Tanzania introduces mandatory Travel Insurance for foreign visitors

• Citizens of the East African Community (EAC), including Kenyans, and Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states are exempt from the mandatory insurance requirement.

A file photo of Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

Tanzania has introduced mandatory travel insurance for foreign visitors entering mainland Tanzania, with the policy costing Ksh. 5,700 ($44) and remaining valid for up to 92 days, weeks after Kenya introduced a similar requirement.

The Insurance (Inbound Travel Insurance) Regulations, 2026, were issued through a Government Notice and apply to foreigners entering mainland Tanzania by land, sea or air.

However, citizens of the East African Community (EAC), including Kenyans, and Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states are exempt from the mandatory insurance requirement.

Foreign visitors covered by the regulations must have a valid inbound travel insurance policy, which can be purchased before travelling or at the point of entry.

Visitors who arrive without the required cover may be denied entry into Tanzania.

The cover is valid for a maximum of 92 days from the date of arrival and allows multiple entries into mainland Tanzania during that period. Visitors who remain in the country beyond the 92-day period must obtain a new policy.

The insurance will be provided by the country’s National Insurance Corporation (NIC) or other registered insurers operating in partnership with NIC.

The mandatory cover includes emergency medical treatment, emergency medical evacuation, emergency repatriation and loss of luggage.

The new requirement comes as Tanzania moves to implement a nationwide inbound travel insurance scheme, following the introduction of a separate mandatory insurance policy for foreign visitors to Zanzibar in October 2024.

The move also comes after Kenya introduced its own mandatory inbound travel health insurance framework in July 2026, setting a minimum cumulative benefit limit of KSh. 6.48 million ($50,000) for non-Kenyans staying in the country for less than 12 months.

Kenya's policy sets minimum benefits including Ksh. 2.59 million ($20,000) for medical expenses, Ksh. 3.24 million ($25,000) for emergency medical transportation, Ksh. 38,886 ($300) for prescribed medicines and Ksh. 129,620 ($1,000) for mental illness treatment.

However, Kenya's implementation was suspended by the High Court in August after two petitioners challenged the requirement.

Justice Francis Rayola Olel issued interim orders stopping its implementation pending the hearing and determination of the case.