Tanzania has officially implemented a mandatory travel insurance policy for foreign visitors, requiring most international travelers to pay a USD 44 fee upon entry. This new regulation, which follows a similar model already tested in Zanzibar since October 2024, represents a significant shift in Tanzania's approach to tourist safety and public health infrastructure.
What Does Tanzania's Mandatory Travel Insurance Cover?
The Tanzania travel insurance policy provides comprehensive coverage for up to 92 days, including:
- Medical emergencies and emergency medical treatment
- Medical and body repatriation services
- Accident coverage during your stay
- Baggage delays or loss protection
- Theft coverage for personal belongings
Who Must Pay for Tanzania Travel Insurance?
According to the official policy, the mandatory insurance applies to all foreign visitors, with stated exemptions for travelers from:
- East African Community (EAC) nations
- Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries
However, real traveler experiences tell a different story. Recent feedback from a Kenyan visitor to Zanzibar reveals that even EAC citizens are being required to pay the fee, suggesting potential discrepancies between policy and implementation.
The Controversy: Why Travelers Are Frustrated
The Double Insurance Dilemma
The most significant concern among international travelers is the duplicate coverage issue. Many visitors already carry comprehensive travel insurance policies that often provide superior coverage compared to the mandatory Tanzania policy.
As one experienced tour operator noted: "My clients all come to East Africa with insurance, so now we're being asked to pay twice for insurance."
Real Traveler Experiences from Zanzibar
Since Zanzibar implemented this policy in October 2024, travelers have reported mixed experiences:
- Visitors with existing international insurance still had to pay the USD 44 fee
- No credit or waiver was provided for existing coverage
- The policy applies even when traveling between mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar (the same country)
How Other Countries Handle Mandatory Travel Insurance
Cuba's Better Approach: Unlike Tanzania, Cuba allows travelers to present proof of existing adequate insurance coverage to avoid duplicate payments. This model addresses government concerns about visitor protection while respecting travelers who have already invested in comprehensive coverage.
Tanzania Travel Insurance: Cost Analysis for 2025
- Mandatory fee: USD 44 per person
- Coverage period: Up to 92 days
- Additional cost for families: USD 44 × number of travelers
- No refund or credit for existing insurance policies
For a family of four, this adds USD 176 to the total travel cost, regardless of existing insurance coverage.
Practical Tips for Tanzania Travelers in 2025
Before You Travel
- Budget for the fee: Include USD 44 per person in your Tanzania travel budget
- Bring cash: Ensure you have USD available at entry points
- Keep existing insurance: Don't cancel your international travel insurance despite the duplicate coverage
At the Border
- Expect to pay the fee regardless of existing insurance
- Have your passport and entry documents ready
- Allow extra time for insurance processing
For Tour Operators and Travel Agents
- Inform clients about the mandatory fee in advance
- Update cost calculations to include insurance fees
- Consider this when comparing Tanzania with other East African destinations
The Government's Perspective on Mandatory Travel Insurance
Tanzania's tourism ministry positions this policy as a traveler safety initiative designed to:
- Enhance visitor protection during their stay
- Support the country's public health infrastructure
- Ensure all tourists have access to emergency services
- Generate revenue for healthcare system improvements
Alternative Solutions: What Travelers Are Suggesting
The travel community has proposed several alternatives to the current blanket requirement:
- Coverage verification system: Allow travelers to present proof of equivalent existing insurance
- Tiered approach: Offer different fee levels based on coverage gaps
- Add-on options: Permit travelers to purchase only missing coverage components
- Regional coordination: Align policies across East African countries to avoid duplicate fees
Impact on Tanzania Tourism in 2025
Potential Challenges
- Increased travel costs may deter budget-conscious travelers
- Administrative burden at entry points could create delays
- Negative sentiment among repeat visitors and travel professionals
- Competitive disadvantage compared to neighboring countries
Possible Benefits
- Enhanced emergency response capabilities for tourists
- Reduced burden on local healthcare systems
- Standardized protection for all visitors
- Additional revenue for tourism infrastructure
Planning Your Tanzania Trip: Insurance Checklist
What You Still Need
Even with mandatory insurance, maintain your existing travel insurance for:
- Trip cancellation/interruption coverage
- Pre-existing medical conditions (if covered)
- High-value electronics and equipment
- Adventure sports coverage (safari activities)
- Evacuation to home country (vs. regional evacuation)
Documentation to Bring
- Valid passport with 6+ months validity
- Yellow fever certificate (if required)
- USD 44 cash per person for insurance fee
- Proof of existing insurance (for your records)
- Emergency contact information
To apply visit: Tanzania Travel Insurance (Zanzibar)
When Will This Policy Take Effect?
