Planning a safari in Tanzania? Before you pack your bags and set off to discover the Serengeti, witness the wildlife of the Ngorongoro Crater or relax on the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar, there is one important travel requirement you should know about.
Tanzania has introduced the Insurance (Inbound Travel Insurance) Regulations, 2026, which set out travel insurance requirements for foreign visitors entering Mainland Tanzania. Understanding these regulations before departure can help you prepare for your trip with greater confidence and avoid unnecessary complications when you arrive.
At Safari ASAP, we believe a memorable holiday starts with good preparation. Here is what international travellers need to know about the new regulations.
What is Tanzania’s new inbound travel insurance requirement?
Under the 2026 regulations, foreign visitors covered by the rules must have a valid inbound travel insurance policy when entering Mainland Tanzania.
The policy can be purchased online before travelling or at the point of entry. Once the prescribed premium has been paid, the insurer must issue an insurance certificate and policy, either electronically or in hard copy.
The regulations also state that a foreign visitor who arrives without a valid policy shall be denied entry.
For this reason, we recommend checking the latest official requirements and arranging your travel documents before leaving home, rather than waiting until you arrive in Tanzania.
How much does the inbound travel insurance cost?
According to the regulations, the prescribed premium is the Tanzanian shilling equivalent of US$44.
Payment must be made through the payment systems provided by the inbound travel insurer. The regulations state that the premium is non refundable, except in cases of cancellation or other specific circumstances provided for in the policy.
When planning your travel budget, remember to check the current payment instructions and the applicable terms before making a payment.
How Can You Purchase Inbound Travel Insurance?
According to the National Insurance Corporation presentation, travellers can apply online or purchase the insurance upon arrival at designated NIC and NMB counters.
The online application portal listed in the presentation is:
https://inbound.nicinsurance.co.tz for Tanzania and https://inbound.visitzanzibar.go.tz/insurance for Zanzibar
The presentation identifies Visa and Mastercard as online payment options. Payment on arrival is also described as an option at designated counters.
View Presentation of Inbound Travel Insurance
To complete the application, travellers should prepare the following information:
- Passport number.
- Full names and dates of birth.
- Nationality and country of residence.
- Arrival and departure dates.
- Purpose of travel.
- Contact details, including an email address and telephone number.
- First entry point into Tanzania.
- Confirmation of premium payment.
We recommend preparing these details before beginning the application. If you plan to purchase the policy at the airport or another entry point, check the latest arrangements in advance.
Who is Exempt?
According to current NIC guidance, exemptions may apply to Tanzanian residents, holders of valid work or residence permits, members of the Tanzanian diaspora, diplomats, transit passengers, and residents of East African Community (EAC) or Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states.
Which Insurance Should You Apply For: Mainland Tanzania (NIC) or Zanzibar (ZIC)?
- If you arrive in Mainland Tanzania first: Eligible visitors should obtain NIC Inbound Travel Insurance. If you travel to Zanzibar afterwards, you do not need to purchase separate Zanzibar (ZIC) insurance. Please keep a copy of your NIC insurance certificate available for verification.
- If you arrive in Zanzibar first: Visitors who already hold valid ZIC Inbound Travel Insurance do not need to purchase NIC Mainland Tanzania insurance again. Please keep a copy of your ZIC insurance certificate available for verification.
What does the insurance cover?
The regulations specify four categories of benefits under the inbound travel insurance policy:
- Emergency medical treatment
This covers emergency medical treatment, subject to the benefits, limits and conditions set out in the policy.
- Emergency medical evacuation
If an emergency requires medical evacuation, this is one of the benefits specified by the regulations. Travellers should check the policy carefully to understand the applicable coverage and procedures.
- Emergency repatriation
The policy includes emergency repatriation, subject to the terms and limits of the insurance.
- Loss of luggage
The insurance also includes protection for loss of luggage, within the limits and conditions specified in the policy.
It is important to understand that the regulations do not specify the monetary limits for each benefit. These details must be provided in the policy issued by the insurer.
What Is Not Covered?
Like other insurance products, inbound travel insurance has exclusions. The presentation identifies several circumstances that may not be covered, including:
- Treatment of pre existing medical conditions.
- Certain losses arising from criminal acts, fraud, gross negligence or reckless conduct.
- Certain natural disasters and extraordinary natural events.
- Terrorism, mutiny and crowd disturbances.
- War and armed conflicts.
- Certain hazardous or high risk occupational activities.
