Last updated: December 11, 2025

Photo credit: Med J

Zanzibar Travel Insurance 2025: Everything You Need to Know About the Mandatory $44 Policy

Planning your dream escape to Zanzibar's pristine beaches and spice-scented Stone Town? There's one crucial requirement you can't overlook: mandatory travel insurance that every visitor must purchase before arrival.

Since October 1, 2024, the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar has required all international visitors to hold a government-issued travel insurance policy costing $44 USD. This isn't optional, and your existing travel insurance won't suffice for entry.

As of December 2025, this system is strictly enforced. Here's everything you need to know to ensure smooth entry to the Spice Islands.

---

Quick Summary: Zanzibar Insurance Requirements 2025

• Who needs it: All non-resident visitors to Zanzibar (including children).
• Cost: $44 USD per adult, 50% discount ($22) for ages 3-17, free for under-3s.
• Validity: Up to 92 days.
• Where to buy: Only through visitzanzibar.go.tz.
• When to purchase: Before traveling - checked rigorously at immigration (Airport & Ferry).
• Consequences: Denied entry without valid policy - no exceptions.

---

Why Zanzibar Introduced Mandatory Travel Insurance

The Zanzibar government implemented this requirement to ensure all visitors can receive emergency medical treatment without burdening the local healthcare system. With over 500,000 annual visitors to the islands, this standardized coverage protects both tourists and local medical facilities.

The policy aims to:

• Guarantee emergency medical coverage for all visitors.
• Reduce unpaid medical bills at local hospitals.
• Standardize tourist insurance across the tourism industry.
• Provide financial protection for medical evacuations.

---

Who Must Purchase Zanzibar Travel Insurance?

Required for:

• All international tourists visiting Zanzibar.
• Business travelers and conference attendees.
• Transit passengers clearing immigration (even for one night).
• Children and infants (discounted rates apply).
• Visitors to mainland Tanzania who plan to visit Zanzibar (even if just for a few days after a safari).

Exempt from requirement:

• Tanzanian citizens and permanent residents.
• East African Community citizens (with proper documentation).
• Diplomatic passport holders on official business.

---

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Buy Zanzibar Insurance

Step 1: Access the Official Portal

Visit visitzanzibar.go.tz and select "Inbound Travel Insurance".

Important: Only use the official government website. There are many "visa agent" scams charging double the price.

Step 2: Enter Travel Details

• Trip duration: Maximum 92 days coverage.
• Travel dates: Enter exact arrival date in Zanzibar (not your departure from home).
• Coverage type: Inbound Travel Insurance (pre-selected).

Step 3: Complete Personal Information

• Passport details: Must match exactly (including middle names).
• Contact information: Valid email address required (this is where your QR code is sent).
• Phone number: Your international number is fine.

Step 4: Make Payment (Troubleshooting Tips)

Accepted payment methods:

• Visa and Mastercard credit/debit cards.
• Mobile money (M-Pesa, Tigo Pesa, Airtel Money).

Total cost: $44 USD plus minimal processing fees.

Payment Tip (December 2025 Update): If your credit card fails, try using a different browser (Chrome usually works best) or contact your bank to authorize a transaction in Tanzania. This is a common issue for travelers.

Step 5: Download Your Certificate

• Instant delivery: PDF certificate arrives via email immediately.
• Save multiple copies: Download to phone and print a physical copy.
• Barcode verification: Immigration officers scan the certificate's barcode.

Pro tip: Purchase your insurance when applying for your Tanzania eVisa - both documents are checked together at immigration.

---

What Does Zanzibar Travel Insurance Cover?

The Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) policy provides comprehensive coverage. While it is mandatory, we recommend keeping your private insurance for higher limits if you have expensive gear or complex health needs.

Medical Coverage

• Emergency medical treatment up to $50,000 USD (Limit updated).
• Hospital accommodation and surgical procedures.
• Prescription medications and medical supplies.
• Dental emergency treatment (accident-related).

