Photo credit : Med J

Mandatory Travel Insurance for Zanzibar

A practical guide for travellers heading to the Spice Islands

Zanzibar’s turquoise waters and Swahili-Arab heritage pull visitors from every corner of the globe. From 1 October 2024 the archipelago is adding a new entry condition: all tourists—no matter their nationality—must carry a local travel-insurance policy issued by the state-owned Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC).

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At a Glance

• Who? Every non-resident visitor to Zanzibar (including children).
• Cost: USD 44 per adult (50 % off for ages 3–17; free for under-3s).
• Validity: Covers stays up to 92 days, anywhere in Zanzibar (and, helpfully, mainland Tanzania).
• Where to buy: Exclusively online at visitzanzibar.go.tz
• When to buy: Before you travel. The confirmation PDF is emailed instantly and checked at immigration.
• Penalties: Arriving without the policy can lead to denied entry—personal insurance isn’t accepted.

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Why Zanzibar Introduced the Rule

The island’s government says the scheme ensures every traveller can be evacuated or treated locally without piling costs onto public hospitals. It also standardises coverage across a tourism industry that now welcomes well over half-a-million visitors a year.

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Step-by-Step: How to Purchase the Policy

1. Visit the official portal – head to visitzanzibar.go.tz and click “Inbound Travel Insurance.”
2. Choose your plan – the mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance is pre-selected; enter trip dates (max 92 days).
3. Fill in the form – passport details, email, and a Tanzanian mobile number if you have one.
4. Pay USD 44 – Visa, Mastercard, and mobile-money options appear at checkout.
5. Check your inbox – you’ll receive a PDF certificate and full policy conditions. Print or save it to your phone—the barcode is scanned on arrival.

Tip: Complete this step right after securing your Tanzania e-Visa; both documents are requested at the same desk in Zanzibar airport.

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What the Insurance Actually Covers

• Emergency medical treatment & hospitalisation
• Medical evacuation and repatriation
• Personal accident benefit
• Lost or delayed baggage
• Personal liability & legal expenses
• Trip delays & missed connections

The coverage is primary in Zanzibar, meaning you claim here first; you can still claim any residual costs from your home insurer later.

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Common Questions

Can I use the travel insurance I already bought at home?

No. Only the ZIC policy satisfies the entry requirement. Carry both—your private policy may provide higher limits or cover pre-existing conditions, but immigration officers look for the local certificate.

Is the fee per trip or per year?

Per trip. Each time you enter Zanzibar after 1 October 2024 you must purchase a new policy unless your previous one is still valid for the entire stay.

I’m transiting Zanzibar for one night—do I still need it?

Yes. The requirement applies the moment you pass through immigration, even for a short lay-over.

What about residents or Tanzanian citizens?

Tanzanian and Zanzibar residents are exempt; they already contribute to the national health system.

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Practical Tips to Smooth Your Arrival

• Buy early – the portal occasionally slows during high season; don’t leave it to departure day.
• Carry a printed copy – power banks fail, printers don’t. A paper certificate speeds the queue.
• Match names exactly – your policy must mirror your passport (including middle names) or you’ll be asked to repurchase.
• Keep the policy handy during your stay – hotels and tour operators may request it before excursions.

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Final Word

Mandatory insurance might feel like an extra hoop to jump through, but at USD 44 it’s a small price for peace of mind—and skipping it could see you waving goodbye to your holiday at the immigration desk. Spend five minutes online, keep the PDF ready, and you’ll be free to dive into Zanzibar’s spice farms, sunset dhows, and palm-fringed beaches without worry.

Safe travels, and see you on the island!