From 1 October 2024, an important new rule applies to all holidaymakers and business travellers visiting Zanzibar: before entry, a special travel insurance policy, authorised by the state-owned Zanzibar Insurance Corporation, must be taken out. This measure has been introduced by the Tanzanian government to ensure that all travellers are insured against potential risks during their stay.
What does the mandatory insurance cover?
The new insurance provides comprehensive protection for various emergencies, including:
- Illness during the stay
- Emergency repatriation
- Evacuation in case of natural disasters or other risks
- Loss of luggage and passport
- Further unforeseeable contingencies
The cost of the insurance is 44 USD per person* and is valid for a period of up to 92 days.
How is the insurance taken out?
The insurance can only be taken out via the official website https://visitzanzibar.go.tz. Once completed, you will receive a QR code, which you must present as proof on entry.
What rules apply to existing international travel health insurance policies?
Important to know: existing travel or international health insurance policies from your home country are not recognised by the Tanzanian authorities. This means that travellers who are already insured must still take out this additional insurance. Without presenting the corresponding proof (QR code), entry may be denied at the airport or at other border control points.
*Persons between 3 and 17 years of age receive a 50% discount; for children aged 0–2 years the insurance is free of charge.