Tanzania to Introduce Mandatory Travel Insurance for Foreign Tourists
Tanzania has announced the introduction of a mandatory travel insurance fee of USD 44 for all foreign non-residents entering the country, regardless of the purpose of visit. Part of the 2025/2026 fiscal budget, the new policy is intended to provide coverage for medical emergencies, accidents, baggage issues, and other unforeseen incidents during a traveller’s stay. Once issued, the non-refundable policy will remain valid for 62 days. Citizens of East African Community (EAC) member states are exempt, while officials have indicated that Southern African Development Community (SADC) nationals may also be excluded, pending confirmation.
The insurance scheme is expected to be administered through the National Insurance Company (NIC) and appointed agents. However, tourism operators have raised concerns that the additional cost could affect destination competitiveness, particularly as many international travellers already hold private insurance. The government has yet to confirm whether a digital purchase platform will be provided, prompting industry calls for clarity to avoid delays and confusion at entry points. The move closely follows a similar policy introduced in Zanzibar in October 2024, further signalling a shift toward standardised visitor protection measures in Tanzania’s tourism sector.
Source: Business Insider Africa