
Understand Tanzania’s mandatory inbound insurance requirements and arrange suitable cover before your journey begins.
At Crowned Wild Africa, your safety and peace of mind are important to us. Before beginning your safari or holiday, we encourage every traveler to understand Tanzania’s travel insurance requirements and arrange suitable insurance for their journey.
Tanzania has mandatory inbound travel insurance arrangements for eligible foreign visitors entering Zanzibar or mainland Tanzania. The applicable policy depends on your first point of entry and the current official regulations.
Important: Mandatory inbound travel insurance is not a substitute for comprehensive personal travel insurance. We strongly recommend additional cover for medical expenses, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, travel delays, baggage, and activities included in your itinerary.
From 1 October 2026, mandatory inbound travel insurance also applies to eligible foreign visitors entering mainland Tanzania.
According to the official clarification published by the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation on 7 October 2026, visitors should obtain the applicable policy based on their first point of entry into the United Republic of Tanzania.
The designated providers are:
Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC)
Foreign visitors whose first entry into Tanzania is through Zanzibar should obtain the applicable mandatory inbound insurance through ZIC.
This applies to visitors arriving directly in Zanzibar before continuing to mainland safari destinations such as Nyerere, Mikumi, Ruaha, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, or Tarangire, subject to the policy’s terms and applicable exemptions.
Official application portal
inbound.visitzanzibar.go.tzNational Insurance Corporation (NIC)
Foreign visitors whose first entry is through mainland Tanzania should obtain the applicable mandatory inbound insurance through NIC, subject to the current eligibility rules and exemptions.
This is relevant to travelers arriving through mainland airports, land borders, or seaports before visiting destinations such as Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Serengeti, Nyerere, Mikumi, and Ruaha.
Official application portal
inbound.nicinsurance.co.tzGenerally, no. Under the official clarification issued by ZIC on 7 October 2026, a visitor holding a valid and applicable inbound travel insurance policy does not need to purchase a second mandatory policy merely because the itinerary includes both Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania during the policy’s validity.
The policy may remain applicable for up to 92 days, subject to the dates, terms, conditions, and eligibility stated in the insurance certificate.
Example A
A traveler flies from abroad to Zanzibar, spends several days on the island, and then flies to Nyerere National Park for a safari. The traveler should obtain the applicable ZIC policy for their first point of entry and retain the insurance certificate and QR code for verification.
Example B
A traveler arrives in Dar es Salaam, travels to Mikumi or Serengeti, and then continues to Zanzibar. The traveler should obtain the applicable NIC policy for their first point of entry and retain the policy documents throughout the trip.
Example C
If a traveler enters Tanzania again while an existing policy remains valid, the policy may continue to apply within its permitted period. A new policy may be required if the existing policy expires or is no longer valid.
Always verify your particular circumstances with the official insurer before departure.
The mainland mandatory inbound insurance requirement includes exemptions for qualifying travelers from East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) Partner States, as described in the official guidance.
However, an exemption from the mainland requirement does not automatically establish an exemption from Zanzibar’s insurance requirements.
Eligibility depends on the applicable rules and the traveler’s circumstances. Please confirm your eligibility directly with the relevant official insurance provider before travelling.
The mandatory policy is intended to provide specified protection for visitors during their stay. Depending on the policy and its terms, this may include benefits relating to:
The exact benefits, limits, exclusions, eligibility rules, and claims procedures are determined by the insurer’s policy documents.
Please read the official policy certificate and terms carefully. Do not assume that every medical expense, safari activity, or travel disruption is covered.
We recommend that guests arrange comprehensive personal travel insurance in addition to any mandatory inbound policy.
Consider cover for:
If your safari includes walking safaris, mountain trekking, diving, snorkeling, or other specialist activities, check that your insurer expressly covers those activities.
We recommend arranging the applicable mandatory inbound insurance before travelling, as advised by the official authorities.
Personal travel insurance should ideally be arranged when you book your trip, particularly if you want protection for eligible cancellation costs before departure.
Before leaving home, make sure you have:
Existing international travel insurance does not automatically replace the applicable mandatory inbound policy. Check the official requirements for your first point of entry.
If Zanzibar is your first point of entry into Tanzania, the applicable mandatory policy is generally obtained through ZIC. A valid policy may also apply to your subsequent mainland visit during its permitted validity period, subject to its terms.
If mainland Tanzania is your first point of entry, the applicable policy is generally obtained through NIC, subject to eligibility and exemptions.
The official mainland inbound insurance guidance states that cover may be valid for up to 92 days. Your actual coverage dates are those shown on your insurance certificate, subject to the policy terms.
Please contact us before your trip if you need assistance understanding the requirements. Insurance eligibility, application, payment, and policy issuance are subject to the official insurer’s procedures.
Contact the relevant insurer before expiry to confirm whether an extension is available and whether any new policy is required.
Apply for Zanzibar inbound travel insurance:
inbound.visitzanzibar.go.tzApply for mainland Tanzania inbound travel insurance:
inbound.nicinsurance.co.tzClarification on insurance requirements for visitors entering Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania:
Read the official public notice (zic.co.tz)We want every guest to enjoy Tanzania with confidence, from the beaches of Zanzibar to the wildlife-rich landscapes of our national parks.
Please ensure that your insurance arrangements are suitable for your complete itinerary before departure. If you have questions about your safari itinerary or the travel arrangements we provide, contact our team.
Contact Our TeamInsurance information on this page is provided as general travel guidance and is not insurance advice. Official regulations, eligibility, benefits, premiums, and policy terms may change. The insurer’s current official guidance and issued policy documents take precedence.