Mandatory insurance for Tanzania and Zanzibar: what applies
Until now, the compulsory entry insurance applied only to Zanzibar. Since 1 October 2026 it has also applied to the Tanzanian mainland. For a combined trip you only need one insurance policy. What matters is the first point of entry into Tanzania. This article explains which policy applies to you.
What changed on 1 October 2026
Until now, the mandatory insurance applied only to Zanzibar. Since 1 October 2024, foreign visitors to the island have had to take out the ZIC Mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance (compulsory entry insurance) from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC).
From 1 October 2026, the Tanzanian mainland is included. There, the insurance runs through the National Insurance Corporation (NIC). So there are two systems with two portals, but only one obligation: every foreign visitor needs valid entry insurance.
This is based on an official clarification issued by the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation on 28 September 2026. It expressly states that no one has to take out two policies for the same trip simply because the trip includes the mainland and Zanzibar.
Which insurance you need: the first point of entry
What matters is your first point of entry into Tanzania. This “First Point of Entry” principle is set out in the clarification: if you first enter via Zanzibar, the ZIC is responsible; if you first enter via the mainland, the NIC is responsible.
The rest of your itinerary does not change this. Whether you fly to the beach after your safari or go on safari after the beach, the first entry determines the policy.
First entry via the mainland
- You arrive internationally, for example at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or at another point of entry on the mainland.
- You take out the Mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance through the National Insurance Corporation: NIC portal
- If you then travel on to Zanzibar, you do not need additional ZIC insurance.
First entry via Zanzibar
- You first arrive in Tanzania at Zanzibar (ZNZ).
- You take out the Mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance through the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation: ZIC portal
- If you then travel on to the mainland, you do not need additional NIC insurance.
You take out the mandatory insurance yourself. The team in Arusha provides you with a guide for this, including screenshots, explanations and translations.
What the mandatory insurance costs
According to Wildfinder, NIC and ZIC cost the same. So which of the two policies you need makes no difference to the price.
| Travellers | Price per person |
|---|---|
Adults | 44 USD |
Children aged 3 to 17 | 22 USD |
Children aged 0 to 2 | free of charge |
Groups of 10 or more people | 10% discount for adults |
For two adults and a 10-year-old child, you pay a total of 110 USD (44 + 44 + 22).
No duplicate insurance for safari and Zanzibar
The classic trip combines a safari on the mainland with a Zanzibar Holiday. You do not take out the mandatory insurance twice for this. Anyone who holds a valid and applicable Mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance does not have to buy a second policy simply because the trip covers both parts of Tanzania. The rules expressly do not provide for a second policy.
Two sample routes illustrate the principle:
- Home country → Kilimanjaro (JRO) → safari → domestic flight to Zanzibar → return flight: take out NIC, no additional ZIC insurance for Zanzibar.
- Home country → Zanzibar (ZNZ) → Zanzibar → domestic flight to the mainland → safari: take out ZIC, no additional NIC insurance.
In short: one policy accompanies the whole trip, as long as it remains valid.
Validity and proof
A ZIC policy covers you for up to 92 days. As long as your policy is valid, no further policy will be required if you later enter the mainland or Zanzibar. New insurance only becomes necessary when the existing policy has expired or is otherwise no longer valid.
Keep your insurance certificate and QR code with you throughout the trip. Both can be electronic or printed. At your point of entry, the certificate may be scanned or otherwise checked to establish authenticity, validity and the insurance period.
Already purchased a ZIC insurance policy?
Then a transitional rule applies. If you purchased and paid for your ZIC Mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance in full before 1 October 2026, you do not need any additional insurance. This applies even if your trip begins on the Tanzanian mainland after 1 October. You do not have to cancel your existing ZIC policy or exchange it for an NIC policy.
Mandatory insurance, visa and private travel insurance
The mandatory insurance is a government-mandated entry insurance. It does not replace the visa for Tanzania.
Nor does it replace private travel insurance. Wildfinder Safaris does not offer travel insurance itself. You should therefore take out your own policy in your home country before departure. Cover for medical expenses, medical evacuation and repatriation is recommended as a minimum. In addition, it is worth having protection against trip cancellation and against costs arising from loss, damage, injury or delay during the trip.
When taking out your policy, tell your insurer what kind of trip you are planning. Only then will the cover suit your safari. If you have any questions about entry or how the trip works, the team in Arusha will be happy to help.
Frequently asked questions about the mandatory insurance
Do I need two mandatory insurance policies for a safari and Zanzibar?
No. Only one Mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance policy is needed for the same trip, even if you visit the mainland and Zanzibar. What matters is the first point of entry into Tanzania.
Which insurance applies when arriving at Kilimanjaro Airport?
The NIC insurance. Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is on the mainland, so you take out the policy through the National Insurance Corporation. For onward travel to Zanzibar you do not need an additional ZIC policy.
How long is the ZIC insurance valid?
Up to 92 days. As long as the policy is valid, no further policy will be required when you later enter the mainland or Zanzibar. A new one only becomes necessary once the existing one has expired or is otherwise no longer valid.
What applies if I purchased the ZIC insurance before 1 October 2026?
Your existing policy remains valid. Anyone who purchased and paid for it in full before 1 October 2026 does not need additional insurance, even if the trip starts on the mainland. You do not need to cancel or exchange anything.
How much does the mandatory insurance for Tanzania and Zanzibar cost?
The mandatory insurance costs 44 USD per adult; you pay 22 USD for children aged 3 to 17, and children under 3 are free of charge. Wildfinder states that NIC for the Tanzanian mainland and ZIC for Zanzibar cost the same, and you only need one policy, depending on where you enter first.
Does the mandatory insurance replace my private travel insurance?
No. The mandatory insurance is a government-mandated entry insurance and does not replace either the visa or private travel insurance. You should take out your own policy with cover for medical expenses, evacuation and repatriation as well as trip cancellation.
- Public notice issued by the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation on 28 September 2026: Clarification on the Implementation of Mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance for Foreign Visitors Entering Zanzibar and Tanzania Mainland
- National Insurance Corporation (NIC), official portal for the Mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance
- Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC), official portal for the Mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance
