Eastern Hills Expedition

Tanzania introduces Inbound Travel Insurance

Every journey begins with expectation. For someone travelling to Tanzania, it could be a long-awaited safari in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, enjoying the beaches of Zanzibar, attending a business meeting, visiting family and friends, or simply experiencing Tanzania for the first time. Whatever brings someone here, the expectation is usually the same: a safe, enjoyable and memorable journey.

However, travel, like life, does not always go exactly as planned. A visitor may suddenly fall ill, have an accident, lose checked-in luggage or need urgent assistance while thousands of kilometers away from home. It is at moments like these that insurance matters most.

From 1 October 2026, the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania is implementing a mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance for foreign visitors entering Mainland Tanzania (in Zanzibar, this Inbound Travel Insurance has been there), subject to the applicable exemptions. The arrangement follows the Insurance (Inbound Travel Insurance) Regulations, 2026, Government Notice No. 256 of 4 September 2026, as communicated by the Ministry of Finance.

This insurance is more than a policy document or certificate. It is a promise of protection and support when something unexpected happens. This new mandatory insurance will enable travelers to travel with peace of mind while visiting Tanzania.

Under the arrangement, National Insurance Company (NIC) and Zanzibar Insurance Company (ZIC) are designated institutions to provide Inbound Travel Insurance for Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar respectively.

For NIC and ZIC insurances, entrusted with this responsibility is not simply about issuing policies. It is about helping visitors understand their protection and, more importantly, being ready to support them when they need. One journey should not mean paying twice. One of the practical question visitors may have is what happens when their itinerary includes both Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar.

The Government's Public Notice provides clarity on this. A foreign visitor whose first point of entry is Tanzania Mainland and who obtains the required Inbound Travel Insurance can subsequently travel to Zanzibar without purchasing another Inbound Travel Insurance, subject to the applicable terms and conditions. Similarly, a visitor whose first point of entry is Zanzibar and who has obtained valid cover there can subsequently travel to Tanzania Mainland without purchasing the mandatory insurance again.

This is particularly important for visitors combining experiences on both sides of the United Republic, for example, a safari in the Serengeti or Ngorongoro followed by a beach holiday in Zanzibar. The message is simple: know your first point of entry, obtain the appropriate cover and keep your insurance certificate accessible throughout your journey.

The real value of insurance felt when something unexpected happens. A visitor may fall ill, have an accident, lose checked-in luggage or need urgent assistance far from home. This Inbound Travel Insurance designed to provide support in such moments, including medical treatment, medical transportation, evacuation or repatriation, emergency dental care and other covered medical needs, subject to the policy terms and conditions.

The protection goes beyond medical emergencies. It also covers specified risks involving checked-in luggage, personal liability, certain legal expenses and assistance when important travel documents are stolen. In the unfortunate event of death, the cover also provides for repatriation of the insured traveler’s remains, subject to the policy terms and conditions.

For this Inbound Travel Insurance, these are more than insurance benefits. Behind every claim is a person sometimes frightened, unwell and far from family who needs practical help and reassurance and That is the purpose of the cover: to be there when the unexpected happens, so that visitors can Travel with Peace of Mind.

Getting covered before travelling; Travelers who planning to visit Tanzania are required to obtain it before travelling to Tanzania. The Ministry of Finance Public Notice similarly advises travelers to make the necessary arrangements in advance to facilitate entry procedures and avoid unnecessary inconvenience or delays upon arrival.

For visitors whose first point of entry is Tanzania Mainland, NIC has established a dedicated online platform: https://inbound.nicinsurance.co.tz/

The process is designed to be straightforward. The visitor provides the required personal and journey details, follows the prescribed payment process and receives an insurance certificate, which should be kept readily accessible throughout the journey.

The advice is simple: check whether the requirement applies to you, obtain your insurance through the official channel before travelling, understand your cover and keep your certificate accessible.

Insurance is a contract, so understanding the policy is important. Not every illness, loss or incident is automatically covered. The policy has defined benefits, limits, eligibility requirements and exclusions, including provisions relating to certain pre-existing illnesses, routine medical examinations and journeys undertaken specifically for medical treatment.

