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Who needs the insurance?
The requirement generally applies to foreign visitors entering Mainland Tanzania.
The regulations exclude residents of East African Community and Southern African Development Community partner states. Current implementation guidance also lists the following categories as exempt:
- Tanzanian citizens and residents
- Holders of valid Tanzanian residence or work permits
- Residents of EAC or SADC partner states
- Diplomats
- Recognised members of the Tanzanian diaspora
- Transit passengers who do not enter Tanzania
Travellers who believe they qualify for an exemption should carry the relevant passport, residence permit, work permit, diplomatic identification or other supporting document.
Exemptions are assessed by the relevant authorities. Shah Tours cannot confirm a traveller’s eligibility on behalf of immigration or the insurer.
How much does the insurance cost?
The standard adult premium is the Tanzania shilling equivalent of US$44 per person.
Current NIC guidance provides the following age and group arrangements:
- Infants aged 0–2: no premium
- Children aged 3–17: 50% of the standard premium
- Adults aged 18 and over: standard premium
- Groups of 10 or more: adults may receive a 10% group discount
The final amount payable will be shown by the official insurance system during the application.
How long is the policy valid?
The policy is valid for a maximum of 92 days from the date of arrival in Mainland Tanzania.
It includes multiple entries during that period. Visitors remaining in Mainland Tanzania for more than 92 days must obtain a new policy.
What does the policy cover?
The regulations require the inbound policy to provide cover for:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Emergency repatriation
- Loss of luggage
The exact financial limits, conditions and exclusions are stated in the policy issued to the traveller. Visitors should read these terms before relying on the cover.
How do I purchase the insurance?
The Mainland Tanzania policy can be purchased through the official NIC application portal:
Apply for Mainland Tanzania Inbound Travel Insurance (https://inbound.nicinsurance.co.tz/)
Applicants should be prepared to provide:
- Passport number
- Full name and date of birth
- Nationality and country of residence
- Arrival and departure dates
- Purpose of travel
- Contact and emergency-contact information
- First point of entry into Tanzania
- Payment details
Online payment can be made using an accepted bank card. The policy may also be purchased at designated NIC and NMB counters on arrival, but we recommend applying before travel whenever possible.
Once the application is completed, keep an electronic copy of the insurance certificate on your phone. Carrying a printed copy is also advisable.
What if I already have travel insurance?
Your existing travel insurance does not normally replace the compulsory inbound policy.
The new requirement relates to a specific policy issued under Tanzania’s Inbound Travel Insurance Regulations. Visitors may therefore need to purchase it even if they already hold comprehensive international travel insurance.
We strongly recommend retaining your normal travel insurance as well. The compulsory inbound policy has stated limits and exclusions and may not provide all the protection needed for a Kilimanjaro climb, safari or other adventure activity.
Your separate travel insurance should cover your planned activities, trip cancellation, medical treatment, emergency evacuation and repatriation. Kilimanjaro climbers should specifically confirm that trekking up to 5,895 metres is included.
What if I am travelling through Zanzibar?
Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar operate related inbound-insurance systems. Travellers should apply according to their first point of arrival in Tanzania:
- If entering Mainland Tanzania first, apply through the NIC Mainland Tanzania system:
- If entering Zanzibar first, apply through the relevant Zanzibar inbound-insurance system:
Current implementation guidance indicates that visitors should not be required to purchase both policies when continuing between Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, provided they already hold a valid certificate issued at their first point of entry.
Keep the certificate readily available throughout the trip because it may be requested when travelling between Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. As this is a newly introduced procedure, travellers should check the latest official guidance before departure.
Can I buy the policy when I arrive?
Yes, the regulations allow the policy to be purchased at the point of entry.
Designated insurance and payment counters are available at selected airports and land borders. However, purchasing the policy after arrival may add time to the immigration process, particularly during busy arrival periods. Applying online before travelling is the more convenient option.
What happens if I arrive without the insurance?
A traveller who is required to hold the policy may be refused entry until the requirement is met.
The regulations state that applicable foreign visitors must possess a valid inbound travel-insurance policy. Although purchase facilities may be available at the entry point, travellers should not rely on completing the process only after arrival.
Does Shah Tours arrange the insurance?
The insurance is purchased directly through the official inbound-insurance system.
Shah Tours can provide general information and direct guests to the correct application website, but the insurance contract is between the traveller and the authorised insurer. Policy issuance, payments, exemptions, claims and coverage decisions are handled by the insurer and the relevant authorities.