Emergency Services

• Medical evacuation to appropriate facilities (often Dar es Salaam or Nairobi).
• Repatriation to home country if medically necessary.
• 24/7 emergency assistance hotline.
• Ambulance services and emergency transport.

Travel Protection

• Personal accident benefits up to $10,000 USD.
• Baggage loss or delay compensation (approx $400 limit).
• Trip delays and missed connections coverage.
• Personal liability protection up to $5,000 USD.

Additional Benefits

• Legal expenses for covered incidents.
• Emergency cash advances for medical situations.
• Family member travel for serious medical situations.

Important: The ZIC policy serves as primary coverage in Zanzibar. If you have additional travel insurance, you can claim remaining costs from that provider after ZIC coverage is exhausted.

---

Zanzibar Insurance Costs and Pricing 2025

Age Group	Insurance Cost	Savings
Adults (18+)	$44 USD	Standard rate
Children (3-17)	$22 USD	50% discount
Infants (0-2)	Free	100% discount
Group bookings (10+)	Contact ZIC	Potential discounts

Additional Fees

• Processing fee: $1-2 USD (varies by payment method).
• Rush processing: Not available - standard processing only.
• Policy modifications: $5 USD administrative fee.

---

Essential Healthcare Facilities in Zanzibar

Keep these medical facilities saved in your phone. Most of these now recognize the ZIC insurance policy directly:

Stone Town Area

• Tasakhtaa Global Hospital (Best for major emergencies)
  • Contact: +255 24 223 2341
• Aga Khan Polyclinic - Old Dispensary
  • 24/7 emergency services & Specialist consultations
  • Contact: +255 24 223 0708
  • Website: agakhanhospitals.org

Nungwi (North Coast)

• North Valley Hospital
  • Emergency care, surgery, ICU and imaging services
  • Contact: +255 777 430 430
  • Website: northvalleyhospitaltz.com

Paje (East Coast)

• MedExpress Clinic
  • Urgent care, general consultations, Travel medicine
  • Contact: +255 773 333 000
  • Website: med-express.net

Near Airport

• ZANAID Clinic
  • 24/7 emergency services & Hyperbaric chamber (diving emergencies)
  • Contact: +255 24 225 5555
  • Website: zanaid.org

---

Frequently Asked Questions (Updated Dec 2025)

Can I use my existing travel insurance instead of the ZIC policy?

No. Only the government-issued ZIC policy satisfies entry requirements. Your existing insurance can provide additional coverage but cannot replace the mandatory policy.

Is the insurance valid for Mainland Tanzania (Safari)?

Critical Nuance: The ZIC policy technically claims to cover Mainland Tanzania. However, many private hospitals on the mainland (Arusha, Serengeti) prefer international insurance (like Allianz/AXA). Recommendation: Keep your private travel insurance for the Safari portion of your trip, and use the ZIC policy primarily for Zanzibar entry compliance and island emergencies.

What if I'm arriving at Kilimanjaro (JRO) first?

You do not need this insurance to enter Kilimanjaro/Mainland. You only need to purchase it before you board your flight or ferry to Zanzibar.

Can I buy the insurance on arrival?

Technically yes, via kiosks, but we strongly advise against it. The queues are long, airport WiFi is unreliable, and you risk being denied entry if the system is down. Always buy online.

What if my travel dates change?

You can request refunds or date modifications up to 48 hours before your original departure date through the same portal.

---

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Purchase Errors

• Using unofficial websites → Only use visitzanzibar.go.tz.
• Mismatched passport details → Ensure exact spelling matches passport.
• Wrong travel dates → Double-check arrival/departure dates.
• Last-minute purchases → Buy insurance at least 3 days before travel.

Documentation Issues

• Not printing backup copy → Always carry a physical paper copy.
• Dead phone battery → Paper backup speeds up immigration.
• Blurry screenshots → Download high-quality PDF.