The government of United Republic of Tanzania wish a visitor understand these conditions before travelling than discover them for the first time during an emergency. Issuing an insurance certificate is only the beginning of one part responsibility. In this case, only the number of policies issued does not measure the success of Inbound Travel Insurance. It is reflected in the quality and speed of assistance will be provide and, above all, how the visitor feels when they turn to in for support.

According to NIC, preparations have focused not only on selling the cover, but also on supporting the visitor throughout the insurance journey. NIC has established a dedicated digital platform to make it easier for international visitors to obtain their cover before travelling. It has also put in place 24-hour customer-support arrangements, with dedicated personnel to respond to visitors who may require information or assistance while in Tanzania.

Working with relevant Government institutions, entry-point authorities and other stakeholders so that information, insurance verification and visitor support can be coordinated as smoothly as possible. There will be a 24 hours services support to answer enquiries, guide visitors when assistance is required and facilitate legitimate claims in accordance with the policy terms and conditions. The intention is straightforward: when a visitor reaches out, whether before travelling or during an emergency they will be people who listen, understand the situation and know what to do next.

Because when someone is sick, frightened or facing an emergency far from home, he or she is not thinking about insurance terminology. Their questions are much simpler: Can I get help? Whom do I call? What should I do next? The slogan behind this service is “Travel with Peace of Mind”. It means being accessible when visitors need assistance, communicating clearly, responding with empathy and making sure the protection purchased translates into practical assistance when it matters.

It takes more than an insurance company to make this possible. Airlines, tour operators, travel agents, hotels and other players across the tourism value chain also have an important role.

Ideally, no visitor should learn about Inbound Travel Insurance for the first time after arriving at an airport, seaport or land border. Providing accurate information while travelers are planning and booking their journeys helps them prepare properly and contributes to a smoother arrival experience.

This is ultimately about the experience it collectively give someone who has chosen Tanzania as his or her destination. More than insurance, it is part of the Tanzania experience

Tanzania already has an extraordinary story to tell the world from our wildlife and landscapes to our culture, people and renowned hospitality. Nevertheless, a memorable destination is not defined only by what visitors see. It is also shaped by how safe, welcomed and supported they feel throughout their journey.

Providing Inbound Travel Insurance therefore carries a responsibility that goes beyond business. Tanzania is not simply insuring journeys, it serving people who have chosen Tanzania as their destination.

Behind every passport is a person. Behind every insurance certificate is someone's journey. In addition, behind every genuine claim is usually a moment when that journey has taken an unexpected turn.

That is when promise must become real. Therefore, to every visitor preparing to experience Tanzania, the message is simple: Come for the adventure. Come for business. Come for our people, culture, wildlife and unforgettable experiences. Moreover, wherever your journey takes you, Travel with Peace of Mind. Because Inbound Travel Insurance is not simply about carrying a policy. It is about knowing that when the unexpected happens, someone is there to help.

The story of Ugalla River Game reserve: from poaching site to future tourism paradise

Ugalla River Game Reserve situated between Katavi and Tabora regions in western Tanzania. The reserve (5000km2) lies between 50-60 south and 310-320 east and the areas experiences a tropical climate defined by distinct wet season from December-may and dry season from June-November. The rainfall varies between 700mm-1000mm per year and mean maximum and minimum temperature between 28-300 C and 15-210 C respectively.

Once a poaching heaven

Illegal harvesting of wildlife resources is an important challenge facing protected areas in Africa. In Tanzania, as many part of the world, poaching is common and jeopardizes the hope for sustainable conservation. It is very interesting to investigate the dynamism of conservation in Africa, Tanzania particularly. Once ignored, Ugalla River Game Reserve nearly destroyed by poaching and poaching related impacts, the isolation of the reserve from other protected areas, pressure from surroundings-rapidly-increasing human population and the pressing need to protect elephants and wild dogs were among of the factors made wildlife poaching a matter of grave concerned.

Future tourism paradise destination

Deter and control of the poaching activities in Ugalla River Game Reserve, two approaches were necessary to combat poaching crimes, conservation-based livelihood improvement and law enforcement both changed the once neglected natural resources to future tourism paradise in western circuit apart from Katavi National Park.

