Planning a safari or holiday in Tanzania? 🇹🇿 If you are travelling to Mainland Tanzania from 1 October 2026, there is an important new travel requirement to understand before departure: Mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance.
The Government of Tanzania has announced that implementation of the new inbound travel insurance regulations for foreign visitors entering Mainland Tanzania will begin on 1 October 2026. The National Insurance Corporation (NIC) has been designated as the insurance provider for visitors entering through Mainland Tanzania.
What Is Tanzania’s Mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance?
Tanzania’s Mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance is a travel insurance scheme administered by the National Insurance Corporation (NIC) for eligible foreign visitors entering Mainland Tanzania.
According to NIC, the cover is intended for eligible foreign nationals arriving through:
- International and domestic airports
- Seaports
- Land border crossings
The policy provides protection associated with emergency medical expenses and, according to NIC’s published FAQ, includes cover relating to medical emergencies, loss of luggage, emergency medical evacuation and repatriation, subject to the policy’s terms and conditions.
When Does the New Requirement Start?
The official implementation date is 1 October 2026.
The Ministry of Finance has advised international travellers to make the necessary arrangements before travelling to Tanzania to help facilitate entry procedures and avoid unnecessary inconvenience or delays at arrival points.
How Much Does Tanzania Inbound Travel Insurance Cost?
The published premium is USD 44 per person.
NIC states that the premium is payable in Tanzanian Shillings equivalent to USD 44. The cover is valid for up to 92 days, with the actual coverage period based on the dates shown on the insurance certificate. NIC also states that the policy allows multi-entry within Tanzania during its validity period.
Who Needs the Insurance?
This is where travellers should pay particular attention. NIC’s official FAQ states that the mandatory inbound insurance applies to foreign nationals entering Mainland Tanzania through land borders, seaports and airports, but specifically excludes residents of East African Community (EAC) Partner States and Southern African Development Community (SADC) Partner States.
Travelling from Kenya? Check Your Residency Status.
Because Kenya is an EAC Partner State, being a foreign passport holder travelling from Kenya does not automatically mean that you must purchase the USD 44 policy. The relevant question can be whether you are a resident of an EAC Partner State, rather than simply which passport you hold.
For this reason, travellers should verify their individual eligibility directly with NIC before purchasing the policy.
Important: Immigration, insurance and entry requirements can change. Shikisha Tours & Travel provides travel-planning guidance, but the applicable government and insurance authorities remain the final source for determining your eligibility.
I Am Travelling to Tanzania from Kenya. Do I Need It?
If you are travelling from Kenya into Mainland Tanzania, your point of departure alone does not determine whether you are exempt. NIC’s published FAQ specifically states that the scheme excludes residents of EAC Partner States, which includes Kenya.
- Kenyan/EAC resident: Check the applicable exemption and documentation requirements with NIC before purchasing.
- Foreign visitor who is not an EAC or SADC resident: The published NIC guidance indicates that the mandatory Mainland Tanzania inbound insurance applies.
- Unsure about your status? Contact NIC before travelling and carry appropriate proof of residency where applicable.
What Does the Insurance Cover?
- Emergency medical expenses
- Loss of luggage
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Repatriation
Coverage is subject to the actual insurance policy, conditions and applicable exclusions. Travellers should review the policy wording before relying on any particular benefit.
Important: This May Not Replace Your Comprehensive Travel Insurance
Travellers should not automatically treat the mandatory inbound policy as a complete substitute for their normal travel insurance. If you already purchase comprehensive international travel insurance, check what your existing policy covers, including:
- Medical expenses
- Emergency evacuation
- Repatriation
- Trip cancellation
- Trip interruption
- Lost or delayed baggage
- Personal belongings
- Adventure and safari activities
- Pre-existing conditions, where applicable
- Flight delays and missed connections
The NIC policy should be considered according to its own terms and conditions.
How Do I Buy Tanzania Inbound Travel Insurance?
NIC provides an online portal for the mandatory inbound insurance.
Official NIC Inbound Travel Insurance Portal: https://inbound.nicinsurance.co.tz/
NIC’s FAQ states that insurance can be purchased online or at designated entry points. Online payments can be made using debit or credit cards, while cash payment is also listed as an option upon arrival.
However, the Ministry of Finance has advised international travellers to make arrangements before travelling in order to facilitate entry procedures. For this reason, eligible travellers should arrange the required cover before departure rather than leaving it until arrival.
What Documents Do I Need?
- Passport information
- Travel dates
- Purpose of visit
- Basic personal information
NIC issues a digital and/or printed insurance certificate, which should be retained and presented when required for verification.
Our recommendation
- Save the certificate on your phone
- Keep a copy in your email or cloud storage
- Where practical, carry a printed copy
What Happens If I Stay Longer Than 92 Days?
NIC states that the policy provides cover for up to 92 days and that extensions can be arranged through NIC before the policy expires. If you are planning an extended East African adventure, check your extension options before your existing cover expires.
Mainland Tanzania vs Zanzibar: Don’t Confuse the Two
This distinction is particularly important when planning an East African safari and beach holiday.
Mainland Tanzania 🇹🇿
Designated provider: National Insurance Corporation (NIC)
Official portal: https://inbound.nicinsurance.co.tz/
Zanzibar 🏝️
The Ministry of Finance has designated the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) for visitors entering through Zanzibar. The requirements and designated providers should therefore be checked according to where you enter Tanzania, particularly if your itinerary combines Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.
Travelling from Kenya to Tanzania With Shikisha?
At Shikisha Tours & Travel, we organise tailor-made East African experiences including Tanzania safaris, wildlife adventures, cultural experiences and Zanzibar holidays.
- Serengeti National Park
- Ngorongoro Crater
- Tarangire National Park
- Lake Manyara
- Arusha
- Kilimanjaro
- Zanzibar
- Other destinations across Tanzania
Whether you are travelling from Nairobi, flying directly into Tanzania, or combining Kenya and Tanzania in one East African itinerary, our team can help you organise the logistics of your journey.
