Tanzania: Regulations on Mandatory Travel Insurance Covering More Than $44 Published

More than a year after the initial announcement, on September 4, 2026, mainland Tanzania published the specific regulations for a planned mandatory travel insurance requirement for foreign visitors. The so-called “Insurance (Inbound Travel Insurance) Regulations, 2026” were published in the Official Gazette (Government Notice No. 256) and are based on Section 134A of the Insurance Act, which was introduced by the Finance Act of 2025. This clearly defines the legal framework, even though a specific date for the regulations to take effect has not yet been set.

Under the new rules, affected travelers will be required to provide proof of so-called “Inbound Travel Insurance” when entering Tanzania by land, sea, or air. The price for this insurance has been set at 44 U.S. dollars, and the maximum validity period is 92 days. The policy can be purchased either before the trip or directly upon entry. Important for travel planning: Depending on nationality, this new insurance requirement is in addition to Tanzania’s existing visa or e-visa requirements.

This development in Tanzania comes against the backdrop of similar discussions in the region. In neighboring Kenya, a comparable mandatory health insurance requirement for foreign visitors is currently the subject of legal disputes—a court temporarily suspended its implementation in August 2026, and another hearing on specific details of the implementation is scheduled for late September. With the publication of detailed regulations, Tanzania appears to be taking a more structured approach, even though the exact start date of the regulation remains to be determined.

For travelers, this means one thing above all: Anyone planning a trip to Tanzania should keep an eye on developments, as an additional mandatory fee of $44 could be required in the future on top of visa costs. Since the authorities have not yet specified a date for when the regulation will actually take effect, it is not yet possible to definitively factor the new insurance requirement into travel planning. As soon as concrete details regarding the start date and practical implementation are available, they will be integrated into the application processes for Tanzania.

Regardless of the future insurance requirement, entry into Tanzania remains subject to existing visa requirements. We assist travelers in compiling the appropriate documents for their trip, whether it’s a tourist visa for Tanzania, an e-visa for Tanzania, or a business visa for Tanzania. As soon as the new travel insurance requirement officially takes effect, we will inform our customers about the necessary additional steps to ensure a smooth entry into the country.

Until then, it is advisable to submit your visa application well in advance and to keep an eye on current entry requirements, as regulations like these can change at short notice. Anyone planning a trip to Tanzania can already learn about the various visa options and have their application conveniently prepared.