Tanzania Introduces Mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance for Foreign Visitors

The Government of Tanzania has introduced the Insurance (Inbound Travel Insurance) Regulations, through Government Notice No. 256 of 2026 (the Regulations), published on 4 September 2026. The Regulations establish a mandatory inbound travel insurance regime for foreigners entering Mainland Tanzania and are intended to ensure that visitors have access to basic medical and travel-related protection during their stay.

In this legal update, we highlight the key provisions and/or requirements introduced under the Regulations, including the mandatory insurance obligation, the scope of coverage, applicable premiums, and the practical considerations that travellers and businesses operating in the tourism sector should be aware of.

Key Definitions

The Regulations define a number of key terms, including the following:

• "Claim" means any event whose consequences are totally or partially covered by the guarantees of the policy, where the collection of damages arising out of one event constitutes one loss or accident;
• "Foreigner" means a citizen other than of the United Republic of Tanzania (URT) but excludes residents of East African Community (EAC) partner states and Southern African Development Community (SADC) partner states;
• "Inbound travel insurance" means a travel insurance policy issued for coverage of foreign nationals entering Mainland Tanzania;
• "Inbound travel insurer" means the National Insurance Corporation (the NIC), or any other registered insurer in partnership with the NIC;
• "Insured" means a foreigner arriving in Mainland Tanzania, identified in the specific conditions of the Policy, in respect of whom the premium has been paid and who is entitled to the rights derived from the Policy; 
• "Loss of luggage" means loss, theft or permanent misplacement of a foreigner's personal baggage upon entry into Mainland Tanzania, for which the inbound travel insurer offers financial protection up to a specified limit;
• "Policy" means a contract between the inbound travel insurer and the insured which provides financial protection and coverage for specific risks during the coverage period; and
• “Premium” means the amount of money payable by the insured to an insurer in consideration under a contract of insurance.

Mandatory inbound travel insurance

Regulation 4(1) of the Regulations requires every foreigner entering Mainland Tanzania through a land border, seaport or airport to hold a valid inbound travel insurance policy issued by an inbound travel insurer. Regulation 4(2) permits the policy to be purchased either before travel or upon arrival at the point of entry.

Upon payment of the prescribed premium, Regulation 4(3) requires the inbound travel insurer to issue the traveller with a certificate and policy, in hard copy or electronic form. Regulation 4(4) provides that a foreigner who does not hold the required inbound travel insurance shall be denied entry into Mainland Tanzania.

Validity of the policy

Regulation 5(1) provides that an inbound travel insurance policy is valid for a maximum period of ninety-two (92) days from the date of arrival in Mainland Tanzania (the Validity Period). The policy remains effective for multiple entries during the Validity Period, but a traveller who remains in Mainland Tanzania beyond that period must obtain a new policy.

Premium for inbound travel insurance

Regulation 6(1) provides that every inbound travel insurance policy is subject to a premium equivalent to United States Dollars (USD) 44 (approximately Tanzania Shillings (TZS) 116,000), payable in TZS. Regulation 6(2) requires the premium to be paid through the payment system designated by the inbound travel insurer.

Regulation 6(3) provides that the premium is non-refundable, except upon cancellation or in any other specific circumstances set out in the policy.

Inbound travel insurance providers

Regulation 7(1) provides that inbound travel insurance must be provided by the inbound travel insurer. Regulation 7(2) further provides that the NIC shall develop the partnership modality with other registered insurers for the provision of inbound travel insurance.

Regulation 7(3) requires the inbound travel insurer to:

• establish mechanisms for verifying premium payment;
• ensure systems are integrated with the respective travel authorities for verification of inbound travel insurance; 
• provide clear procedures for claims handling; 
• disclose policy terms, exclusions and limits to the insured;
• provide contact details for assistance; and 
• maintain records of all policies issued, claims received and claims settled.

Scope of insurance coverage

Regulation 8(1) requires an inbound travel insurance policy to provide coverage for the following benefits:

• emergency medical treatment;
• emergency medical evacuation;
• emergency repatriation; and
• loss of luggage. 

Regulation 8(2) provides that the applicable limits of cover and the specific benefits available shall be set out in the policy issued by the inbound travel insurer.

What stakeholders should be aware of

Although the Regulations do not specify a commencement or enforcement date, inbound travel insurance is now framed as a mandatory entry requirement for foreigners entering Mainland Tanzania. Travellers should therefore obtain the required policy before travel or upon arrival and ensure that it remains valid for the full duration of their stay.

Airlines, travel agents, tour operators and hospitality providers should update their travel advisories, booking information and customer communications to reflect the new mandatory insurance requirement. They should also ensure that visitors are informed of the requirement before travelling to Mainland Tanzania to reduce the risk of entry delays or denial of entry.

Conclusion

The Regulations introduce a mandatory inbound travel insurance framework for foreign visitors to Mainland Tanzania and create practical compliance obligations for travellers and businesses in the travel and hospitality sectors. Stakeholders should update their processes and communications accordingly and monitor further guidance from the relevant authorities on implementation.