The requirement was introduced under the Insurance (Inbound Travel Insurance) Regulations, 2026, issued by the Minister for Finance through Government Notice No. 256 published on September 4.
The regulations apply to foreign visitors entering mainland Tanzania through airports, seaports or land borders.
However, citizens of East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states are exempt from the requirement.
Visitors covered by the regulations must have valid inbound travel insurance, which can be purchased before travelling or at a designated point of entry.
Those arriving without the required cover may be denied entry into Tanzania.
Visitors who stay in Tanzania beyond the 92-day validity period must obtain a new policy.
The insurance will be provided by Tanzania's National Insurance Corporation (NIC) or other registered insurers operating in partnership with NIC. The insurance products must also receive approval from the Tanzania Insurance Regulatory Authority.
The mandatory cover includes emergency medical treatment, medical evacuation, emergency repatriation and loss of luggage. The specific limits and benefits will depend on the terms of the policy issued to each visitor.
Insurers are also required to establish systems for verifying premium payments and insurance coverage and integrate them with relevant government authorities.
The new requirement extends Tanzania's use of mandatory travel insurance for foreign visitors beyond Zanzibar, which introduced a separate compulsory insurance scheme in October 2024.
The move also follows Kenya's introduction of a mandatory inbound travel health insurance framework for foreign visitors in July 2026.
Kenya's scheme requires non-Kenyans staying in the country for less than 12 months to have insurance with a minimum cumulative benefit limit of $50,000.
However, implementation of Kenya's requirement was suspended by the High Court in August after two petitioners challenged the policy.
Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/tanzania-introduces-44-mandatory-insurance-for-foreign-visitors/
