of Finance notice, Finance Act, 2025.
How much does it cost?
Prices are set in US dollars and payable as the Tanzanian shilling equivalent. A family of two adults and two children aged 3–17 pays US$132 in total.
The US$44 adult premium is set in the Ministry of Finance notice. Child rates are from NIC’s portal FAQ as reported by Visamundi; confirm the final price when you buy.
- Starts1 October 2026, at all airports, seaports and land borders into mainland Tanzania (source)
- ValidityUp to 92 days from arrival, with multiple entries
- CoverEmergency medical treatment, emergency evacuation, repatriation, and lost or stolen luggage
- IssuerNIC, the designated provider for mainland Tanzania
- Without itYou may be refused entry
Benefit limits and conditions are set out in the policy itself, so read your certificate once you have it.
Who needs it, and who is exempt?
You need to buy it
- Tourists from Europe, the Americas, Asia, the Middle East and the rest of Africa
- Anyone who lives outside the EAC and SADC, whatever their passport
- Travellers connecting through Nairobi or Johannesburg on the way in
You are exempt
- Residents of Tanzania, and holders of Tanzanian work or residence permits
- Diplomats
- Transit passengers
- Residents of East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) partner states
It’s about where you live, not your passport. The Finance Act, 2025 exempts residents of EAC and SADC partner states. A British expat living in Nairobi is exempt. A Kenyan citizen living in London is not.
How do you buy it?
Online before you travel is the best option. It takes a few minutes, and the Ministry of Finance advises buying before departure to save time at immigration.
- Go to NIC’s official portalinbound.nicinsurance.co.tz — NIC’s official portal for mainland Tanzania.
- Enter your detailsPassport and travel details for each traveller (see the checklist below).
- Pay by Visa or MastercardThe premium is charged as the Tanzanian shilling equivalent.
- Save your QR certificateIt arrives by email (Visasupdate). Keep it on your phone and carry a printed copy with your passport.
Have these details ready
- Passport number
- Full name and date of birth
- Nationality
- Country of residence
- Arrival and departure dates
- First entry point into Tanzania
- Phone number
- Email address
Buying on arrival? You can buy at NIC or NMB Bank counters at airports and border posts. The Ministry of Finance advises buying before you travel to avoid delays at the point of entry.
For emergencies during your stay, NIC runs a 24/7 assistance line on +255 736 100 800 (source). Save it in your phone before you travel.
Safari plus Zanzibar: which policy do you need?
It depends on where you first enter Tanzania. The Ministry of Finance notice says visitors entering through mainland Tanzania must buy from NIC, and visitors entering through Zanzibar must buy from ZIC. Whichever insurer issued your policy provides your emergency cover anywhere in Tanzania, subject to its terms.
Most Camptrek safari-and-beach trips start on the mainland. If you land at Kilimanjaro or cross from Kenya by road and finish in Zanzibar, you enter through the mainland, so you need the NIC policy. Under the notice, NIC then provides your emergency services anywhere in Tanzania, including Zanzibar, subject to the policy terms.
Kilimanjaro→Serengeti→Zanzibar
Arriving at Kilimanjaro, Arusha or Dar es Salaam, or overland from Kenya at Namanga, Isebania–Sirari or another land border. NIC provides emergency services anywhere in Tanzania, subject to policy terms.
Zanzibar→Serengeti→Home
Arriving at Zanzibar’s airport or seaport, including beach-first trips that go on to a mainland safari. Issued by the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation.
Already bought Zanzibar insurance? If your trip starts on the mainland, you still need the NIC policy for mainland entry, even if you bought Zanzibar insurance earlier. The Zanzibar policy does not replace it. If you are unsure which applies to your route, ask us before you pay.
Crossing overland from Kenya?
The rule applies at every land border, not just airports. If you are combining a Kenya and Tanzania safari by road, you need the NIC policy before you reach the Tanzanian side of the border.
Buy online before a road crossing. Land borders can be busy and mobile signal patchy. Arriving with your QR certificate on your phone and on paper is the fastest way through.
Guests who live in Kenya are exempt as EAC residents. International tourists who start their safari in Kenya are not, even if they have spent weeks there.
Does my own travel insurance count?
No. Your own policy does not replace it, however comprehensive. For mainland Tanzania, NIC is the designated provider under the new system, and reports confirm that other travel insurance does not exempt you (Visamundi).
