Arrive Prepared: Your Guide to Tanzania's Inbound Travel Insurance

Planning a safari in Tanzania from October 2026 onwards?

There is one important travel requirement to add to your preparations.

From 1 October 2026, foreign visitors entering Mainland Tanzania by air, land or sea will generally be required to hold valid Inbound Travel Insurance, unless they qualify for an exemption.

The requirement comes into effect under the Insurance (Inbound Travel Insurance) Regulations, 2026, published as Government Notice No. 256.

For travellers preparing for a Tanzania safari, the process is straightforward: purchase the required inbound policy through the official insurance scheme for your first point of arrival in Tanzania, keep the certificate with you, and travel with confidence.

Where Should You Buy the Insurance?

Your first arrival point determines which official scheme you should use.

First Point of Arrival	Official Insurance Scheme
Mainland Tanzania	National Insurance Corporation (NIC)
Zanzibar	Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC)

If your journey begins in Mainland Tanzania, the policy can be purchased through the NIC inbound insurance portal.

If your first arrival is Zanzibar, travellers should use the ZIC inbound insurance portal.

Guests combining a Northern Tanzania safari with Zanzibar should pay particular attention to their first point of entry. Current operational guidance indicates that one valid inbound policy is sufficient for travellers combining Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, although arrangements between the two schemes are still being clarified.

For this reason, travellers should confirm the applicable requirement directly on the relevant official portal when purchasing their policy.

How Much Does the Inbound Travel Insurance Cost?

The standard premium for an adult is the Tanzanian shilling equivalent of USD 44.

There are reduced rates for children and larger groups:

Traveller	Premium
Adult	USD 44 equivalent in TZS
Adults travelling in groups of 10+	10% discount
Children aged 3–17	50% discount
Infants aged 0–2	Free

The policy is valid for up to 92 days and permits multiple entries during the period of validity.

For travellers joining a longer Tanzania journey, this can be particularly useful when the itinerary includes different destinations or more than one entry.

What Does the Policy Cover?

The inbound policy is designed to provide essential protection while visiting Tanzania.

It covers areas including:

Emergency medical treatment
Medical evacuation
Repatriation
Loss of luggage

However, travellers should understand that this inbound policy is not a replacement for comprehensive personal travel insurance.

If your Tanzania adventure includes activities such as Kilimanjaro climbing, trekking or other adventure activities, you should have separate personal travel insurance that specifically covers those activities and any associated evacuation requirements.

Who May Be Exempt?

Current NIC guidance lists several categories that may be exempt from the inbound insurance requirement, including:

Tanzanian residents
Holders of valid work or residence permits
Members of the Tanzanian diaspora
Diplomats
Transit passengers
Residents of EAC partner states
Residents of SADC partner states

Importantly, exemption eligibility should be checked for each individual traveller. Nationality alone may not necessarily establish whether a guest qualifies.

If you are unsure whether the requirement applies to you, check the latest official guidance before travelling.

Can I Buy the Policy Before I Travel?

Yes. Policies can be purchased online before departure or on arrival in Tanzania.

For a smoother arrival experience, Mobila Safaris recommends arranging the policy before leaving home whenever possible.

Keep your insurance certificate accessible throughout your journey. Travellers may be asked to present it during their trip.

That means your travel documents should now include not only your passport, visa where applicable and flight details, but also your Tanzania inbound insurance certificate.

Arriving for a Safari? Here's What to Do

If Tanzania is your next adventure, we recommend adding these simple steps to your pre-travel checklist:

1. Confirm your first arrival point.
Are you entering through Mainland Tanzania or Zanzibar?

2. Use the appropriate official insurance portal.
Purchase your inbound policy through NIC or ZIC according to your first point of arrival.

3. Arrange it before departure.
While policies can be purchased on arrival, completing the process in advance can make your arrival smoother.

4. Save your certificate.
Keep a digital copy on your phone and, where practical, a backup copy with your travel documents.

5. Check your wider travel insurance.
If you are climbing Kilimanjaro or participating in specialist adventure activities, ensure your personal travel insurance provides the appropriate coverage.

Your Tanzania Journey Should Begin with the Wild, Not the Paperwork

At Mobila Safaris, we believe the journey should feel effortless from the moment you begin planning.

Whether your itinerary takes you from Arusha to Tarangire, Ngorongoro and the Serengeti, or continues onward to the beaches of Zanzibar, preparing the essential travel documentation in advance helps you arrive ready to experience Tanzania.

The new inbound insurance requirement is one more item to add to your pre-safari checklist from 1 October 2026.

Prepare before you fly. Arrive ready. Then let Tanzania take over.

Your Tanzania Safari Starts Before You Land

Planning a private safari for 2026 or 2027?

Mobila Safaris can help you plan the journey from arrival to departure—with private vehicles, experienced guides, carefully selected stays and a seamless Tanzania experience tailored around your pace.

Plan Your Safari. Craft Your Story. Questions?

Contact Our Safari Specialists: info@mobilasafaris.com | www.mobilasafaris.com

Our guidance is based on our current understanding of Government Notice No. 256 of 2026. We will continue to monitor the implementation and keep you informed of any important updates.