If you’re planning a safari in Tanzania, a Kilimanjaro climb, a business trip or a holiday, there is an important new entry requirement to prepare for.
Effective October 1, 2026, eligible foreign visitors entering Mainland Tanzania must obtain Mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance provided by the National Insurance Corporation of Tanzania (NIC).
The mandatory Tanzania travel insurance costs the Tanzanian shilling equivalent of US$44 per person and provides coverage for up to 92 days.
At Shiri Adventures, we’ve put together this guide to help you understand the new Tanzania mandatory travel insurance requirement, who needs it, what it covers, how much it costs and how to purchase it before your trip.
For the easiest arrival experience, we recommend arranging your Tanzania inbound travel insurance before traveling.
The official NIC Inbound Travel Insurance portal is:
Purchase Tanzania Inbound Travel Insurance
Once purchased, NIC issues an insurance certificate. Keep this certificate readily available during your journey because it may be requested for verification when you enter Tanzania.
We recommend keeping a digital copy on your phone and carrying a printed copy as a backup.
According to NIC, the mandatory insurance applies to eligible foreign nationals entering Mainland Tanzania through:
However, foreign nationals who are residents of East African Community (EAC) Partner States or Southern African Development Community (SADC) Partner States are excluded from the requirement.
If you’re unsure whether an exemption applies to you, check directly with NIC before traveling.
The NIC inbound travel insurance provides financial protection for certain emergencies that may occur while visiting Tanzania.
Coverage includes:
The mandatory NIC policy should not necessarily be considered a replacement for comprehensive international travel insurance.
We recommend that travelers maintain appropriate personal travel insurance for their overall trip, particularly when participating in Tanzania safaris, Kilimanjaro climbs or other adventure activities.
Always review the applicable policy terms, conditions, limits and exclusions before traveling.
Effective Date: October 1, 2026
Cost: Tanzanian shilling equivalent of USD 44 per person
Validity: Up to 92 days
Multiple Entry: Yes, during the policy period
Mainland Provider: National Insurance Corporation of Tanzania (NIC)
Who Needs It: Eligible foreign visitors entering Mainland Tanzania
Exemptions: Residents of EAC and SADC Partner States
Entry Points: Airports, land borders and seaports
Where to Purchase: Official NIC Inbound Travel Insurance portal
Zanzibar: Inbound travel insurance is handled separately by Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC)
The mandatory NIC insurance requirement applies specifically to foreign visitors entering Mainland Tanzania. Visitors entering through Zanzibar are subject to Zanzibar’s separate inbound travel insurance arrangement through ZIC.
The mandatory Tanzania inbound travel insurance costs the Tanzanian shilling equivalent of US$44 per person.
Coverage becomes effective upon payment and is valid according to the travel dates shown on your insurance certificate.
Before purchasing, travelers should confirm the current premium and applicable terms directly through the official NIC portal.
The policy provides coverage for up to 92 days.
It also allows multiple entries into Tanzania during the policy period, based on the dates stated on your insurance certificate.
If you plan to remain in Tanzania longer, NIC states that extensions can be arranged before your existing policy expires.
This is particularly important for travelers planning extended stays or longer Tanzania itineraries.
There are two ways to purchase the mandatory inbound travel insurance.
This is the option we recommend for travelers who want to have their documentation ready before departure.
Apply through the official NIC portal:
Official NIC Inbound Travel Insurance Portal
Online payments can be made using a debit or credit card.
Purchasing your insurance before departure means you can arrive in Tanzania with your insurance certificate already prepared for verification.
NIC also states that travelers can purchase the policy upon arrival at designated entry points, with cash payment available.
However, arranging your Tanzania inbound travel insurance online before departure can help make your arrival process smoother.
NIC requires basic traveler and trip information when purchasing the policy.
You should have the following information ready:
Make sure the information you provide matches your passport and travel documents.
Checking your details carefully before completing the purchase can help avoid unnecessary issues when your insurance certificate is verified.
NIC Mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance is the required local travel insurance cover for eligible foreign nationals entering Mainland Tanzania.
It is designed to provide financial protection for certain travel and medical emergencies during your visit.
The requirement applies to eligible foreign nationals entering Mainland Tanzania through:
According to NIC, foreign nationals who are residents of EAC or SADC Partner States are excluded from the requirement.
If you are uncertain about your eligibility, contact NIC before traveling.
NIC advises foreign visitors to obtain the inbound travel insurance before arriving at their entry point in Tanzania.
Your insurance certificate may be requested upon arrival for verification and validation.
For this reason, we recommend purchasing the policy before departure whenever possible.
The policy provides coverage for:
Always review the policy terms and conditions for complete details regarding coverage limits, conditions and exclusions.
The premium is the Tanzanian shilling equivalent of US$44 per person.
The insurance provides coverage for up to 92 days, based on the dates stated on your policy certificate.
Multiple entries are permitted during the policy period.
Travelers can purchase the policy directly through the official NIC Inbound Travel Insurance portal:
https://inbound.nicinsurance.co.tz/
NIC also states that the insurance can be purchased upon arrival at designated entry points.
Online premiums can be paid using debit or credit cards.
NIC also allows cash payment when purchasing the insurance upon arrival.
After purchasing the policy, NIC issues an insurance certificate in digital and/or printed form.
You should keep this certificate readily available during your journey because it may be requested upon arrival for verification.
We recommend:
Yes.
According to NIC, extensions can be arranged before your existing policy expires, allowing you to maintain continuous coverage during a longer stay in Tanzania.
If you know that your trip will extend beyond the original policy period, contact NIC before the policy expires to confirm the extension process.
Refunds may be available depending on NIC’s refund policy and when the cancellation occurs.
NIC may request proof that your trip has been cancelled before processing a refund.
Travelers should contact NIC directly regarding their individual circumstances.
NIC provides 24/7 claims and assistance to insured travelers.
For assistance during your stay, contact NIC’s emergency support number:
+255 736 100 800
wecare.inbound@nicinsurance.co.tz
Keep your policy certificate and relevant supporting documentation available when requesting assistance.
NIC requires:
Having these details ready before beginning the online application should make the process straightforward.
Yes, we strongly recommend it.
The mandatory NIC policy provides specific inbound coverage required for eligible travelers entering Mainland Tanzania. However, comprehensive international travel insurance can provide broader protection depending on the policy you choose.
For a Tanzania safari or Kilimanjaro adventure, consider a comprehensive policy that appropriately covers your planned activities and circumstances.
Depending on your policy, this may include:
If you are climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, make sure your personal travel insurance specifically covers high-altitude trekking and the activities included in your itinerary.
The mandatory inbound insurance and your personal comprehensive travel insurance should therefore be viewed as serving different purposes.
If you’re traveling to Tanzania after the mandatory insurance requirement takes effect, add the following to your pre-travel checklist:
1. Check your eligibility
Confirm whether the mandatory Tanzania travel insurance requirement applies to you.
2. Confirm your entry point
Know whether you will enter Tanzania through an international airport, land border or seaport.
3. Purchase the required insurance
Use the official NIC Inbound Travel Insurance portal.
4. Check your certificate
Make sure your name, passport information and travel dates are correct.
5. Save your certificate
Keep a digital copy on your phone and carry a printed backup.
6. Keep your comprehensive travel insurance
The mandatory policy does not necessarily replace your personal travel insurance.
7. Check your activity coverage
If you are going on safari, climbing Kilimanjaro or taking part in adventure activities, make sure your personal policy covers what you plan to do.
Entry requirements shouldn’t take away from the excitement of planning your Tanzania adventure.
Once the formalities are taken care of, you can focus on what you’ve really come to Tanzania for.
Watch lions cross the open plains of the Serengeti.
Stand beneath the ancient baobabs of Tarangire National Park.
Descend into the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater.
Reach for the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Or watch the sun disappear over the Indian Ocean in Zanzibar.
A little preparation before your journey can make your arrival much easier.
For the latest information and to purchase the mandatory inbound travel insurance, visit the official NIC portal:
Official NIC Inbound Travel Insurance Portal
At Shiri Adventures, we’ll continue keeping our guests informed about important travel requirements before arrival, so you can travel prepared and enjoy Tanzania with confidence.
Prepare well. Arrive ready. Then let Tanzania take your breath away.
Wear neutral colors like khaki or light grey to stay cool and blend in with nature. Avoid white (shows dust), blue (attracts tsetse flies), and camouflage (reserved for military). Bring a light jacket for cool mornings, sturdy closed shoes for game drives, and a hat and sunglasses for sun protection. Check our Safari Packing List
The best time for a Tanzania safari depends on your preferences:
Yes, you can! Many Tanzania safari tours are family-friendly, offering unique experiences for children. With Shiri Adventures, families can enjoy customized safaris featuring engaging activities like nature walks and wildlife tracking. Many lodges also provide child-friendly amenities and babysitting services, ensuring your Tanzania safari is both fun and stress-free for parents and kids alike.
East Africa is home to idyllic beaches perfect for unwinding after your safari:
Yes, you can! Many Tanzania safari tours are family-friendly, offering unique experiences for children. With Shiri Adventures, families can enjoy customized safaris featuring engaging activities like nature walks and wildlife tracking. Many lodges also provide child-friendly amenities and babysitting services, ensuring your Tanzania safari is both fun and stress-free for parents and kids alike.
Tanzania offers world-class safari destinations, each with its own charm. The Serengeti is famous for the Great Migration, while the Ngorongoro Crater guarantees Big Five sightings. Tarangire dazzles with elephants and baobabs, and Lake Manyara is home to tree-climbing lions. For a wilder, offbeat experience, explore Selous, Ruaha, or Mahale Mountains.
