Zanzibar Travel Insurance

Zanzibar Travel Insurance: Mandatory Insurance Guide for 2026

Zanzibar travel insurance is compulsory for foreign visitors entering Zanzibar. You must obtain the official inbound travel insurance provided by the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation, commonly known as ZIC.

This requirement applies even if you already have travel insurance from your home country, your bank or another international insurer. Your existing policy does not replace the mandatory Zanzibar insurance.

The official cost in 2026 is:

• USD 44 per adult

• USD 22 per child

• USD 22 for travellers from East African Community and Southern African Development Community member states

You should apply through the official Zanzibar inbound insurance website before travelling:

https://inbound.visitzanzibar.go.tz/

The requirement applies whether you arrive directly from another country or enter Zanzibar after visiting mainland Tanzania. Always check the latest price and terms before paying because the authorities may update the rules.

Zanzibar Travel Insurance at a Glance

Is Travel Insurance Mandatory for Zanzibar?

Yes. Mandatory inbound travel insurance is an entry requirement for foreign visitors travelling to Zanzibar.

The compulsory scheme was introduced on 1 October 2024. Visitors must obtain the designated Zanzibar policy even when they already hold valid medical or travel insurance from another company.

The current Zanzibar Insurance Corporation guidance states that the requirement applies to:

• Foreign visitors entering Zanzibar

• Travellers from EAC member states

• Travellers from SADC member states

• Visitors who already have separate travel or medical insurance

Your policy certificate may be checked before boarding your flight or ferry and when you arrive in Zanzibar. Keep it somewhere that you can access without relying on an internet connection.

How Much Is Zanzibar Travel Insurance?

The official Zanzibar travel insurance price for 2026 is USD 44 per adult and USD 22 per child.

Visitors from East African Community and Southern African Development Community member states currently pay USD 22.

These are the prices published by the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation at the time this guide was updated. Charges and policy terms can change, so confirm the amount displayed on the official application portal before completing payment.

If a third-party website requests a substantially higher amount, check whether it has added a service charge. The safest approach is to apply directly through the official portal.

What Is the Official Zanzibar Travel Insurance Website?

The official application website is:

https://inbound.visitzanzibar.go.tz/

The mandatory policy is issued through the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation. Its official corporate website also links directly to the inbound insurance portal:

https://zic.co.tz/inbound-insurance

Be careful with sponsored advertisements, agents and websites designed to resemble the official portal. Check the domain carefully before entering your passport or payment information.

How to Apply for Zanzibar Travel Insurance

The application is completed online. You should have your passport and travel information ready before you begin.

Step 1: Open the official website

Go to:

https://inbound.visitzanzibar.go.tz/

Step 2: Start an insurance application

Choose the option for an individual, family or group application, depending on the choices available on the portal.

Step 3: Enter the traveller’s details

Provide the information exactly as it appears in the passport. This may include:

• Full name

• Nationality

• Date of birth

• Passport number

• Email address

• Telephone number

• Arrival and departure dates

• Travel or flight information

Check all passport numbers and dates carefully. An error could cause difficulty when the certificate is checked.

Step 4: Pay the insurance fee

Complete the payment using one of the methods accepted by the official portal. The amount should be shown before you confirm the transaction.

Your bank may apply a currency conversion or international transaction charge in addition to the insurance price.

Step 5: Download the certificate

After the application and payment have been processed, download the insurance certificate or policy document.

Check that the following details are correct:

• Traveller’s name

• Passport number

• Insurance dates

• Policy or reference number

• Payment status

Step 6: Carry digital and printed copies

Save the certificate on your telephone and email it to yourself. We also recommend travelling with a printed copy.

Do not depend entirely on mobile data or airport Wi-Fi when presenting your documents.

When Should You Buy the Insurance?

Buy the mandatory insurance before starting your journey to Zanzibar.

There is no advantage in leaving it until you reach the airport or ferry terminal. Applying early gives you time to correct a passport error, resolve a failed payment or contact ZIC if the certificate does not arrive.

However, complete your booking only after your travel dates are reasonably firm. You should also read the amendment and cancellation conditions before paying.

What Does Zanzibar Travel Insurance Cover?