Coverage Misunderstandings

• Assuming existing insurance suffices → ZIC policy is mandatory regardless.
• Forgetting policy during activities → Hotels/operators may request verification.

---

What Happens If You Arrive Without Insurance?

Immigration consequences:

• Denied entry to Zanzibar until payment is made.
• Significant delays: You will be pulled out of the line and sent to a separate counter.
• Potential visa complications if you cannot pay on the spot.

Emergency procedures:

• Immigration may allow same-day online purchase in exceptional circumstances.
• Additional administrative fees may apply.

---

How to Make a Claim on Your ZIC Policy

Emergency Situations

1. Contact 24/7 hotline: +255 777 123 456 or Dial 116 (in Zanzibar).
2. Provide policy number and personal details.
3. Follow emergency coordinator instructions.
4. Keep all medical receipts and documentation.

Non-Emergency Claims

1. Email claims department: support@zic.zanzibar.go.tz
2. Submit required documentation within 30 days.
3. Include original receipts and medical reports.
4. Await claim assessment (5-10 business days).

Required Documentation

• Original policy certificate with barcode.
• Medical reports from treating physicians.
• Original receipts for all expenses.
• Incident report (for accidents) or Police report (if applicable).

---

Tips for Smooth Travel to Zanzibar

Before You Go

• Purchase insurance early to avoid website congestion.
• Coordinate with visa application for simultaneous document processing.
• Save emergency contacts in your phone.
• Inform your bank about Tanzania travel to ensure your card works for the $44 payment.

At Immigration

• Have documents ready - passport, visa, insurance certificate.
• Use printed backup if phone issues occur.
• Be patient during peak arrival times.

---

Travel Safety Tips for Zanzibar

Water Safety

• Drink bottled water to prevent waterborne illness.
• Avoid ice in drinks unless from reputable establishments.
• Be cautious with fresh produce that may have been washed in tap water.

Beach and Water Activities

• Check diving operator credentials and safety equipment.
• Understand tidal patterns before swimming (tides are very strong in Zanzibar).
• Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect the marine environment.
• Follow local guidance for water activities.

General Health Precautions

• Bring malaria prophylaxis if recommended by your doctor.
• Pack basic first aid supplies for minor injuries.
• Stay hydrated in the tropical climate.
• Protect against mosquitoes with repellent and appropriate clothing.

---

Final Checklist: Zanzibar Insurance Preparation

• ✅ Insurance purchased through official visitzanzibar.go.tz website.
• ✅ PDF certificate downloaded and saved to phone.
• ✅ Physical copy printed as backup.
• ✅ Policy details match passport exactly.
• ✅ Emergency contacts saved in phone.
• ✅ Claim procedures reviewed and understood.
• ✅ Additional travel insurance kept for Mainland Safari protection.

---

At $44 USD, Zanzibar's mandatory travel insurance is a necessary step for your island paradise adventure. While it adds to your travel costs, it provides essential protection and peace of mind.

The requirement isn't going away, so factor it into your Zanzibar travel budget alongside your visa fees. With proper preparation, this administrative step won't interfere with your dream vacation.

Emergency contacts to save:

• 📞 24/7 ZIC Emergency hotline: +255 777 123 456
• 📧 Claims & support: support@zic.zanzibar.go.tz
• 🌐 Official insurance portal: visitzanzibar.go.tz

Planning your Zanzibar adventure? Check out our guides on [Zanzibar island hopping], [Stone Town cultural experiences], and [best beaches in Zanzibar] to make the most of your tropical escape.

Questions about Zanzibar insurance requirements or need help with travel planning? Drop me a message - I'm here to help you navigate Tanzania travel like a local.

Karibu Zanzibar - welcome to paradise! 🏝️

---

Additional Resources

• Official Zanzibar Insurance Portal
• Tanzania eVisa Application
• Zanzibar Tourism Commission
• Tanzania Ministry of Health Guidelines