Tanzania is set to require all foreign visitors to buy travel insurance. The government aims to add a USD 44 insurance fee for non-resident travelers entering the country. This fee applies no matter why they visit.
This plan is part of Tanzania’s 2025/2026 national budget. The insurance will cover medical emergencies, accidents, and lost baggage. It will last for 62 days and cannot be refunded.
The rule will not affect citizens of East African Community (EAC) countries. People from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) might also be exempt, but this is not yet confirmed.
The National Insurance Company (NIC) and its agents will likely handle the new insurance. It is not clear if travelers can buy the insurance online before arriving. Some tourism experts worry this could cause confusion and delays at airports and border points.
Tour operators in places like Arusha are worried about the extra charge. Many say tourists often bring their own travel insurance. They think this new rule may stop some budget travelers from coming. “It could hurt tourism and make Tanzania less competitive,” one operator said.
This rule is similar to one started by Zanzibar in October 2024. Zanzibar is part of Tanzania but runs its own government. It requires foreign adults to pay USD 44 for travel insurance. Children aged 3 to 17 pay USD 22, and infants do not pay. Travelers must buy Zanzibar’s insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation.