The mandatory policy is intended to provide protection against medical emergencies, accidents and certain unforeseen incidents during a visitor’s stay.

Depending on the current policy wording, benefits may relate to areas such as:

• Emergency medical treatment

• Medical evacuation

• Repatriation

• Personal accident

• Baggage problems

• Passport loss

• Certain travel delays or disruptions

• Repatriation of mortal remains

Coverage limits, exclusions and claim conditions matter. Do not assume every loss or activity is insured simply because it falls into one of these broad categories.

Read the policy document issued with your certificate for the exact benefits applicable to your trip.

Does the Mandatory Policy Replace Normal Travel Insurance?

We do not recommend treating the compulsory Zanzibar policy as a complete replacement for comprehensive travel insurance.

A separate international policy may provide broader protection for:

• Cancellation before departure

• Missed connections

• A safari in mainland Tanzania or Kenya

• Higher medical and evacuation limits

• Expensive cameras, telephones and other belongings

• Adventure activities

• Supplier failure

• Travel interruption

• Personal liability

• Conditions specifically accepted by your insurer

The mandatory policy satisfies Zanzibar’s entry requirement. Your separate insurance should protect the wider journey according to your personal needs.

Before buying additional cover, check whether it includes all the countries on your itinerary and every activity you intend to do.

Travel Insurance for Tanzania and Zanzibar

Zanzibar forms part of Tanzania, but it has its own mandatory inbound insurance requirement.

This distinction is important:

• If you visit only mainland Tanzania, the Zanzibar compulsory policy does not normally apply.

• If you enter Zanzibar, you need the mandatory policy.

• If you travel from mainland Tanzania to Zanzibar, you still need it.

• If you visit Zanzibar first and then continue to the mainland, consider separate cover for the full trip.

• If your holiday includes Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar, your personal policy should cover all three parts of the journey.

A Tanzania travel insurance policy bought in your home country does not remove the requirement to obtain the designated Zanzibar inbound policy.

Do You Need It When Arriving by Ferry?

Yes. The requirement is based on entry into Zanzibar, not only on arrival by international flight.

You should obtain the policy if you travel to Zanzibar by ferry from Dar es Salaam or by domestic flight from mainland Tanzania. Keep the certificate available for inspection at the port or airport.

Do Children Need Zanzibar Travel Insurance?

Children entering Zanzibar as foreign visitors also require the mandatory insurance. The currently published child price is USD 22.

Use each child’s passport details when applying. Families should check that every traveller appears correctly on the certificate or associated policy documents.

Because age definitions can form part of the insurer’s terms, confirm how the portal classifies your child at the time of application.

Zanzibar Travel Insurance for UK Citizens

UK citizens are included in the requirement for foreign visitors. Having a UK travel insurance policy, bank-account policy or European cover does not exempt a traveller from buying the mandatory Zanzibar policy.

The standard published adult price is USD 44. UK visitors should still consider comprehensive insurance covering the whole holiday, especially when combining Zanzibar with a mainland Tanzania safari.

EAC and SADC Travellers

The Zanzibar Insurance Corporation currently lists a reduced price of USD 22 for travellers from EAC and SADC member states.

Travellers from Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and other member countries should not assume that regional nationality or residency creates a complete exemption. The official guidance specifically includes visitors from these regions.

Enter your nationality and other details accurately so the portal can calculate the applicable price.

Is the Insurance Required for Zanzibar Residents?

The scheme is described as inbound insurance for visitors. Zanzibar residents and people entering under a different immigration or residence status may be treated differently.

If you hold Zanzibar or Tanzanian citizenship, a residence permit, a dependent pass, a work permit or another long-term status, obtain confirmation based on your documents before purchasing the policy.

Do not rely on nationality alone if your residence and immigration status are different.

What to Do if Your Certificate Does Not Arrive

First, check your email spam or junk folder and confirm whether the payment was successfully completed.

If the certificate is still missing:

• Check whether the portal provides a download or application-status option.

• Keep the payment reference and transaction confirmation.

• Do not submit repeated payments without checking the first transaction.

• Contact Zanzibar Insurance Corporation.

