DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania – Tanzania has introduced mandatory inbound travel insurance for foreign visitors entering mainland Tanzania, with the policy costing US$44 (about Sh5,700) and remaining valid for up to 92 days.
The requirement was introduced through the Insurance (Inbound Travel Insurance) Regulations, 2026, issued under Government Notice No. 256 and gazetted on September 4, 2026. The regulations apply to foreigners entering mainland Tanzania by land, sea or air.
EAC, SADC citizens exempt
Citizens of East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states are exempt from the mandatory insurance requirement.
This means Kenyan citizens, as EAC nationals, will not be required to purchase the new cover when travelling to mainland Tanzania.
The regulations define the affected travellers as foreigners entering the country, while excluding citizens of EAC and SADC partner states.
Insurance can be bought before travel or at entry
Foreign visitors covered by the regulations must have a valid inbound travel insurance policy.
The cover may be obtained before travelling or at the point of entry. Visitors who arrive without the required insurance may be denied entry into Tanzania.
The policy is valid for a maximum of 92 days from the date of arrival and permits multiple entries into mainland Tanzania during that period. Visitors staying beyond the 92-day validity period will be required to obtain a new policy.
What the insurance covers
The mandatory policy is designed to cover key emergency and travel-related risks.
The benefits include:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Emergency repatriation
- Loss of luggage
The cover will be provided by Tanzania’s National Insurance Corporation (NIC) or other registered insurers operating in partnership with NIC.
Tanzania follows Zanzibar scheme
The mainland requirement follows Zanzibar’s introduction of mandatory inbound travel insurance for foreign visitors in October 2024.
Zanzibar’s scheme also carries a US$44 premium and provides cover for up to 92 days. The Zanzibar government has previously said the insurance helps meet emergency costs incurred when visitors require medical treatment or repatriation.
Tanzania had initially announced plans for the mainland scheme during the 2025/26 budget process, with Finance Minister Mwigulu Nchemba proposing a US$44 charge for foreign visitors and exemptions for EAC and SADC citizens.
Tanzania yet to announce rollout date
Although the regulations have now been gazetted, reports indicate that Tanzania had not yet announced a specific date for enforcement of the new requirement as of September 16.
The gazetting nevertheless establishes the legal framework for the mandatory insurance regime.
Kenya’s insurance requirement remains suspended
Tanzania’s move comes shortly after Kenya introduced its own mandatory inbound travel health insurance framework for foreign visitors.
Kenya’s policy requires non-Kenyans staying in the country for less than 12 months to have insurance with a minimum cumulative benefit limit of US$50,000 (about Sh6.4 million). The prescribed benefits include medical expenses, emergency medical transportation, prescribed medicines and mental illness treatment.
However, the High Court in Marsabit suspended implementation and enforcement of the Kenyan requirement in August after two petitioners challenged the directive. Justice Francis Rayola Olel issued interim orders pending further proceedings.
The developments leave Tanzania moving ahead with its gazetted framework while Kenya’s corresponding requirement remains subject to the court process.
