New Mandatory Travel Insurance for Tanzania: What Our Guests Need to Know
A new entry requirement for visitors travelling to Mainland Tanzania from 1 October 2026
If you're travelling to Tanzania from 1 October 2026 onwards, there is a new piece of travel admin to add to your list before you come.
Foreign visitors entering Mainland Tanzania are required to have the new Mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance provided by the National Insurance Corporation of Tanzania (NIC). The requirement applies to visitors arriving through airports, seaports and land borders. Tanzania Embassy Rome
Don't worry, it is a relatively simple process, and we have put together the information below to help make it as easy as possible.
What is the new insurance?
The new NIC Mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance is a government-required travel insurance policy for eligible foreign visitors entering Mainland Tanzania.
The policy provides cover for things including:
Emergency medical expenses
Emergency medical evacuation
Repatriation
Loss of luggage
NIC states that the cover is valid for up to 92 days and can cover multiple entries during the validity period, according to the dates shown on the policy certificate. Inbound Travel Insurance
How much does it cost?
The current premium is the Tanzanian shilling equivalent of US$44 per person. The amount payable in Tanzanian shillings is determined through the official payment system. Inbound Travel Insurance
Who needs it?
The requirement applies to foreign nationals entering Mainland Tanzania through:
✈️ Airports
🚢 Seaports
🚙 Land borders
There is an exemption for residents of East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) Partner States. NIC's current FAQ specifically refers to residents rather than simply citizenship, so anyone relying on an exemption should ensure they have appropriate evidence of their residence status. Inbound Travel Insurance
Please note: this is for Mainland Tanzania.
If your first point of entry is Zanzibar, a separate inbound insurance scheme administered by the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) applies. Tanzania Embassy Rome
How to buy your Tanzania inbound insurance
The easiest option is to arrange it online before travelling.
Step 1: Go to the official NIC website
Use the official NIC Inbound Travel Insurance portal:
NIC Mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance Portal
We recommend using the official website rather than a third-party website.
Step 2: Start your application
Select Apply for Insurance and follow the application process.
NIC requires some basic information, including:
Passport information
Travel dates
Purpose of your visit
Basic personal details Inbound Travel Insurance
Make sure all information is entered exactly as it appears on your passport, particularly your passport number and personal details.
Step 3: Pay the premium
The current premium is the Tanzanian shilling equivalent of US$44 per person.
NIC states that the premium can be paid online using a debit or credit card. NIC also provides for payment in cash at entry points, although we strongly recommend arranging the insurance online before travelling to avoid unnecessary delays on arrival. Inbound Travel Insurance
Step 4: Receive your certificate
Once payment has been successfully completed, NIC issues a digital and/or printed insurance certificate. Inbound Travel Insurance
Please save the certificate on your phone and, ideally, keep a copy available offline.
You may be asked to show proof of your insurance when you arrive in Tanzania.
Do I still need my normal travel insurance?
Yes.
This new mandatory policy should not be viewed as a replacement for your comprehensive travel insurance.
We strongly recommend that all African Environments guests continue to arrange their own comprehensive travel insurance before travelling.
Your normal travel insurance may provide much broader protection for your trip, including things such as cancellation, trip interruption, personal liability and other circumstances that may not be covered by the mandatory inbound policy.
The NIC policy is a mandatory entry requirement, rather than a substitute for comprehensive travel insurance.
What if I am staying longer than 92 days?
NIC states that extensions can be arranged before the policy expires if a traveller needs to remain in Tanzania for longer. Inbound Travel Insurance
If you know that you will be staying longer than the policy period, we recommend contacting NIC before your existing cover expires.
What happens if I have an emergency?
NIC provides 24/7 assistance for claims and emergencies.
The current NIC emergency number is:
+255 736 100 800 Inbound Travel Insurance
We also recommend keeping your insurance certificate and policy information somewhere easily accessible throughout your trip.
Our advice: do it before you fly
Although NIC says the insurance can also be purchased at entry points, our advice to African Environments guests is simple:
Sort it out before you leave home.
It is one less thing to think about when you arrive, particularly after a long international flight.
Your pre-Tanzania checklist:
☑️ Passport
☑️ Tanzania visa, if required
☑️ NIC Mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance
☑️ Your own comprehensive travel insurance
☑️ Flights and travel documents
☑️ Keep your insurance certificate saved on your phone
And then you're ready for the important stuff...
The dusty roads, big skies, campfires, mountains, wildlife and adventures. 🌿
A note for African Environments guests
We know that travel requirements can change, so we will continue to keep an eye on the official guidance and update this page when necessary.
For the most up-to-date information and to purchase your policy, always use the official NIC portal:
Buy your Tanzania Inbound Travel Insurance – NIC
For questions about the insurance itself, NIC currently lists wecare.inbound@nicinsurance.co.tz and +255 736 100 800 for international enquiries, with 24/7 support.