Tanzania has made inbound travel insurance mandatory for foreigners entering mainland Tanzania through land borders, seaports and airports under new regulations gazetted on September 4, 2026.
Under the regulations, foreigners entering mainland Tanzania must have a valid inbound travel insurance policy issued by an approved insurer.
The policy can be purchased before travel or at the point of entry. Visitors who arrive without a valid policy shall be denied entry into mainland Tanzania.
“A foreigner entering Mainland Tanzania through land, seaport or airport shall, possess a valid inbound travel insurance policy issued by the inbound travel insurer. The policy may be purchased prior to travel or at the entry point,” read part of the gazette notice.
Tanzanian Insurance Costs US$44
According to the regulations, the premium is set at the Tanzanian shilling equivalent of USD 44 (approximately Ksh5,7000) or TZS 116,448.
The premium is paid through payment systems provided by the inbound travel insurer and is non-refundable, except in cases of cancellation or other circumstances provided for in the policy.
Once payment is made, the insurer must issue a certificate and policy to the visitor either electronically or in hard copy.
Duration of Cover
The insurance policy will be valid for a maximum of 92 days from the date of arrival in mainland Tanzania.
Additionally, the validity period also allows for multiple entries into the country. Travelers who remain in Tanzania beyond the 92-day period must apply for a new policy.
What The Insurance Covers
The mandatory insurance provides four main benefits:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Emergency repatriation
- Loss of luggage
The regulations do not set out specific monetary limits for each benefit. Instead, the applicable limits and specific benefits must be stated in the policy issued to the traveller.
EAC And SADC Residents Exempt
The regulations exclude residents of East African Community (EAC) Partner States and Southern African Development Community (SADC) Partner States from the definition of a foreigner.
As a result, Kenyans and other EAC citizens and SADC Partner States are not covered by the mandatory insurance requirement under these regulations.
“Foreigner means a citizen other than of the United Republic of Tanzania, but excludes residents of the East African Community Partner States or Southern African Development Community Partner States,” read the gazette notice.
NIC To Coordinate Insurance Provision
The National Insurance Corporation (NIC) will develop a framework for partnering with other registered insurers to provide the inbound travel insurance.
Insurers providing the cover must establish systems to verify premium payments and integrate them with relevant authorities to facilitate verification of insurance at entry points.
They must also provide clear claims-handling procedures, disclose policy terms, exclusions, and limits, provide emergency assistance contacts, and maintain records of policies issued and claims received and settled.
The Tanzania Insurance Regulatory Authority must approve inbound travel insurance products before they can be offered, although it may exempt an insurer from seeking prior approval where it considers it to be in the public interest.
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