We have had multiple messages from our clients this week all asking about the same thing: is it true Tanzania now requires its own travel insurance on top of whatever policy you're already bringing? The answer is yes, but the details are still emerging.
A few important points are still being pinned down, and I'd rather tell you that honestly than pretend this is more settled than it is. Here's what we know, and where we're still pushing for a straight answer.
What the rule says
Tanzania published new regulations in its Government Gazette on 4 September 2026: the Inbound Travel Insurance Regulations, 2026, under Government Notice No. 256. From 1 October, foreign visitors entering Mainland Tanzania by air, sea, or land border need this policy to get in.
The standard adult premium is USD $44, and it covers you for up to 92 days with multiple entries, so one purchase covers your whole trip even if you're crossing borders more than once. Kids aged 3 to 17 get it at half price, under-3s travel free, and groups of 10 or more get a 10% discount on the adult rate. The policy is to cover emergency medical treatment, medical evacuation, repatriation, and lost luggage. It's issued through NIC Insurance and its registered partners, under the Tanzania Insurance Regulatory Authority, and you can buy it online before you fly or on arrival.
You're exempt if you're a Tanzanian resident, hold a valid work or residential permit, are part of the Tanzanian diaspora, are a diplomat, are just transiting through, or are a resident of an EAC or SADC country.
If you're arriving on or shortly after 1 October
This is a brand new scheme starting from a fixed date which has been signalled as 01 October 2026, and new schemes in their first days rarely run perfectly. If your flight lands on or shortly after 1 October, bring $44 per person in cash as a backup, in case the online process is still being ironed out and you end up paying on arrival instead. Better to have it in your pocket and not need it than to be the one holding up the queue at immigration.
We're in direct contact with the people running this and pushing for clearer guidance on exactly how smoothly day one will actually go. I'll update this the moment I have more than "should be fine."
How this sits alongside Zanzibar
Zanzibar has run its own mandatory travel insurance since 2024. Our understanding at the moment is that you'll only need to take out one of these, mainland or Zanzibar, if your trip covers both, rather than buying separate cover for each leg. We're seeking clarification on that directly before we put it to you as a hard rule, so if your itinerary covers both mainland and Zanzibar, please ask your Trip Manager directly and we will give you the current, checked answer rather than a general one.
What this means if you're travelling with us
This sits on top of your own travel insurance, not instead of it. You still want proper trip cancellation, gear, and medical cover from your own provider for the climb or safari itself. This is a separate, mandatory entry requirement, closer to a visa fee than a policy you'd actually claim on.
For anyone flying out on or after 1 October, we'll handle this as part of your pre-departure checklist, cash-backup advice included, rather than leaving you to find the portal yourself the week before you travel. If your trip departs before 1 October, there's nothing you need to do.
If you would like to plan or prepare a new Tanzania trip please book a call with one of our friendly team here: https://calendly.com/d/cq7y-m77-6sm/follow-alice-tanzania-call
Important Information:
This information is based on Government Notice No. 256 of 2026 and our current understanding of the implementation guidance available as of September 2026. Requirements and implementation procedures may be further clarified or amended by the relevant authorities.
Travellers should always refer to the official NIC portal for the latest information before travelling.
