Tanzania has introduced compulsory inbound travel insurance for foreign visitors entering Mainland Tanzania through airports, seaports and land border crossings.
The requirement was established under new regulations issued by the Minister for Finance, directing eligible foreign nationals to obtain valid travel insurance before entering the country.
In a statement, the Ministry of Finance said the Insurance (Inbound Travel Insurance) Regulations, 2026, were published through Government Notice No. 256 on September 4, 2026.
The ministry clarified that the regulations apply to individuals who are not citizens of the United Republic of Tanzania.
However, citizens of East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states are exempt from the mandatory insurance requirement.
Other foreign visitors covered by the regulations must obtain a valid inbound travel insurance policy, either before departure or upon arrival at a designated point of entry.
The ministry warned that travellers who arrive in Mainland Tanzania without the required insurance cover will be denied entry.
The prescribed insurance premium is $44 (approximately Ksh5,700), payable in Tanzanian shillings through payment systems provided by the designated inbound travel insurer.
The policy will remain valid for up to 92 days from the visitor’s date of arrival and will permit multiple entries into Tanzania within the validity period.
Visitors intending to stay beyond the 92-day period will be required to purchase a new policy.
The ministry further noted that insurance premiums are generally non-refundable, except in cases of cancellation or other circumstances specified in the policy.
Under the regulations, the insurance cover will be provided exclusively by the National Insurance Corporation (NIC) or another registered insurer working in partnership with the corporation.
The insurance product must also receive prior approval from the Tanzania Insurance Regulatory Authority (TIRA), although the regulator may grant exemptions where public interest considerations apply.
According to the ministry, the mandatory insurance scheme is intended to provide financial protection to visitors in the event of specified emergencies during their stay.
The benefits include emergency medical treatment, medical evacuation, emergency repatriation and compensation for lost luggage.
However, the specific benefits and coverage limits will depend on the terms and conditions of the policy issued to each traveller.
The development comes weeks after Kenya’s Ministry of Health clarified the legal framework governing mandatory travel health insurance for foreign nationals entering the country.
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In a statement issued on Friday, August 7, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the requirement applies to non-Kenyans planning to stay in Kenya for less than 12 months.
He explained that the measure seeks to ensure visitors have adequate health insurance coverage throughout their stay.
Duale cited Regulation 70(1) of the Social Health Insurance Regulations, 2024, which requires individuals travelling to Kenya to have travel health insurance in accordance with the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023.
The CS said travellers with insurance obtained in their home countries could use it, provided the policy meets the prescribed coverage limits under Gazette Notice No. 11492, published on July 30, 2026.
Such travellers are required to upload proof of their insurance cover to the Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system.
Those without compliant insurance before travelling may purchase a policy upon arrival from an insurer licensed under Kenyan law and approved to provide the required cover.
Duale added that proof of valid travel health insurance would be a mandatory component of the Kenya eTA application process, with applicants required to submit their policy documents for verification before travelling.