The mandatory travel insurance requirement is being implemented during the current fiscal year, with enforcement already active in Zanzibar since October 2024. Mainland Tanzania is following the same model.
Final Thoughts: Navigating Tanzania's New Travel Insurance Reality
While Tanzania's mandatory travel insurance policy has generated significant controversy among international travelers, it appears to be a permanent fixture of visiting this incredible destination. The key is proper preparation and realistic budgeting.
For seasoned travelers: Factor this into your Tanzania travel costs and maintain existing comprehensive insurance for optimal protection.
For first-time visitors: Don't let the insurance fee deter you from experiencing Tanzania's world-class safaris, pristine beaches, and rich cultural heritage.
For the travel industry: This policy highlights the need for greater regional coordination and traveler-friendly implementation of mandatory insurance requirements.
As Tanzania continues to position itself as a premier African destination, the hope is that feedback from the travel community will lead to refinements that balance visitor protection with traveler convenience and cost-effectiveness.
Tanzania Travel Insurance FAQs
Why has Tanzania introduced mandatory travel insurance for visitors?
Tanzania has introduced mandatory travel insurance to enhance visitor safety and support public health infrastructure. The USD 44 fee ensures all foreign tourists have essential coverage for medical emergencies, accidents, and repatriation services during their stay. This policy follows Zanzibar's successful model implemented since October 2024, aiming to reduce healthcare burdens while providing standardized protection for international travelers visiting Tanzania.
How much does Tanzania mandatory travel insurance cost in 2025?
Tanzania mandatory travel insurance costs USD 44 per person, payable upon entry. This fee covers up to 92 days and includes medical emergencies, repatriation, accidents, baggage loss, and theft protection. For families, multiply by the number of travelers a family of four pays USD 176 total. The fee is required regardless of existing international travel insurance coverage.
Do I need to pay for Tanzania travel insurance if I already have international coverage?
Yes, you must pay Tanzania's mandatory travel insurance fee even with existing international coverage. Unlike Cuba's model that accepts proof of adequate insurance, Tanzania requires all foreign visitors to purchase their USD 44 policy. This creates duplicate coverage but is currently non-negotiable. Maintain your existing insurance for comprehensive protection including trip cancellation and specialized coverage.
Are EAC and SADC citizens exempt from Tanzania mandatory travel insurance?
Officially, EAC and SADC citizens should be exempt from Tanzania's mandatory travel insurance. However, recent traveler experiences contradict this policy. A Kenyan visitor reported paying the USD 44 fee in Zanzibar despite being from an EAC nation. This suggests implementation inconsistencies, so EAC/SADC travelers should budget for potential insurance fees when visiting Tanzania.
What does Tanzania USD 44 travel insurance policy actually cover?
Tanzania mandatory travel insurance covers medical emergencies, medical and body repatriation, accidents, baggage delays or loss, and theft for up to 92 days. While comprehensive for basic needs, it may not match international policies' coverage limits or specialized benefits. The policy aims to provide essential protection for all Tanzania visitors regardless of their existing insurance arrangements.
When did Tanzania mandatory travel insurance requirement start?
Tanzania's mandatory travel insurance follows Zanzibar's model, which started in October 2024. The mainland Tanzania implementation began during the current fiscal year. The policy has been actively enforced in Zanzibar since late 2024, with consistent reports of all foreign visitors being required to pay the USD 44 fee upon entry, regardless of existing coverage.
Can I get a refund on Tanzania travel insurance if I do no use it?
No, Tanzania's mandatory travel insurance fee is non-refundable. The USD 44 charge is collected upon entry and provides coverage for your entire stay up to 92 days, whether you need medical services or not. This policy-based fee structure means you cannot receive refunds for unused coverage, making it similar to other mandatory government fees rather than traditional insurance products.
What should I bring for Tanzania mandatory travel insurance payment?
Bring USD 44 cash per traveler for Tanzania's mandatory travel insurance payment at entry points. Have your passport, yellow fever certificate (if required), and documentation ready. While you'll pay for duplicate coverage, maintain your existing international travel insurance for comprehensive protection. Allow extra processing time at borders for insurance payment and documentation procedures.
Will Tanzania mandatory travel insurance policy change in the future?
Tanzania's mandatory travel insurance policy appears permanent, following successful implementation in Zanzibar since October 2024. However, traveler feedback highlighting duplicate coverage concerns may influence future refinements. The travel industry advocates for verification systems allowing proof of existing adequate coverage. Monitor official Tanzania tourism updates for potential policy modifications while budgeting for current USD 44 requirements.