MWE Correspondent
The Government of Tanzania has announced plans to make travel insurance mandatory for all foreign nationals entering the country.
The proposal, outlined on June 12, 2025, during the presentation of the 2025/26 National Budget by Finance and Planning Minister Dr. Mwigulu Nchemba, is part of broader reforms intended to strengthen the country’s tourism framework and emergency response capabilities.
“This insurance will ensure that visitors are covered for unexpected health issues, accidents, or losses during their stay,” said Dr. Nchemba as he addressed the Parliament of Tanzania in Dodoma.
According to the proposal, all foreign visitors will be required to pay a $44 USD travel insurance fee, which will provide coverage for up to 92 days. The fee is expected to cover a wide range of travel-related incidents—including medical emergencies, repatriation of the sick or deceased, accidents, baggage delays, and theft.
This mandatory insurance system will be administered through a public-private partnership (PPP), with implementation support from private insurance providers and oversight by the government through the National Insurance Corporation of Tanzania.
Regional Exemptions and Policy Intent
Importantly, not all travelers will be affected. Nationals from countries belonging to the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) will be exempt from paying the insurance fee—a gesture that reflects Tanzania’s commitment to regional unity and integration.
This model of mandatory coverage is not entirely new in the region. Zanzibar, a semi-autonomous part of Tanzania and a major tourist destination, has already implemented a similar system. There, the initiative has helped reduce the financial strain on local hospitals and boosted tourists’ confidence in emergency preparedness.
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“This isn’t just about the money—it’s about assurance,” said a senior official at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism. “Visitors should feel that, should anything go wrong, they’re taken care of.”
Long-Term Benefits for the Sector
With tourism contributing significantly to Tanzania’s economy—thanks to attractions like Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti National Park, and Ngorongoro Crater—ensuring the wellbeing of travelers is increasingly viewed as a priority.
Post-COVID-19 pandemic realities have also influenced many governments to introduce travel insurance requirements to avoid overwhelming their public health systems. Countries like Thailand and Turkey have adopted similar measures for incoming visitors.
Experts say that if implemented well, the Tanzanian initiative could position the country as one of the most responsible and well-prepared tourist destinations in Africa.
A detailed framework—including a revenue-sharing formula between public and private sector stakeholders—will be released soon, according to government sources. The full program rollout is expected to follow Parliamentary approval of amendments to the Insurance Act, and could begin later this year.
