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If you plan to visit Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti, or Zanzibar, please note that from 1 October 2026, all foreign visitors to Mainland Tanzania must obtain mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance.
This government-required policy also applies to Zanzibar and is separate from any personal travel insurance you may hold.
Why This Requirement Matters for Your Trip
This insurance is mandatory for all Kilimanjaro climbers and safari travelers. You must secure coverage before arrival.
Apply through the National Insurance Corporation (NIC) portal if entering via the mainland, or the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) portal if arriving directly in Zanzibar.
The standard adult premium is USD 44 per person, valid for up to 92 days and multiple entries, covering most itineraries.
Key Points
- Mandatory for Mainland Tanzania from 1 October 2026 and already required for Zanzibar
- USD 44 per person for the standard adult policy, valid up to 92 days with multiple entries
- Apply at the first entry point: NIC portal for mainland arrivals, ZIC portal for Zanzibar arrivals
- One policy is sufficient: A valid NIC policy covers onward travel to Zanzibar, and a valid ZIC policy covers onward travel to the mainland.
- Reduced premiums for children and groups of 10 or more, with exemptions for EAC and SADC citizens
- Separate from personal travel insurance: This is a basic government requirement and does not provide comprehensive trip protection.
Do You Still Need Personal Travel Insurance?
Yes, you still need personal travel insurance, especially for Kilimanjaro climbs.
The mandatory inbound policy covers emergency medical treatment, evacuation, repatriation, luggage loss, personal accident, and 24/7 assistance, but does not include high-altitude trekking.
Because Kilimanjaro’s summit is 5,895 meters, your personal insurance must specifically cover trekking up to 6,000 meters, helicopter evacuation, medical repatriation, and trip cancellation for your full trip cost.
Safari travelers should also confirm coverage for emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, and baggage protection.
What If You Already Booked Your Trip?
This requirement applies even if you booked your Kilimanjaro climb or safari before the regulation was announced.
Inbound insurance is a new government mandate and is not included in existing bookings, so you must arrange and pay for it separately.
Apply online before departure, save both digital and printed copies of your certificate, and verify your personal travel insurance in advance to ensure a smooth trip.
Pre-Trip Checklist
- Identify your first entry point: Mainland Tanzania or Zanzibar
- Purchase Inbound Travel Insurance through the correct portal
- Verify your personal travel insurance covers Kilimanjaro trekking to 6,000 meters
- Confirm emergency evacuation and repatriation coverage
- Check that trip cancellation covers your full trip cost
- Save digital and printed copies of your inbound insurance certificate
- Keep certificates accessible throughout your trip
Ready to Climb Kilimanjaro or Embark on Safari?
Once your insurance is arranged, you can focus on the highlights of your trip:
Reaching Africa’s highest peak, experiencing a Serengeti sunrise, and enjoying an unforgettable adventure.
Proper preparation ensures you are ready for all that Tanzania offers.
Begin planning your Kilimanjaro trek or safari today. Contact us to confirm the correct insurance portal for your itinerary and travel with confidence.
This information is based on guidance available as of September 2026.
Entry requirements and application procedures may change. Please check the relevant portal before departure.
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