Tanzania to Mandate Travel Insurance for Foreign Tourists from 2025: What It Means for Visitors and the Tourism Sector

In a bid to enhance tourist safety and emergency preparedness, the Tanzanian government has announced that mandatory travel insurance will be required for all foreign non-resident visitors beginning in the 2025/2026 fiscal year.

Under the new policy, incoming travelers must purchase Tanzania travel insurance upon arrival, with a mandatory fee of USD 44 per person. The insurance will cover medical emergencies, accidents, lost baggage, and other unexpected incidents.

Why the New Insurance Policy?

Officials say the move is intended to provide a safety net for tourists, ensuring quick and reliable access to emergency services during their stay. Despite many visitors already holding private insurance, the government believes the added layer of coverage will boost tourist confidence and support responsible tourism.

What Does the Policy Cover?

• Emergency medical treatment

• Accidental injuries during the trip

• Baggage loss or damage

• Other unforeseen travel-related incidents

Industry Concerns: Will It Hurt Tourism?

While the policy aims to protect visitors, some tour operators and travel stakeholders worry about its impact:

• Additional cost may deter budget-conscious travelers.

• Duplicate coverage for those already insured.

• Competitive disadvantage compared to countries with no such mandate.

Operators in popular regions like Arusha fear the added expense may push tourists toward alternative destinations.

Who’s Exempt?

The policy will not apply to East African Community (EAC) nationals, in line with regional integration agreements. There is also speculation that Southern African Development Community (SADC) nationals may be exempt, though this hasn’t been officially confirmed.

Implementation Questions Remain

The Tanzanian government has yet to clarify how the insurance will be purchased—whether online in advance or on arrival. Stakeholders have called for an online portal to avoid confusion at entry points and ensure a smooth experience for tourists.

Travel agents are urging authorities to release detailed guidelines well ahead of the rollout to avoid airport delays and last-minute chaos.

Zanzibar’s Precedent

This move follows Zanzibar’s October 2024 introduction of a similar mandatory travel insurance policy, priced at USD 44 for adults and USD 22 for children (ages 3–17), with infants exempt. The Zanzibar initiative is managed by the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) and is reportedly functioning smoothly.

Mainland Tanzania now aims to replicate that success while monitoring industry feedback and adjusting as necessary.

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Bottom Line

Tanzania’s mandatory travel insurance marks a significant shift in tourism policy—prioritizing visitor safety but raising questions about cost and implementation. If managed well, it could strengthen the country’s tourism framework. But transparency, digital access, and traveler awareness will be key to ensuring it doesn’t hinder visitor inflow—especially as peak travel season nears.

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