Tanzania: Mandatory Tourist Insurance Introduced for All Foreign Visitors

Edited by : Salma karmass

The Tanzanian government has announced a mandatory tourist insurance fee for all non-resident foreign visitors, as part of the 2025/2026 national budget. The non-refundable fee is set at $44 per person and covers a period of up to 62 days, applying to all visitors regardless of the purpose of their stay.
According to officials, the policy is designed to provide a safety net for tourists in the event of emergencies such as medical incidents, accidents, or lost and damaged luggage.

The insurance aims to ensure that travelers have access to essential services without putting additional strain on the country’s resources.
However, the move has sparked concern within Tanzania’s tourism industry, particularly among tour operators in cities like Arusha. Many argue that most international visitors already hold valid travel insurance from their home countries, and that an additional mandatory policy could discourage tourism by increasing travel costs.

The new policy mirrors a similar measure implemented in Zanzibar in October 2024, where visitors are charged the same fee. As the mainland follows suit, industry stakeholders are calling for clarity on implementation methods and possible exemptions—especially for citizens of East African and Southern African regional blocs.