Mainland Tanzania is moving to add a new entry requirement for most foreign visitors: a compulsory travel insurance fee. The plan, outlined in the latest national budget, mirrors a policy already in force in Zanzibar and would apply to stays of up to three months.
If approved, the measure would change how international travelers prepare for trips to Tanzania, introducing a fixed cost alongside existing visa procedures. It comes at a time when visitors are already navigating slower visa approvals and payment difficulties, raising questions about how the change could affect travel plans in the months ahead.
Details of the Proposal
During the presentation of the 2025–2026 national budget, Finance Minister Mwigulu Nchemba outlined plans to amend the Insurance Act, CAP 394, to introduce mandatory travel insurance for foreign visitors to mainland Tanzania. The measure is designed to ensure that all incoming travelers have a basic level of medical and travel coverage during their stay, a policy that authorities say will help manage risks for both visitors and the country’s tourism sector.
The proposed insurance would cost 44 US dollars per person and remain valid for up to 92 days, aligning with the typical duration of short- to medium-term tourist visits. Coverage would extend to a range of incidents, including medical emergencies, medical repatriation or repatriation in the event of death, accidents occurring during travel, as well as compensation for travel delays and loss or theft of luggage.
This scope of protection is intended to reduce the financial and logistical challenges faced by travelers in emergencies and to limit the burden on Tanzania’s healthcare and public services.
Implementation would be managed through a public-private partnership.
The National Insurance Corporation (NIC), a state-owned entity, would be responsible for collecting premiums, overseeing revenue distribution, and ensuring that services are delivered efficiently and transparently. The program is expected to involve cooperation with private insurers for claims processing and customer service.
The requirement would not apply to travelers from East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states, reflecting existing regional mobility agreements. This exemption mirrors Zanzibar’s current policy and maintains favorable travel conditions for regional tourism and cross-border commerce.
Comparison With Zanzibar’s Policy
Zanzibar began enforcing mandatory travel insurance for foreign visitors in early 2025, several months before the mainland proposal was announced. The policy applies to all non-residents except citizens of East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states.
Visitors pay a fixed fee of 44 US dollars for coverage valid for up to 92 days, and the insurance includes medical emergencies, medical repatriation or repatriation in the event of death, accidents during travel, delays, and loss or theft of luggage.
Authorities in Zanzibar have positioned the measure as both a safeguard for tourists and a protective step for the island’s healthcare and emergency response resources. The system operates through a public-private partnership with the National Insurance Corporation (NIC) as the lead administrator, ensuring that revenue is collected and services are delivered according to established standards.
If mainland Tanzania adopts the same model, it would create a unified entry framework across two of the country’s most visited destinations. Tourists who plan combined itineraries involving Zanzibar and the mainland would encounter the same insurance cost, coverage terms, and exemptions, reducing the likelihood of confusion or inconsistent travel planning.
A synchronized policy could also simplify administration for both authorities and insurers, as claims processing, payment systems, and customer support could follow the same procedures in each jurisdiction. For travelers, this consistency would mean a predictable process regardless of where they first enter the country.
Visa Processing Delays
In addition to the proposed insurance requirement, travelers to Tanzania are currently facing delays in the processing of electronic visas. Reports from travel service providers and official advisories indicate that some applicants are receiving e-Visa approvals only days or even hours before departure.
These last-minute confirmations can disrupt travel arrangements and create uncertainty for visitors who prefer to have documentation in place well in advance.
The Tanzanian tourism office at the country’s embassy in London, through its portal TanzaniaTourism.uk, has acknowledged the issue. Officials attribute the delays to a combination of increased application volumes and the implementation of a new electronic system intended to streamline services once fully operational. However, no specific date has been given for when processing times will return to normal levels.
Travelers encountering these delays may still enter the country through alternative options. A visa on arrival remains available for eligible visitors at a cost of 50 US dollars. In addition, travelers whose e-Visa applications remain pending at the time of travel can obtain a visa at the “e-Visa” counter without extra fees, provided they present the Application ID received when submitting their online application.
These measures allow most travelers to continue their trips without cancellation, but they also underline the need for early visa applications and careful preparation ahead of travel to Tanzania.
Visa on Arrival Options
Tanzania continues to offer a visa on arrival for travelers who meet the eligibility criteria. The cost is 50 US dollars, payable at designated entry points such as international airports and major border crossings. This option is often used by tourists who have not completed the electronic visa process or who are visiting on short notice.
For travelers who have submitted an e-Visa application but have not received approval before departure, the government provides an alternative process at the “e-Visa” counter upon arrival. In these cases, the visa is issued without an additional fee beyond the standard 50 US dollar charge, provided the traveler can present the Application ID from their online submission.
This measure aims to accommodate visitors affected by current electronic visa processing delays while still maintaining official entry requirements.The availability of a visa on arrival gives travelers flexibility, but authorities still recommend completing the e-Visa application early to avoid unexpected complications at the border.
Conclusion
If adopted, Tanzania’s proposed insurance requirement will introduce a uniform entry policy across both the mainland and Zanzibar. Visitors will need to account for the added cost alongside existing visa fees. Regional exemptions will remain in place for EAC and SADC citizens.
The change comes at a time of ongoing visa processing delays that may affect travel planning. Tourists are advised to apply early and keep required documents ready. Clear preparation will help avoid disruptions at the border.