If you are planning to visit Tanzania for a safari, Mount Kilimanjaro trek, Zanzibar holiday, or any other type of trip, you should be aware of Tanzania’s Mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance requirement.
From 1 October 2026, mandatory inbound travel insurance applies to eligible foreign visitors entering Tanzania. National Insurance Corporation of Tanzania (NIC) provides the mandatory inbound insurance for visitors whose first point of entry is Tanzania Mainland, while Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) provides the applicable insurance when the first point of entry is Zanzibar.
The good news for travellers combining a Tanzania safari and Zanzibar holiday is that you should not have to purchase two mandatory policies for the same journey simply because your itinerary includes both Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. A valid policy obtained according to your first point of entry can remain applicable during the journey, subject to the policy terms and validity period.
NIC Inbound Travel Insurance – For Tanzania Mainland
The National Insurance Corporation of Tanzania (NIC) is responsible for mandatory inbound travel insurance for eligible foreign visitors entering Tanzania Mainland through an airport, land border, or seaport.
For example, if your international flight arrives at Kilimanjaro International Airport, Julius Nyerere International Airport, or another Mainland entry point, you should obtain the applicable NIC inbound travel insurance before travelling.
NIC states that the mandatory cover costs the Tanzanian shilling equivalent of USD 44 per person and is valid for up to 92 days, subject to the terms of the policy. Qualifying residents of EAC and SADC partner states are exempt from the Mainland requirement.
What Does NIC Insurance Cover?
NIC’s inbound travel insurance is designed to provide protection against certain unexpected situations during your stay in Tanzania.
Depending on the policy terms and conditions, the cover includes areas such as:
- Emergency medical expenses
- Emergency medical transportation
- Medical evacuation
- Repatriation
- Emergency dental care
- Certain baggage-related risks
- Personal liability
- Certain legal expenses
- Assistance relating to stolen travel documents
The exact benefits, limits, conditions, and exclusions are defined in the insurance policy, so travellers should read their certificate and policy terms carefully.
How to Apply for NIC Travel Insurance
Applying for NIC inbound travel insurance can be done online before your trip.
Travellers can use the official NIC Inbound Travel Insurance portal to complete the application. You will generally need personal and travel information, including your passport details and travel dates.
The process is designed to be completed online:
- Step 1: Visit the official NIC inbound insurance website.
- Step 2: Select the appropriate insurance plan.
- Step 3: Enter your passport and personal information.
- Step 4: Provide your travel details.
- Step 5: Complete the required payment.
- Step 6: Receive your insurance certificate.
- Step 7: Keep the certificate available on your phone and, preferably, keep a printed copy as well.
NIC advises travellers to obtain the insurance before arriving at the entry point. The insurance certificate may be required for verification when you enter Tanzania.
You can also check your insurance status using your passport number or policy number through the NIC online portal.
ZIC Inbound Travel Insurance – For Zanzibar
The Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) provides mandatory inbound travel insurance for eligible foreign visitors whose first point of entry is Zanzibar.
For example, if you fly internationally directly into Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Zanzibar, the applicable inbound insurance is obtained through ZIC.
ZIC currently lists the cost of its mandatory inbound insurance as USD 44 per adult and USD 22 per child, while qualifying travellers from EAC and SADC member states are listed at USD 22 under ZIC’s published pricing. Travellers should check the official ZIC information before purchasing because fees and requirements can change.
What Does ZIC Travel Insurance Cover?
ZIC’s inbound travel insurance is designed to protect visitors against unexpected situations during their stay.
The published information includes protection relating to:
- Emergency medical expenses
- Accidents
- Emergency assistance
- Medical evacuation and repatriation
- Baggage delay
- Lost or stolen baggage
- Certain legal expenses
- Personal liability
- Repatriation of remains
The policy is valid in Tanzania for up to 92 consecutive days, according to the policy terms.
How to Apply for ZIC Travel Insurance
Travellers entering through Zanzibar can apply for the mandatory inbound travel insurance online before travelling.
