As of October 1, 2026, foreign visitors entering mainland Tanzania need a mandatory inbound travel insurance policy from the National Insurance Corporation of Tanzania (NIC). It costs the Tanzanian shilling equivalent of $44 per person and covers you for up to 92 days. If you're an American visitor heading to Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti or Dar es Salaam, plan on buying it.
The requirement comes from Tanzania's Ministry of Finance, under regulations published as Government Notice No. 256 of 2026, dated September 4.
What the Rule Requires
NIC's portal spells out the basics:
- Who: all foreign nationals entering mainland Tanzania through land borders, seaports and airports. Residents of East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) partner states are excluded.
- Cost: the Tanzanian shilling equivalent of USD 44 per person.
- How long: up to 92 days, with multiple entries within Tanzania.
- What it covers: medical emergencies, loss of luggage, and emergency medical evacuation or repatriation.
Coverage starts as soon as you pay. NIC issues a digital or printed certificate that you present on arrival for verification.
Mainland or Zanzibar: Where You Land Decides the Insurer
The insurer depends on where you first enter. Arrive through mainland Tanzania, at Kilimanjaro or Dar es Salaam for example, and the policy comes from NIC. Arrive through Zanzibar and it comes from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC), which runs its own inbound travel insurance portal.
If your trip pairs a safari with a few days on Zanzibar's beaches, look at your first point of entry on your ticket before you buy.
How to Buy It
The Ministry of Finance advises travelers to get the cover before they travel to avoid delays at entry. NIC sells it on its portal, inbound.nicinsurance.co.tz, and also at entry points.
- Have your passport information, travel dates and purpose of visit ready. NIC asks for those plus basic personal details.
- Apply on NIC's portal and pay online by debit or credit card. NIC also takes cash on arrival.
- Save the certificate to your phone and print a copy for the arrival desk.
NIC says extensions can be arranged before the policy expires if you stay longer, and that refunds depend on its refund policy and when you cancel. For claims during your trip, NIC's 24/7 line is +255 736 100 800.
What This Means for Your Card's Travel Insurance
Tanzania's rule calls for a policy issued by NIC (or by ZIC if you enter through Zanzibar), so the trip insurance that comes with a credit card doesn't stand in for it. Your card's coverage still matters, though: trip cancellation, trip delay and baggage benefits work differently from a medical and evacuation policy, and a safari is an expensive trip to lose.
Our credit card travel insurance guide breaks down what card coverage includes, and our comparison of premium card coverage versus a standalone policy helps you decide whether to add more.
The Bottom Line
From October 1, 2026, entering mainland Tanzania means buying NIC's mandatory inbound insurance at the shilling equivalent of $44 per person; entering through Zanzibar means buying from ZIC instead. Buy it before you fly and keep the certificate where you can show it on arrival.
