Since September 10, 2026, foreign tourists arriving in Panama by air have automatically received free medical insurance for the first 10 days of their stay. Funded by the Panamanian government, coverage is activated upon immigration clearance at six airports across the country, with no registration or advance payment required.
Mandatory travel insurance takes effect in mainland Tanzania on October 1, 2026. The National Insurance Corporation (NIC) and Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) have confirmed that travelers visiting both the mainland and Zanzibar only need one policy. Reduced rates for children and groups, the validity of previously purchased policies, and round-the-clock assistance are among the key details clarified by the two insurers.
Tanzania has set October 1, 2026 as the effective date for its mandatory travel insurance requirement for foreign visitors entering the country through Mainland Tanzania. Priced at $44, the policy can be purchased online before departure or upon arrival and will remain valid for up to 92 days.
From July through December 2026, international travelers flying to or transiting through Abu Dhabi on an Etihad-operated flight will be eligible for complimentary medical insurance. A similar move could also be in the works in Dubai, where Emirates is reportedly considering its own passenger insurance initiative.
As of January 1, 2026, all foreign tourists entering Georgia will be required to carry valid health and accident insurance covering the entirety of their stay. This new requirement, enshrined in Georgia’s “Law on Tourism,” is intended to strengthen visitor protection and clarify the country’s entry conditions.
Following Zanzibar’s lead, which has enforced this rule for several months now, mainland Tanzania is considering requiring international travelers to purchase mandatory health insurance. Mainland Tanzania is preparing to follow Zanzibar’s example by introducing mandatory travel insurance for foreign visitors. The measure, proposed as part of an amendment to the