The application process is straightforward:
- Step 1: Visit the official Zanzibar inbound insurance portal.
- Step 2: Enter your personal and passport information.
- Step 3: Add your travel and arrival details.
- Step 4: Complete the payment using the available payment method.
- Step 5: Receive your insurance documentation.
- Step 6: Save the certificate and QR code on your phone and keep them available during your trip.
ZIC advises travellers to keep their insurance certificate because it may be checked during their journey.
Which Insurance Should You Buy: NIC or ZIC?
The easiest way to understand it is to look at your first point of entry into Tanzania.
| First Point of Entry | Mandatory Insurance |
|---|---|
| Tanzania Mainland | NIC |
| Zanzibar | ZIC |
For example:
Flying from Europe → Kilimanjaro → Serengeti → Ngorongoro → Zanzibar: Your first point of entry is Tanzania Mainland, so the applicable mandatory insurance is NIC.
Flying from Europe → Zanzibar → Serengeti → Ngorongoro: Your first point of entry is Zanzibar, so the applicable insurance is ZIC.
The important thing is that travellers should not be required to purchase two mandatory inbound policies for the same journey simply because they travel between Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. The official clarification states that a valid policy remains applicable during the journey, subject to its validity and terms.
Do I Need Both NIC/ZIC Insurance and My Own Travel Insurance?
The mandatory inbound insurance should not necessarily be considered a replacement for comprehensive travel insurance from your home country.
For example, you may already have travel insurance that provides broader protection for:
- Trip cancellation
- Trip interruption
- Flight delays
- Wider medical expenses
- Personal belongings
- Adventure activities
- Mount Kilimanjaro trekking
- Other benefits specific to your policy
The mandatory inbound insurance is an entry requirement for eligible visitors, while your personal travel insurance may provide additional protection depending on its terms.
For this reason, travellers should check both policies carefully and understand what each one covers.
What About Travellers Visiting Tanzania for a Safari?
If you are coming to Tanzania for a safari, the mandatory insurance is particularly relevant.
A typical safari itinerary might include:
Arusha → Tarangire → Serengeti → Ngorongoro → Arusha → Zanzibar
If your international arrival is in Tanzania Mainland, you would obtain the applicable NIC inbound insurance before entering Tanzania.
If your trip begins with an international arrival in Zanzibar and you then fly to Arusha for your safari, you would obtain the applicable ZIC insurance based on your first point of entry.
The same principle applies whether you are travelling for a luxury safari, budget safari, family holiday, honeymoon, Kilimanjaro adventure, or Zanzibar beach holiday.
Keep Your Insurance Certificate With You
After purchasing your insurance, do not simply save the email and forget about it.
Keep your insurance certificate and QR code somewhere that is easy to access. We recommend saving a copy on your phone and keeping a backup copy in your email or cloud storage.
If your itinerary includes both Zanzibar and Mainland Tanzania, keep the same valid insurance documentation with you throughout the journey.
Important Note for Travellers
Insurance requirements, prices, coverage, and regulations can change. Travellers should always check the official NIC or ZIC website before travelling and confirm the requirements that apply to their nationality and itinerary.
At King Mufasa Expeditions, we recommend that our guests arrange the required inbound travel insurance before travelling to Tanzania. Having your insurance certificate ready can help make your arrival smoother and give you greater peace of mind as you begin your Tanzania adventure.
Whether your dream is to explore the Serengeti, experience the Ngorongoro Crater, climb Mount Kilimanjaro, discover Tarangire, or relax on Zanzibar’s beaches, being properly prepared is an important part of a successful trip.
Travel prepared. Travel protected. Experience Tanzania with peace of mind.
Official application portals
- NIC Inbound Travel Insurance – Tanzania Mainland: Apply through the official NIC Inbound Travel Insurance portal
- ZIC Inbound Travel Insurance – Zanzibar: Apply through the official Zanzibar inbound insurance portal
Disclaimer: This article is for general travel information and does not replace the insurance policy, official government guidance, or advice from the insurance provider. Travellers should check the latest official requirements before travelling.