Tanzania's mainland government has mandated that all foreign visitors must hold travel insurance covering USD 44 in emergency medical treatment, evacuation, and repatriation, effective 1 October 2026. The requirement, outlined in the Insurance (Inbound Travel Insurance) Regulations, 2026, was signed by Finance Minister Khamis Mussa Omar on 31 August 2026 under Section 134A(5) of the Insurance Act, Cap. 394. A separate public notice from the Ministry of Finance, issued by Permanent Secretary and Paymaster General Dr. Natu El-Maamry Mwamba, confirmed the policy's implementation date. The regulation applies to travelers entering via airports, seaports, or land borders, with the premium equivalent to USD 44 in Tanzanian shillings. Residents of East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) states are exempt, per Regulation 4, which also stipulates that non-compliance will result in denied entry.
The new policy, administered by the National Insurance Corporation (NIC) or partnered insurers, mandates prior approval from the Tanzania Insurance Regulatory Authority (TIRA). Coverage lasts up to 92 days with multiple entries permitted, requiring renewal for stays beyond that period. Premiums are non-refundable except under specific policy conditions and can be paid before travel or at entry points. This follows Zanzibar's similar 2024 mandate, which saw a 10.6% rise in foreign tourist arrivals in the first eight months of 2026 compared to 2025, reaching 633,228 visitors. Zanzibar's policy, managed by the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC), covers up to USD 50,000 in medical expenses, including pandemics, and has been credited with boosting tourism despite initial concerns about compliance.
The regulation aligns with broader efforts to strengthen Tanzania's insurance sector, including partnerships between TIRA and TanzaniaInvest to enhance transparency. It also reflects the country's growing focus on tourism, highlighted by Fitch's 2026 positive outlook for Tanzania's economy, driven by tourism and mining. The policy aims to balance traveler protection with economic interests, though critics argue that mandatory insurance could deter some visitors. The government emphasizes that the measure ensures access to healthcare for foreigners while reducing financial burdens on public services, a critical consideration as Tanzania's tourism sector continues to expand.
The implementation of the insurance requirement underscores Tanzania's evolving approach to managing cross-border health and safety risks. While the policy's impact on tourism remains to be fully assessed, its introduction follows a precedent set by Zanzibar, which reported record arrivals in 2025. The government has not commented on potential adjustments to the regulation, leaving its long-term effects on visitor numbers and sector growth to be determined by market response and enforcement mechanisms.