Planning a safari or holiday in Tanzania? There's an important update you need to know about. From 1 October 2026, all applicable foreign visitors entering Mainland Tanzania will be required to hold valid Inbound Travel Insurance under the Insurance (Inbound Travel Insurance) Regulations, 2026 – Government Notice No. 256.
The requirement applies to entry through airports, seaports, and land borders, and affects travellers arriving by air, land, or sea. Here's everything you need to know before you travel.
What Does the Insurance Cover?
The mandatory policy, provided by the National Insurance Corporation (NIC), covers:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Medical evacuation
- Repatriation
- Loss of luggage
Key Details at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Cost | USD 44 per adult (or equivalent in Tanzanian shillings) |
| Validity | Up to 92 days from arrival |
| Entries | Multiple entries allowed within the 92-day period |
| Stays over 92 days | A new policy is required |
| Refunds | Non-refundable |
| Purchase | Online before departure, or on arrival |
Discounts available:
- Infants aged 0–2: Free
- Children aged 3–17: 50% discount
- Groups of 10+ adults: 10% discount
Who Is Exempt?
The following travellers do not need to purchase the insurance:
- Tanzanian residents and valid work/residence permit holders
- Diaspora and diplomats
- Transit passengers
- Residents of East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) partner states — including Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, the DRC, and other SADC countries
Mainland Tanzania vs Zanzibar: Which Policy Do You Need?
Zanzibar has required its own separate mandatory insurance (USD 44, issued by the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation) since October 2024. The good news: current official guidance confirms you do not need both policies.
- Arriving in Mainland Tanzania first? Purchase the NIC Inbound Travel Insurance. If you continue on to Zanzibar, you do not need to buy the ZIC policy. Keep a copy of your NIC certificate handy for verification.
- Arriving in Zanzibar first? A valid ZIC policy is sufficient — you do not need to purchase the NIC Mainland insurance again. Keep your ZIC certificate available for verification.
Please note: As this is a new regulation, guidance may continue to be refined. We will keep this page and our guests updated with the latest information.
How and When to Purchase
You can buy the insurance online before departure or on arrival at an airport, seaport, or land border. An electronic or printed certificate is issued immediately.
- Official NIC portal: https://inbound.nicinsurance.co.tz/
- FAQs: https://inbound.nicinsurance.co.tz/faqs
Our strong recommendation: purchase your insurance online before travelling to avoid any delays on arrival — especially after a long-haul flight when you're eager to start your safari!
VIP Arrival Assistance
Guests using the Uhuru VIP Terminal at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or the Boma Lounge at Arusha Airport (ARK) can ask Miracle Concierge hosts to assist with the insurance application and facilitate payment on their behalf (administration fee: USD 5 per passenger, in addition to the premium).
How Intertribes Safaris Is Helping
We are proactively informing all booked guests about this requirement and will guide you through the process as part of your pre-travel preparations. If you have any questions about how this affects your upcoming safari, don't hesitate to reach out — we're here to make your Tanzanian adventure seamless from the moment you book.
