Zanzibar has required Mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance since 1st October 2024, issued by the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC). From 1st October 2026, Mainland Tanzania requires it too, issued by the National Insurance Corporation (NIC) – see above the official public notice issued by the Tanzanian Ministry or Finance. Both policies cover the whole United Republic of Tanzania (URT), and your first point of entry alone determines which one you must buy.
Policies are final, non-refundable and non-transferable.
Please remember to keep your insurance certificate and QR code stored on your phone or printed, as you will be asked to show it when entering URT and when travelling between the mainland and the Zanzibar islands.
Coverage is limited and mainly applicable to emergencies. You can claim only from the one inbound insurance you bought (ZIC or NIC), and only from either this inbound policy or your international insurance.
Please purchase the inbound insurance directly from the provider (NIC or ZIC). We hope that the detailed information below will help you get it sorted quickly and smoothly:
Although both policies provide full coverage across the entire United Republic of Tanzania (both Mainland and Zanzibar), your first point of entry determines which inbound insurance you must purchase:
–> Arriving First in Mainland Tanzania (by air to any mainland international airports i.e. Dar es Salaam | Kilimanjaro | Mwanza; or by road to any land border; or by sea to any mainland port terminal):
–> Arriving First in Zanzibar (by air or by sea to Zanzibar Unguja or Pemba):
Important Note: Policy purchases are final, non-refundable, and non-transferable. You must buy from the provider matching your initial landing point.
–> Tanzanian citizens & residents: Exempt under both NIC and ZIC
–> EAC & SADC citizens:
The policy provides emergency medical treatment, evacuation, repatriation, and travel assistance throughout the United Republic of Tanzania ONLY.
Please read your policy carefully.
Keep your insurance certificate and QR code stored for verification when entering URT and when travelling between the mainland and the Zanzibar islands.
You can claim only from the one inbound insurance you bought (ZIC or NIC), and only from either this inbound policy or your international insurance.
You can purchase your insurance online beforehand or on arrival at any official entry points (airports, border posts, and sea terminals). Proof of insurance must be presented upon entry.
To avoid long queues and processing delays at immigration, buying online in advance is strongly recommended:
-> Mainland Tanzania Entry
–> Zanzibar Entry
Important: This mandatory insurance does not replace your own international travel insurance. We still recommend that all guests hold private international comprehensive travel insurance covering the whole world. This is especially important for adventure travel and activities, Kilimanjaro climbs, remote bush safaris & treks etc.
If you are unsure which insurance applies to you, or need help with your travel documents, we are always happy to help.
For everything you need to know before you go, you are welcome to visit our Tourist Information section. Over twenty years of looking after travellers from around the world have gone into it, so you can arrive well informed, at ease and ready to enjoy every moment.
And before you travel, please take a moment to read also our Terms and Conditions. They cover everything you need to know about your booking, so there are no surprises along the way.
Karibu Sana Tanzania, Most Welcome to Tanzania!