Tanzania – Introduces Mandatory Travel Insurance (NIC)
All visitors to Tanzania and Zanzibar must now pay for a mandatory inbound travel insurance policy before they can enter the country.
Do I need to buy a special Travel Insurance policy to enter Tanzania?
In short yes, from the 1st October 2026 all visitors to mainland Tanzania must purchase a mandatory Travel Insurance policy from the National Insurance Corporation (known as NIC) either before, or on entry to mainland Tanzania. Without this specific policy you can not enter Tanzania.
Do I need to buy Travel Insurance to enter Zanzibar?
In short yes, from the 1st October 2024 all visitors to Zanzibar (including Unguja and Pemba) must purchase a mandatory Travel Insurance policy from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (known as ZIC) either before, or on entry. Without this specific policy you can not enter Zanzibar.
If I already have a comprehensive standard travel policy, do I still have to buy a NIC or ZIC policy for entry to Tanzania or Zanzibar?
No matter what existing travel policy you already have in place, for entry, you must also buy a ZIC or NIC policy.
What is the difference between NIC and ZIC?
National Insurance Corporation (NIC) is the mandatory policy that is required for entry into mainland Tanzania.
Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) is the mandatory policy that is required for entry into Zanzibar.
ABOVE: The summit ridge on Kilimanjaro.
If I am travelling to both Tanzania and Zanzibar to I need to buy a NIC and a ZIC?
You only need to buy one policy to cover you in both places for up to 92 days. According to the UK FDCO, you only need to buy insurance for your first port of entry, whether that is mainland Tanzania or Zanzibar.
Does the Tanzania National Insurance Corporation (NIC) policy mean I don’t need to buy a normal standard travel insurance policy?
The NIC or ZIC policies do not replace a ‘normal’ travel policy. You should still purchase your normal standard travel policy as soon as you pay a deposit for a trip. Normal travel insurance policies offer you greater protection as they are tailored to your specific trip, dates, adventurous activities undertaken (such as climbing Kilimanjaro, climbing Mt Meru, going on Tanzanian safaris etc) and cover you based on your personal medical history/conditions. The NIC or ZIC policies do not cover this level of granular cover. They won’t cover you for various pre-trip scenarios such as cancellations, missed flights, repatriation, interrupted itineraries, lost bags etc. Realistically the NIC or ZIC satisfies local entry requirements and basic medical cover, rather than offering full comprehensive personal protection.
How do I buy a NIC or ZIC?
If you arrive in Zanzibar first, you can buy travel insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) for the duration of your stay, up to 92 day through Visit Zanzibar.
If you arrive in mainland Tanzania first, you can buy travel insurance from the National Insurance Corporation (NIC) for the duration of your stay, up to 92 day through the National Insurance Corporation.
ABOVE: The summit of Mt Meru, looking across the sea of cloud to Kilimanjaro
How much is a NIC or ZIC?
Currently (Oct 2026), a NIC is $44 USD
Currently (Oct 2026), a ZIC is $44 USD
Is there a NIC discount for families or group travel?
NIC discounts are given to families, or those travelling as part of a group.
Infants between the ages of 0 and 2 years old are free: 100% discount. Children between the ages of three and 17 will be charged $22 (Oct 2026): 50% discount. Adults 18+ are full price. Groups with 10 or more people gain a 10% discount on their group policy.
ABOVE: Elephant in Tarangire
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