The ZIC website currently lists the following inbound insurance contact details:

• Email: [email protected]

• Telephone and WhatsApp: +255 659 072 500

• Toll-free number: +255 80 000 8005

Contact information can change, so verify it through the official ZIC website before travelling.

How to Make a Claim

Follow the instructions in your policy certificate as soon as an insured event occurs.

Where possible:

• Contact the insurer before arranging expensive treatment or evacuation.

• Keep medical reports and original receipts.

• Obtain a police report for theft or another reportable incident.

• Retain airline or ferry documents for delays and baggage problems.

• Keep copies of your passport, tickets and insurance certificate.

• Ask for written confirmation of any advice given by the insurer.

Emergency assistance and claims procedures may be different. Use the contact details shown in your issued policy rather than relying only on general office contacts.

Common Zanzibar Travel Insurance Mistakes

Buying from an unofficial website

Use https://inbound.visitzanzibar.go.tz/ or follow the link from the official ZIC website.

Assuming existing insurance is enough

International insurance does not replace the compulsory Zanzibar policy.

Entering the wrong passport number

The details on the certificate should match the passport used for travel.

Forgetting domestic arrivals

The requirement also matters when entering Zanzibar from mainland Tanzania by domestic flight or ferry.

Carrying only an online copy

Download the certificate in advance and carry a printed backup.

Assuming every activity is covered

Diving, kite surfing, motorcycling and other activities may have special conditions or exclusions. Check the policy wording and your additional insurer’s terms.

Our Practical Advice

We recommend buying the mandatory policy directly from the official portal before departure. Keep both digital and printed copies with your passport.

We also recommend arranging comprehensive travel insurance for the full holiday. This is especially important when your itinerary includes an African safari, several countries, connecting flights or high-value equipment.

Before travelling, check:

• That all names and passport numbers are correct

• That your travel dates are covered

• That every family member has a certificate

• That your wider policy includes Tanzania and Zanzibar

• That planned activities are covered

• That you know whom to contact during an emergency

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need travel insurance for Zanzibar?

Yes. Foreign visitors must obtain the mandatory Zanzibar inbound travel insurance, even if they have another insurance policy.

Is Zanzibar travel insurance mandatory in 2026?

Yes. The Zanzibar Insurance Corporation continues to list inbound travel insurance as compulsory for foreign visitors in 2026.

How much is Zanzibar travel insurance?

The published price is USD 44 per adult and USD 22 per child. Travellers from EAC and SADC member states currently pay USD 22.

Where can I buy official Zanzibar travel insurance?

Apply through the official portal:

https://inbound.visitzanzibar.go.tz/

Can I use my own travel insurance?

You can and should keep suitable personal travel insurance, but it does not replace the mandatory Zanzibar policy.

Do I need the insurance when travelling from mainland Tanzania?

Yes. You need the policy when entering Zanzibar from the mainland, including by domestic flight or ferry.

Does the policy cover mainland Tanzania?

Do not assume that it provides all the protection required for a wider Tanzania itinerary. Read the territorial limits in the issued policy and obtain suitable additional cover for your full journey.

Does a child need Zanzibar travel insurance?

Yes. Foreign children are included in the requirement. The published child price is USD 22.

How long does the application take?

The application is completed online, but processing can depend on correct information and successful payment. Apply before your travel day so that there is time to resolve any problem.

Should I print the insurance certificate?

Yes. Carry a printed copy as well as a version saved on your telephone.

Plan Your Zanzibar Holiday With Us

We plan complete Zanzibar holidays based on your preferred beach, budget and travel style. We can help you choose the right area, select suitable hotels and arrange your airport transfers, excursions and mainland safari.

Tell us:

• Your travel dates

• Number of adults and children

• Preferred hotel standard

• Meal plan

• Beaches or areas you are considering

• Whether you would like to combine Zanzibar with a safari

We will help you build a Zanzibar holiday that fits your plans. The mandatory insurance must be purchased through the official system, but we can remind you about the requirement and help you prepare the correct travel information.

Insurance rules, prices and benefits can change. This guide was reviewed against official information available in September 2026. Always confirm the final price, eligibility and policy wording on the official Zanzibar inbound insurance portal before travelling.