- Incidents involving alcohol, drugs, toxic substances or non prescribed medication.
- Epidemics and pandemics, unless specifically covered by the policy.
These are general descriptions of the exclusions listed in the presentation. The actual policy wording takes precedence when determining whether a particular incident is covered.
Before travelling, make sure you understand the exclusions and limitations that may affect your trip.
How long is the insurance valid?
The regulations provide for a maximum validity period of 92 days from the date of arrival in Mainland Tanzania.
The same validity period includes multiple entries into Mainland Tanzania. Visitors who remain beyond the specified 92 day period must apply for a new policy.
If you are planning an extended African adventure, combining a safari with a Kilimanjaro climb or spending several weeks exploring the country, it is worth checking how the validity period applies to your itinerary.
Does this apply to every international traveller?
The regulations apply to foreign visitors entering Mainland Tanzania through land borders, seaports and airports.
However, the regulations define a foreigner for these purposes in a way that excludes residents of East African Community and Southern African Development Community partner states.
If you live in the region, hold a particular residence status or are planning a journey involving several African countries, check with the relevant authorities to confirm whether the requirement applies to you.
The regulations specifically address entry into Mainland Tanzania. Zanzibar has its own travel arrangements, so visitors planning a beach holiday should check the latest Zanzibar requirements separately.
Emergency Contacts for Inbound Travel Insurance
The National Insurance Corporation presentation provides the following contacts for claim assistance:
International emergency telephone: +255 716 900 000
Local emergency telephone: +255 719 355 755
Email: wecare.inbound@nicinsurance.co.tz
In the event of a claim, the policyholder or someone acting on their behalf should contact the insurer and be ready to provide the passport, identity card or policy number, the name of the injured person, the reason for the call and their current location and contact details.
Keep these details accessible during your stay rather than relying on being able to find them when an emergency occurs.
Is inbound travel insurance the same as comprehensive travel insurance?
Not necessarily. The new inbound travel insurance policy lists specific benefits, but the regulations do not establish that it replaces every form of travel insurance a visitor might need.
For a safari or mountain adventure, it is sensible to review your existing travel insurance and understand what it covers.
Depending on your plans, you may wish to check cover for trip cancellation, delays, baggage problems, medical expenses, emergency evacuation, repatriation and adventure activities such as trekking at high altitude.
If you are climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, pay particular attention to the conditions relating to high altitude trekking and emergency evacuation. Do not assume that every policy covers these activities automatically.
Before travelling, read the exclusions, benefit limits and claims procedures carefully. If anything is unclear, ask your insurer for written confirmation.
Preparing for your Tanzania safari
Tanzania offers extraordinary experiences, from early morning game drives across the Serengeti plains to the breathtaking views of the Ngorongoro Crater and the warm Indian Ocean waters of Zanzibar.
A little preparation can make your journey much smoother.
Before departure, we recommend that you:
- Check the latest official entry and insurance requirements for your travel dates.
- Confirm whether the inbound travel insurance requirement applies to your circumstances.
- Arrange the required policy and keep your certificate accessible, either electronically or in print.
- Review your existing travel insurance, especially its medical and evacuation benefits.
- Keep your passport, visa documentation, flight details and tour confirmations organised.
- If you are joining a Kilimanjaro trek, confirm that your insurance covers the activities planned for your climb.
- These simple steps can help you focus on what matters most: enjoying your African adventure.
Travel with confidence with Safari ASAP
At Safari ASAP, we are a locally owned tour operator based in Arusha, Tanzania. We organise private safaris across Tanzania and East Africa, Kilimanjaro climbing adventures through Kilimanjaro ASAP, and beach holidays in Zanzibar through Zanzibar ASAP.
Whether you dream of watching elephants in Tarangire, following the Great Migration in the Serengeti, exploring the Ngorongoro Crater or relaxing beside the Indian Ocean, our team can help you plan a journey tailored to your interests, travel style and budget.
We also believe that good travel planning means helping our guests understand the practical details before they arrive. Travel insurance is an important part of that preparation, alongside choosing the right itinerary, accommodation and activities.
Please remember that this article is intended as a practical travel guide, not legal or insurance advice. Regulations, procedures and implementation details can change, so always verify the latest requirements with the relevant Tanzanian authorities and your insurance provider before travelling.
Your Tanzanian adventure begins long before your first game drive. Prepare well, travel responsibly and get ready to experience Africa.
Ready to plan your trip?
Visit Safari ASAP and let us help you create your own African adventure.
