The Government of Tanzania has introduced a new travel insurance requirement for foreign visitors entering the country by air, land or sea. Effective from October 1, 2026, travelers covered by the new rules must obtain insurance provided by the state, rather than relying solely on their existing travel insurance.
The scheme is provided by the National Insurance Corporation (NIC) and applies to visitors entering mainland Tanzania. Under the new regulations, foreign visitors who arrive without a valid policy can be denied entry.
Tanzania Travel Insurance
The New $44 Rule at a Glance
Emergency medical care, evacuation, repatriation and lost baggage
Residents of East African Community and SADC countries
What visitors could pay if Zanzibar's separate $44 policy also applies
Contrail
The government says the policy is designed to cover different situations that travelers may encounter during their stay. These include medical emergencies, emergency evacuation and repatriation, and lost or stolen baggage. However, the policy comes with certain limitations, making it important for travelers to read the terms and conditions before purchasing the cover.
The insurance costs $44 and is valid for up to 92 days, allowing multiple entries during the validity period without requiring travelers to renew the policy each time they enter the country. Travelers are also advised that their existing travel insurance from their home country does not replace the mandatory policy where the new requirement applies.
Once payment has been completed, an electronic insurance certificate will be issued. Travelers may also request a hard copy at designated entry points.
For visitors arriving on the mainland, major entry points include Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro International Airport. The policy can be bought before travel or on arrival, but NIC has encouraged travelers to purchase the insurance before departure, saying this could help speed up the entry process.
Zanzibar Has Its Own Rules
Travelers visiting Zanzibar should pay particular attention to the island's separate arrangements. Zanzibar has required visitors to buy its own insurance since October 2024. That scheme is run by the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation, and it also costs $44 for up to 92 days.
The two policies are not currently interchangeable. Unless the two schemes are linked in future, travelers planning to visit both Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania could end up paying for both, a total of $88. They should confirm which policy or policies apply to their itinerary before traveling.
Exemptions
Not every foreign visitor is required to obtain the insurance. According to the regulations, residents of East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries are exempt from the mandatory requirement, although they may choose to purchase cover if they do not already have travel insurance.
The introduction of the scheme adds another requirement for travelers planning a trip to Tanzania. While the policy is intended to provide financial protection in certain emergencies, visitors should check the applicable rules, coverage limits and exclusions before departure to avoid unexpected costs or delays on arrival.
