Photo credit: Med J

Mandatory Travel Insurance for Zanzibar

A quick, essential guide for travellers heading to the Spice Islands in 2025

Zanzibar’s turquoise waters, spice-scented markets, and Swahili–Arab heritage attract visitors from all over the world. From 1 October 2024, however, there’s a new non-negotiable entry rule: all tourists—regardless of nationality—must purchase a government-issued travel insurance policy from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) before arrival.

This is a local policy, unique to Zanzibar, and private travel insurance from your home country does not satisfy the requirement.

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At a Glance

• Who? All non-resident visitors (including children).
• Cost: USD 44 per adult (50% discount for ages 3–17, free for under-3s).
• Validity: Up to 92 days, valid across Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania.
• Where to buy: Exclusively via visitzanzibar.go.tz.
• When to buy: Before travelling. Your confirmation PDF is emailed instantly and checked at immigration.
• Penalties: Arriving without it may mean denied entry—no exceptions for other policies.

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Why This Rule Exists

According to the Zanzibar government, the scheme ensures that all visitors can receive emergency treatment or evacuation without creating a financial burden on public hospitals. It also standardises coverage across a booming tourism industry welcoming over half a million visitors each year.

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How to Buy the Policy — Step by Step

1. Go to the official portal – visit visitzanzibar.go.tz and select “Inbound Travel Insurance.”
2. Confirm the plan – Inbound Travel Insurance is pre-selected. Enter your trip dates (maximum 92 days).
3. Complete the form – passport info, email address, and (optional) a Tanzanian mobile number.
4. Pay USD 44 – Visa, Mastercard, and mobile money are accepted.
5. Download your PDF certificate – it arrives instantly via email. Save it to your phone and print a copy; immigration officers will scan its barcode.

Tip: Buy your insurance at the same time you apply for your Tanzania eVisa—both documents are checked at the same desk on arrival.

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What’s Covered

Your ZIC policy includes:

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

The ZIC policy is primary coverage in Zanzibar—you claim here first. If you also hold private travel insurance, you can claim any remaining costs from that provider.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my existing travel insurance instead?

No. Only the ZIC-issued policy is accepted for entry. You can keep your private coverage for additional protection, but it’s irrelevant at immigration.

Is the fee per trip or per year?

Per trip. You need a fresh policy for each new visit unless your existing one covers your full stay.

Do I need it for a one-night stopover?

Yes. If you clear immigration, even for a single night, the rule applies.

Are Tanzanian citizens or residents exempt?

Yes. Local residents already contribute to the national health system.

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Arrival & Practical Tips

• Buy early – the website can slow down in high season.
• Print a copy – paper backup can speed up queues if your phone battery dies.
• Check your name – match your passport exactly, including middle names, to avoid being asked to repurchase.
• Keep it handy – hotels and tour operators may ask for it before activities.

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Key Healthcare Facilities in Zanzibar

In case you need medical care during your stay, keep these on file:

• MedExpress Clinic, Paje – urgent care & general consultations. med-express.net
• ZANAID Clinic, near Zanzibar Airport – 24/7 service, specialist referrals, and on-site dive chamber. zanaid.org
• Aga Khan Polyclinic – Old Dispensary, Stone Town – part of the Aga Khan Health Service network. agakhanhospitals.org
• North Valley Hospital, Nungwi – emergency care, imaging, ICU, surgery. northvalleyhospitaltz.com

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Final Word

At USD 44, Zanzibar’s mandatory insurance is a small cost for guaranteed emergency support—and ignoring it could mean being turned away at the border.

Spend a few minutes buying it online, keep your PDF and a printed copy handy, and you can focus on enjoying spice farm tours, sunset dhow cruises, and barefoot beach walks without worry.

Save these contacts now:

• 📞 24/7 Emergency hotline: +255 777 123 456
• 📧 Claims & support: support@zic.zanzibar.go.tz

If you cancel or change travel dates, you can request a refund or adjustment up to 48 hours before departure—via the same portal you purchased from.

Important: Always purchase only through visitzanzibar.go.tz to avoid scams, and read your full policy to understand what’s covered—whether you’re kitesurfing in Paje or wandering Stone Town’s winding alleys.

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Safe travels — Karibu Zanzibar!