Tanzania to Require Mandatory Local Travel Insurance Starting Oct. 1

Effective Oct. 1, travelers landing in Tanzania must purchase a specific local travel insurance policy, even if they already hold separate trip insurance.

The specific policy depends on how a tourist is entering the country.

Tanzania is requiring any foreign tourist coming into mainland Tanzania (including those arriving through Kilimanjaro International Airport or Julius Nyerere International Airport) to buy coverage through the National Insurance Corporation. Those arriving via Zanzibar must buy coverage through the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation.

Those transiting through the country or holding select work or resident permits will not have to buy the coverage.

The insurance is good for up to 92 days with multiple entries and covers emergency medical care, repatriation, baggage delays, and theft. Premiums cost approximately $44 per adult and $22 per child (ages 3-17), with children under 3 covered for free. A 10% discount applies to groups of 10 or more.

According to the government’s announcement, anyone without a valid policy will be denied entry into Tanzania.

The policy isn’t atypical. Several other foreign countries, including Qatar and Saudi Arabia, require something similar. Others, like Argentina and Ecuador, require travelers to show proof of insurance when entering. And some, including the European nations in the Schengen Area, require tourists to show proof of coverage when applying for an entry visa.

Tanzania is widely considered one of the premier safari destinations in the world, and is a staple on a lot of safari itineraries. Marriott also recently announced plans to build an all-inclusive in Zanzibar.