You should still keep your own insurance. The government policy is basic emergency cover. It does not cover pre-existing medical conditions or trip cancellation, and its benefit limits may be lower than you need for Kilimanjaro climbs, remote fly-in camps or long overland routes. We recommend comprehensive travel insurance with strong evacuation cover for every Camptrek guest.
| Mandatory inbound insurance | Your own travel insurance | |
|---|---|---|
| Required for entry | Yes | No |
| Emergency medical | Yes | Usually |
| Evacuation and repatriation | Yes, within policy limits | Usually, often with higher limits |
| Lost luggage | Yes, within policy limits | Often covered |
| Trip cancellation | No | Often covered |
| Pre-existing conditions | No | Depends on your insurer |
What it means for your Camptrek safari
Already booked?
If you arrive on or after 1 October, we are contacting you with the link. If your trip starts on the mainland, you need the Tanzania policy even if you already bought Zanzibar insurance. You can buy it now.
Getting a new quote?
Budget US$44 per adult and US$22 per child aged 3–17 on top of your safari price. You buy it directly from NIC, not through us.
Travelling as a family?
Children aged 3–17 pay US$22 and infants under 3 are free. Buy a policy for each traveller.
Not sure which policy?
Tell us your arrival airport and route, and we will confirm the right one before you pay.
This insurance is separate from your visa. If you need a visa, you still apply through Tanzania’s official e-Visa portal.
Frequently asked questions
When does Tanzania’s mandatory travel insurance start?
On 1 October 2026, for foreign visitors entering mainland Tanzania. Zanzibar’s own scheme has run since 1 October 2024.
How much does it cost?
US$44 per adult, US$22 per child aged 3–17, and nothing for infants aged 0–2.
I arrive before 1 October and leave after. Do I need it?
The rule applies on entry, so arrivals before 1 October should not need it. If you cross back into Tanzania from Kenya or another country after 1 October, you will need it for that entry.
Can I buy it on arrival?
Yes, at NIC or NMB counters at airports and border posts. Buying online before departure is recommended to avoid delays at the point of entry.
Do I need it if I cross by road from Kenya at Namanga or Isebania?
Yes. The rule applies at all land borders, including Namanga, Isebania–Sirari, Taveta–Holili, Loitokitok–Tarakea and Lunga Lunga–Horohoro. Buy the NIC policy online before you reach the border, unless you are an EAC or SADC resident.
I live in Kenya. Am I exempt?
Yes, if you are a resident of an EAC or SADC country, whatever your nationality. Carry proof of residence, such as a residence permit or alien ID.
Does my own travel insurance replace it?
No. The NIC policy is required regardless of any other cover you hold.
Do I need a second policy for Zanzibar?
It depends on where you first enter. The Ministry of Finance notice says visitors entering through the mainland buy from NIC, and those entering through Zanzibar buy from ZIC. The insurer you bought from provides your emergency services anywhere in Tanzania, including Zanzibar, subject to the policy terms.
I already bought Zanzibar insurance. Do I still need the Tanzania policy?
If your trip starts on the mainland, yes. You need the NIC policy for mainland entry, and the Zanzibar policy does not replace it. If you are unsure which applies to your route, ask us before you pay.
Planning a Tanzania or Zanzibar trip?
Tell us your dates and route, and we will help you plan around the paperwork as well as the wildlife.
Sources
- Inbound Travel Insurance for Foreign Visitors Entering Mainland Tanzania, Ministry of Finance public notice, via the Embassy of Tanzania in Rome, 27 September 2026.
- NIC Inbound Travel Insurance portal, National Insurance Corporation.
- Mainland Tanzania: mandatory travel insurance applies from October 1, 2026, Visamundi, 28 September 2026.
- Tanzania Confirms October 1 Launch of $44 Mandatory Travel Insurance, Visasupdate, 28 September 2026.
- Tanzania’s $44 Travel Insurance Could Collect $67M a Year, Camptrek, updated 29 September 2026.
- The Finance Act, 2025 (No. 11), Tanzania Revenue Authority. Section 134A of the Insurance Act, including the EAC and SADC exemption.
- ZIC Inbound Travel Insurance portal, Zanzibar Insurance Corporation.
This article is general information, not legal or insurance advice. Rules may change; confirm current requirements with NIC, ZIC or official Tanzanian sources before you travel.