All visitors to Tanzania and Zanzibar must now pay for mandatory inbound travel insurance before they can enter the country.
From 1 October, a compulsory $44 (£33) insurance policy will apply to all tourists over 18.
Travellers can buy the insurance online, or at ports of entry upon arrival in Tanzania.
The UK Foreign Office (FCDO) said in an update: “You only need to buy insurance for your first port of entry, either mainland Tanzania or Zanzibar. You may be refused entry if you do not have the required insurance.”
Arrivals to mainland Tanzania must buy travel insurance from the National Insurance Corporation (NIC) for the duration of their stay, up to 92 days, and no other travel insurance policies are accepted.
The same rules apply for arrivals to Zanzibar, with travel insurance available from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC).
Tanzania welcomed 2.29 million international tourists in 2025.
Foreign visitors who intend to travel to both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar will not need to purchase two separate insurance policies, confirmed the NIC.
The mandatory insurance follows new regulations on 4 September from the Tanzanian Ministry of Finance.
Reduced insurance rates are available for families, or those travelling as a group.
Children between the ages of three and 17 will be charged $22 (£17), with 10 per cent discounts for big group policies.
The NIC said: “To every visitor preparing to experience Tanzania, our message at NIC Insurance is simple: Come for the adventure. Come for business. Come for our people, culture, wildlife and unforgettable experiences. And wherever your journey takes you, travel with Peace of Mind.
“Because good insurance is not simply about carrying a policy. It is about knowing that when the unexpected happens, someone is there to help.”
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