From October 1, 2024, visitors to Zanzibar, Tanzania, will be required to have mandatory travel insurance to visit the archipelago.
The Tanzanian archipelago of Zanzibar is about to introduce new regulations for travelers.
In addition to the Tanzania e-Visa, a US$44 travel insurance policy will be required for all visitors entering the island of Zanzibar, except residents, starting October 1, 2024.
“We would like to inform all foreigners planning to visit the beautiful island of Zanzibar through the seaport or airport that, effective October 1, 2024, it will be mandatory for all foreigners to possess valid Inbound Travel Insurance which will provide coverage for the duration of their stay (up to 92 days)”, announces the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar.
Zanzibar authorities say the requirement is being implemented to “ensure the safety and well-being of all foreigners and mitigate any possible risk pertaining to their travel into the island. This policy provides comprehensive coverage for various emergencies including repatriation, evacuation, and other related contingencies”.
This insurance must be purchased exclusively from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC), a company wholly owned by the Zanzibar Government, and subscriptions will open on September 1, 2024. Personal insurance will therefore not be able to meet this upcoming requirement…
“Failure to comply with this mandatory requirement may result in entry denial at immigration checkpoints”, the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar states.
Mandatory insurance for Zanzibar in detail
When to buy Zanzibar travel insurance ?
It is advisable to buy travel insurance immediately after paying the first deposit for your trip. The earlier you buy the insurance, the sooner you will have coverage to protect your trip.
Registration for Zanzibar insurance will start on September 1, 2024.
Where to buy the mandatory insurance for Zanzibar ?
You must buy Zanzibar travel insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC): www.visitzanzibar.go.tz.
How much does this insurance policy cost ?
The cost of the Zanzibar insurance policy is US$44.
What does Zanzibar travel insurance cover ?
Travel insurance covers unexpected illnesses or any other uncertainty while travelers are in Tanzania. The basic coverages are: Emergency medical expenses and repatriation expenses (bodily and medical), personal accident, baggage delay, theft and loss, legal expenses, third party liability, etc.
How will you receive your insurance for Zanzibar ?
Your insurance documents will be sent to the email address you registered online. The confirmation of coverage will include policy information such as your unique policy number, policy effective date, benefits, terms and conditions, limitations, exclusions and other important information.
Remember to keep a copy of your policy with you when you travel to Zanzibar!
What is the maximum number of days covered by the Zanzibar travel insurance policy ?
The insurance policy covers individual trips up to 92 days per stay. Unlimited trips can be made during the insurance period up to the maximum number of days purchased per trip.
Is Zanzibar travel insurance renewable ?
The insurance policy is not renewable and if you are still in Zanzibar after 92 days, you must take out a new policy.
Further information is available on the portal www.visitzanzibar.go.tz.
Absolute frustration. You introduce yet another “tax” on tourists and your site will not accept payment!!!!! Can I purchase insurance at point of entry?
I am trying to apply for this Insurance, have entered card details etc but it’s stuck on pending payment for days now. Who can help
Hi I have bought the travel insurance for me and my wife but her details does not appear on the policy document I received and she has not received any form of policy document, what do I need to do, or is she cover automatically by my document as a dependant. I have paid $88
This website to purchase the travel insurance isn’t working, it not opening at all, I don’t know what to do, cos I’m stalked. I can only travel on my break, my flight has been shifted severally because of this travel insurance issues. How else can I purchase the travel insurance for Tanzania?
Hi there, try the ZIC website if you are still struggling. I managed to purchase without any hustle.
If we already have insurance covering the entire Republic of Tanzania which includes Zanzibar archipelago, why should we buy this insurance?
Dear Reikh,
Yes, it is indeed mandatory to purchase this ZIC insurance for Zanzibar, even if you have your own travel insurance that covers Tanzania and Zanzibar.
This is madness. I hold full insurance that covers me. Not good for tourism along with the hefty visa costs
Can i purchase mandatory insurance at the airport? the site to do it online is not working, Ive been trying to submit application for 2 days now, it always gets stuck at some point. Whats App chat is not working as well.
I have exactly the same issue. Did you get this resolved?
I’m travelling o October 5, 2024. trying to submit the application for insurance, but every time it gets stuck at a different place when i press NEXT, one time i almost got to the end and punched the card details and captcha, than it all froze. What can i do?
ich kann das Geburtsdatum nicht eingeben, weiter bin ich überhaupt noch nicht gekommen. Die Seite gehört dringend überarbeitet!!
We managed to successfully submit an application for the mandatory insurance (twice), by scrolling down and typing in the captcha. However, upon completing our payment info and pressing the pay button, we landed at an error page saying “Hmm.. can’t reach this page. Check if there is a typo in man.zicinbound.co.tz” and “DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN”
We see in our internet bank service that our two payments have been charged to our account, but we have received no confirmation of order, order number, or email, or anything.
Also, we are landing on Zanzibar 27 September, so we do not really know if this requirement applies to us
I have the same problem. Also Application status says pending payment, but my CC has been charged. Should I wait?
I`m trying to submit the aplication form but each timethe form is not accepted and it`s not possible to submit it. Have you got the same problem?
We are travelling on 18th January 25, have tried the link but says website unavailable, is there another one to purchase the insurance from.
Hi Chris,
Link updated in the post 😉
We are travelling to Zanzibar, arriving on 28th September, will we be required to have this insurance or is it only for travellers arriving on or after 1st October?
Thank you
Hi Claire,
Officially, this measure only applies to travellers arriving in Zanzibar from October 1, 2024.