2026
For eligible foreign visitors entering Mainland Tanzania.
Mainland Tanzania arrival update
Travel with the right
arrival cover. Before you land.
From 1 October 2026, Tanzania’s Mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance applies to eligible foreign visitors entering Mainland Tanzania. This page explains the official NIC process, what to carry and how it fits alongside—not instead of—your own travel insurance.
Mainland Tanzania guidance only · policy requirements, eligibility and premium are confirmed by NIC at purchase.
2026
equivalent
Per person, paid in Tanzanian-shilling equivalent on the official portal.
92 days
NIC says the certificate can support multiple entries within Tanzania.
Tanzania
Purchase and certificate verification are handled through NIC’s inbound portal.
The essential point
A requirement
for Mainland arrival.
The Mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance is a separate Tanzania entry requirement for eligible foreign visitors entering the Mainland through airports, land borders and seaports. It is not a visa, and it does not replace the travel insurance you would normally arrange for a wider journey.
NIC’s public FAQ says its policy applies to foreign nationals entering Mainland Tanzania, while listing residents of East African Community and Southern African Development Community partner states as exclusions. If the passport, residence status or route is unusual, confirm eligibility directly with NIC before purchase.
Do not combine two separate requirements: this page explains the NIC arrangement for Mainland Tanzania. Zanzibar operates a separate inbound-insurance process. A Tanzania visa may cover both locations, but the insurance arrangements are not the same—check each official portal for your route.
Use the official NIC portal.
Purchase the Mainland policy, enter traveller details and keep the issued certificate available for arrival verification. The portal is the final authority for eligibility, payment options, current premium and policy wording.
Open NIC applicationWhat NIC says the cover addresses
Important protection.
Not a blanket promise.
NIC’s FAQ lists emergency medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation or repatriation, and loss of baggage. The actual certificate and policy terms govern what is covered, the applicable conditions, limits, exclusions and claims process—read them before travel and retain your personal comprehensive cover.
Emergency medical care
NIC lists emergency medical expenses among the policy’s intended protections. Policy documents determine the scope and conditions.
Evacuation & repatriation
Emergency medical evacuation or repatriation is listed by NIC. Keep the NIC assistance details and your policy certificate accessible.
Loss of luggage
Loss of baggage is included in NIC’s published FAQ overview. Refer to the issued policy for the process, supporting documents and any limits.
A simple arrival sequence
Check it. Buy it.
Carry the certificate.
Mainland or Zanzibar?
Use NIC for the Mainland Tanzania requirement. If your journey includes Zanzibar, check its separate official inbound-insurance arrangement as well. Confirm your eligibility if you are resident in an EAC or SADC partner state.
Have the basics ready.
NIC lists passport information, travel dates, purpose of visit and basic personal details as purchase requirements. Enter information exactly as it appears on the passport.
Use the NIC portal.
NIC advises visitors to obtain cover before arrival; its FAQ also says purchase can be made at entry points. Buying ahead gives you the certificate before airline check-in and arrival. Save the digital certificate and carry a printable copy.
The practical details
What to know
before you pay.
The figures below reflect NIC’s official public FAQ as reviewed on 28 September 2026. Insurance requirements, premium equivalents and operating procedures can change; the NIC portal and policy certificate remain the final source before payment.
USD 44 equivalent
NIC’s FAQ states the premium as the Tanzanian-shilling equivalent of US$44 per person. Check the amount shown by the official portal at payment; do not assume an old quote is current.
Up to 92 days
NIC says the policy is valid for up to 92 days and can allow multiple entries within Tanzania, based on the dates shown on the certificate.
Pay, then save it
NIC’s FAQ lists online debit or credit-card payment and cash at entry points. NIC issues a digital and/or printed certificate that may be requested for verification on arrival.
Use the insurer’s assistance line
For an emergency or claim, follow the number and instructions on the issued policy. NIC’s FAQ lists 24/7 claims and assistance at +255 736 100 800; the current certificate takes priority.
Questions travellers ask
The details that
avoid arrival surprises.
Is this insurance the same as a Tanzania visa?
No. A visa and inbound travel insurance are different entry items. This NIC policy is an insurance requirement for eligible foreign visitors entering Mainland Tanzania; it does not issue, extend or replace a visa.
Do I still need my own comprehensive travel insurance?
Yes. The mandatory policy sits in addition to personal travel insurance. Keep your own comprehensive policy for the wider cover, benefits and circumstances it provides, and read both policies before travel.
Does an NIC Mainland certificate cover Zanzibar?
Do not assume so. NIC’s public FAQ addresses Mainland Tanzania, while the Ministry notice identifies a separate Zanzibar provider and Zanzibar has its own official insurance portal. Confirm the requirements for every part of your route before travel.
Can I buy it on arrival?
NIC says purchase is available online and can also be made at entry points. However, its FAQ advises obtaining the policy before arrival because a certificate may be requested for validation. Purchasing before departure is the smoother option.
What should I carry after payment?
Keep the issued digital certificate accessible on your phone and carry a printable copy where practical. The certificate may be needed for verification on arrival. Check the name, passport details and dates before you travel.
What if I am staying longer than the certificate dates?
NIC’s FAQ says an extension can be arranged before policy expiry. Contact NIC through its official channel before the certificate expires; do not rely on this guide for an extension decision.
Where do I check the final rules or ask a policy question?
Use NIC’s official inbound portal and FAQ. For policy-specific help, NIC lists wecare.inbound@nicinsurance.co.tz, 0800 110 041 and +255 736 100 800. The insurer, not a tour operator, confirms policy eligibility, wording and claims.
Source and update note: This guide reflects the Ministry of Finance notice supplied by the client and NIC’s official inbound-travel-insurance FAQ reviewed on 28 September 2026. Regulations, operational processes and insurance wording can change. Always read the final policy certificate and the official NIC terms before travelling.
Read NIC FAQs