From 1 October 2026, most foreign visitors arriving in mainland Tanzania must hold a government inbound travel insurance policy, bought from the National Insurance Corporation (NIC). Zanzibar has had the same rule since October 2024. It is a small cost next to a safari, but it is checked when you enter the country, so here is the whole picture in plain English, with the official links and what it means for your trip with us.
Tanzania inbound travel insurance at a glance
- Who: most foreign visitors entering mainland Tanzania (Zanzibar has had its own scheme since October 2024)
- From when: 1 October 2026
- Cost: USD 44 per adult, USD 22 for children aged 3 to 17, free under 3
- Valid for: up to 92 days, including multiple entries
- Where to buy: online before you fly at inbound.nicinsurance.co.tz, or on arrival
- Exempt: residents, permit holders, diplomats, transit passengers and EAC/SADC residents
The rule in short
The requirement comes from Government Notice No. 256 of 2026, issued on 4 September 2026 under section 134A of the Insurance Act, which was added by the Finance Act 2025. In practice it means one thing for travellers: before an immigration officer stamps you in, you need a valid NIC inbound travel insurance certificate alongside your passport and visa. The cover protects you against medical emergencies while you are in Tanzania and is valid for up to 92 days, so it comfortably covers a safari, a Kilimanjaro climb and a beach stay in one trip.
How much does Tanzania travel insurance cost?
| Traveller | Price |
|---|---|
| Adults (18 and over) | USD 44 |
| Children aged 3 to 17 | USD 22 (50% discount) |
| Infants aged 0 to 2 | Free |
| Groups of 10 or more adults | 10% discount on the adult price |
| Validity | Up to 92 days, multiple entries, extendable before it expires |
The price is fixed by the government and the same for every nationality. For a family of two adults and two school-age children, that is USD 132 for the whole trip. If you decide to stay longer than planned, the cover can be extended on the same portal before it expires.
Who does not need it?
The insurance is not required for:
- Tanzanian residents and citizens
- Holders of valid work or residence permits
- Accredited diplomats and members of diplomatic missions
- Passengers in transit through Tanzania
- Residents of East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states
If one of these applies to you, carry proof, such as your permit, diplomatic ID or residence documents, so you can show it at the border.
What does the cover include?
The scheme is built around medical emergencies: emergency medical treatment, emergency medical transport and repatriation, with luggage cover, personal accident benefits and 24-hour assistance also listed in the scheme summary. NIC has not yet published detailed benefit limits, which brings us to the question we are asked most.
Does it replace my own travel insurance?
No, and please do not treat it that way. The Tanzanian policy is a basic, government-run cover, and it is required even if you already hold travel or medical insurance from home. Keep your own comprehensive policy as well. Make sure it covers medical evacuation by air (a flying-doctor evacuation from the Serengeti can run to tens of thousands of dollars), trip cancellation, and your camera and optics. Think of the NIC cover as an entry requirement, like your visa, rather than your safety net.
How to buy it, step by step
- Go to the official portal: inbound.nicinsurance.co.tz for mainland Tanzania, or inbound.visitzanzibar.go.tz if you land in Zanzibar. Use only these addresses; unofficial sites add fees.
- Enter your passport details, arrival date and length of stay for each traveller.
- Pay by card in US dollars.
- Download the certificate. Keep a copy on your phone and a printed copy with your passport.
- Show it at immigration on arrival, together with your visa.
Our advice is to buy it a few days before you fly, once your flights are final, so the dates match your trip. You can also buy it on arrival, but a queue at Kilimanjaro after a long-haul flight is the last thing you want when the giraffes are waiting.
Mainland or Zanzibar: which portal?
Mainland Tanzania, which includes Arusha, the northern safari circuit, Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam and the southern parks, uses the NIC scheme. Zanzibar runs its own cover through the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation, in place since 1 October 2024, at the same USD 44 for adults and USD 22 for children. If your trip combines a safari with a beach stay, buy through the portal for wherever you land first and tell us your routing; we will confirm before you fly whether anything else is needed for the second leg.
What this means for your safari with us
Nothing about the safari itself changes. Park fees, lodges and transfers are unaffected. The insurance is a government entry requirement paid by you directly to NIC, so it is not included in our quotes. When you book with us, we add the official link and a reminder to your pre-departure pack, and your driver-guide will ask to see the certificate at pick-up so nothing is forgotten. If you are not sure whether an exemption applies to you, send us a message on WhatsApp and we will check. For the rest of your preparation, from visas to packing, see our travel information page and the guide to planning a first Tanzania safari.
Frequently asked questions
Is travel insurance mandatory for Tanzania?
Yes. From 1 October 2026 most foreign visitors must hold inbound travel insurance from the National Insurance Corporation (NIC) to enter mainland Tanzania. Zanzibar has required its own cover since 1 October 2024.
How much does Tanzania travel insurance cost?
USD 44 per adult, USD 22 for children aged 3 to 17 and free for infants under 3. Groups of ten or more adults get 10% off. The price is set by the government and is the same for every nationality.
Can I use the travel insurance I already have?
No. The Tanzanian policy is required even if you already hold travel or medical insurance from home. Keep your own comprehensive policy as well, especially for medical evacuation and trip cancellation.
How long is the cover valid?
Up to 92 days from your arrival date, including multiple entries during that period. If you stay longer, extend it on the same portal before it runs out.
Where do I buy it?
Only through the official portals: inbound.nicinsurance.co.tz for mainland Tanzania and inbound.visitzanzibar.go.tz for Zanzibar. You can also buy it on arrival at the airport or border, but buying in advance avoids queues.
Who is exempt?
Tanzanian residents and citizens, holders of valid work or residence permits, accredited diplomats, passengers in transit, and residents of East African Community (EAC) and SADC member states. Carry proof of your status when you travel.
What happens if I arrive without it?
You can buy it at the point of entry before immigration, but expect delays after a long flight. We suggest buying it a few days before departure, once your flights are final.
Does Charles Tours arrange it for me?
The policy is bought by you directly from NIC and is not included in our safari quotes. We send the official link and a reminder in your pre-departure pack, and our guide checks you have the certificate at pick-up.