Now due to deliberately efforts by national and local stakeholders Ugalla River Game Reserve sustainable tourism is possible; hunting tourism (trophy hunting) photographic tourism, walking tourism and sports fishing tourism is now shining in Ugalla and within the surrounding area and making it unforgettable experience in western circuit. The area can be accessed by roads in dry season as well as by small airplanes during rainy season through muhuba and siri airstrips

While you are in Ugalla enjoying a natural beauty expect to find various games in large numbers Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, leopard, lion, baboon, buffalo, bush pig, dik-dik, east African bush duiker, eland, hyena, impala, jackal, oribi, sitatunga, wild dogs and zebra among many.

Combination of both geographical and natural vegetation makes Ugalla a natural place you can plan for life experience and expedition. All this thanks to various stakeholders such as Tanzania wildlife authority (TAWA), Non-Government Organization (NGO’s), local community and local authority that made it possible.

Tourism Visitors Exist Survey report 2024

Tourism in Tanzania continues to demonstrate resilience and growth, cementing its position as one of the country’s most vital economic sectors. The recently released 2024 International Visitors Exit Survey Report, prepared by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism (MNRT) in collaboration with the Bank of Tanzania (BoT) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), provides a detailed snapshot of visitor trends, spending patterns, and sector performance.

The findings not only highlight Tanzania’s achievements in the tourism sector but also offer crucial insights for policymakers, investors, and industry stakeholders. This report is a strong validation of ongoing efforts to promote sustainable tourism, diversify visitor experiences, and improve the sector’s overall competitiveness.

Growth in Visitor Arrivals and Earnings

One of the most striking highlights from the 2024 international visitors exit survey is the significant increase in international tourist arrivals. Tanzania welcomed 2,200,466 visitors, representing a 17.5% increase compared to 2023. This robust growth reflects the country’s improved global visibility, stronger airline connectivity, and enhanced marketing efforts by both government and private sector stakeholders.

Equally impressive is the surge in tourism earnings, which reached USD 3.4 billion in 2024. This marked increase underscores tourism’s growing role as a key foreign exchange earner for Tanzania, outpacing traditional sectors and solidifying its place as a cornerstone of the national economy. For Tanzania, these figures not only represent raw numbers but also signal the sector’s recovery trajectory after the global disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Source Markets:

The international visitors exit survey identified the top five international markets contributing to visitor arrivals in 2024:

United States

France

United Kingdom

Germany

Italy

Together, these countries reflect the strength of Tanzania’s brand in North America and Europe, markets known for long-haul travelers who tend to spend more and stay longer.

However, the report also highlights the emergence of regional African markets and growing interest from Asia, signaling the potential for further diversification. This trend suggests that Tanzania must continue investing in tailored marketing strategies to tap into these expanding segments.

Why Tanzania

The report confirms that tourists choose Tanzania primarily for its world-renowned wildlife, pristine landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. Iconic destinations such as:

Serengeti National Park – famous for the Great Migration, a natural spectacle unmatched anywhere in the world.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area – home to the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a high density of wildlife.

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park – Africa’s highest peak and a magnet for adventure seekers.

Zanzibar Archipelago – celebrated for its beaches, spice plantations, and historical sites.

The international visitors exit survey also notes rising demand for the Southern Tourism Circuit, particularly Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous), Ruaha National Park, and the Udzungwa Mountains. These destinations appeal to travelers seeking quieter, less crowded experiences, aligning with global trends toward sustainable and off-the-beaten-path tourism.

Visitor Spending and Sta

Spending and length of stay remain key indicators of tourism’s economic impact.

Average spending per visitor: USD 1,590

Average length of stay: 11 nights

These figures highlight the value of Tanzania’s tourism product. Long-haul travelers, who make up the bulk of visitors, typically seek immersive experiences—safaris, cultural tours, beach holidays—that contribute more per capita to the economy.Tourism’s Contribution to the Economy

According to the international visitors exit survey, tourism continues to be one of Tanzania’s largest contributors to the economy, accounting for over 17% of GDP. In Zanzibar, the sector contributes nearly 30% of the island’s GDP, making it the single most important economic activity.

Tourism also plays a crucial role in employment, supporting over 1.5 million jobs directly and indirectly. This includes safari guides, drivers, hotel staff, artisans, and small-scale entrepreneurs whose livelihoods depend on a vibrant tourism industry.

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