We had planned our trip to Tanzania months ago, with our travel insurance already in place. However, a few weeks before our departure, the Tanzanian government implemented a new policy, making travel insurance for Zanzibar compulsory for all visitors. Unfortunately, we had to cancel our prepaid insurance and purchase a new one, adjusting to these sudden changes.
Starting October 1, 2024, all foreign visitors to Zanzibar must purchase mandatory travel insurance. This new regulation protects tourists from unforeseen medical emergencies, travel disruptions, and other potential risks during their stay.
As Zanzibar continues to attract travelers from across the globe, ensuring visitor safety has become a priority for the local government. Our article below will explore everything you need to know about Zanzibar travel insurance.
Are you ready for your next trip to Tanzania? Read our Tanzania e-Visa Guide
Where to buy travel insurance for Zanzibar
You can only purchase travel insurance through the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC). This policy is non-negotiable and must be obtained either online before your trip or at entry points such as airports and seaports. Once purchased, you will receive a QR code linked to your insurance details, which must be presented upon arrival in Zanzibar.
To make the process smoother, it’s highly recommended to secure the insurance in advance, ensuring hassle-free entry and compliance with the new regulations.
Zanzibar travel insurance packages
Zanzibar offers three main insurance packages to suit different travel needs:
Individual: Ideal for solo travelers, this package is free for infants aged 0-2, offers a 50% discount for children aged 3-17, and requires full payment for adults aged 18 and above.
Family: Designed for groups of 3-9 people, offering the same discounts as the individual package.
Group: For larger groups (10+), this package includes a 10% discount for adults while keeping the infant and children discounts the same.
How to apply for Zanzibar’s mandatory travel insurance
Here’s the step-by-step guide for applying for mandatory travel insurance for Zanzibar:
- Visit visitzanzibar.go.tz and click on Apply Now.
- Choose your appropriate package.
- Fill in your details as you can see in the image below:
- Enter your travel dates (arrival and departure).
- If traveling with others, fill in their details. Otherwise, skip this.
- Review and confirm the details. No changes are allowed post-submission.
- Enter the Captcha and hit Submit.
- Proceed to payment via your card (we had a problem with Visa, and we paid with Mastercard)
- Upon successful payment, enter your passport number again and complete a final Captcha.
- You will receive a QR code and insurance details via email (check your spam folder too).
Ensure you have both printed and digital copies of the insurance when traveling.
When to buy travel insurance for Zanzibar?
It’s best to purchase your Zanzibar travel insurance as soon as your trip is confirmed. By doing so, you ensure full coverage throughout your stay and avoid any last-minute complications that could arise if you wait until your arrival. Getting the insurance early also allows you to budget appropriately and gives you peace of mind, knowing that you’ve met all the necessary travel requirements ahead of time.
Coverage duration & renewal
The travel insurance policy covers trips up to 92 days per stay, and travelers can make unlimited trips within the insurance period, as long as each stay does not exceed 92 days. However, this policy is not renewable. If you stay beyond 92 days, you’ll need to purchase a new policy for continued coverage.
Important Tip: Always keep a digital copy of your insurance on hand while traveling, ensuring easy access when needed for entry or in case of emergencies.
Read our 11-day itinerary from Tanzania
What does Zanzibar’s mandatory insurance cover?
The ZIC Inbound Travel Insurance provides the following coverage:
✅ Covered:
- Emergency medical treatment (including epidemics & pandemics) — up to $50,000
- Compulsory quarantine due to epidemic/pandemic
- Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation
- Repatriation of remains in case of death
- Personal accident
- Baggage delay, theft, and loss
- Legal expenses
- Third-party liability
⚠️ Important nuance on sports: Kitesurfing and scuba diving are listed as potentially covered, but verify directly with ZIC before relying on this for adventure activities.
What is NOT Covered — Key Exclusions
Understanding the exclusions is just as important as knowing what’s covered:
- ❌ Pre-existing medical conditions
- ❌ Sports injuries (general rule — specific sports like kitesurfing/scuba disputed)
- ❌ Natural disasters (earthquakes, floods, etc.)
- ❌ War, terrorism, civil unrest
- ❌ Deliberate self-harm or reckless behaviour
- ❌ Elective/routine medical care
- ❌ Coverage outside the Zanzibar archipelago
⚠️ This is why the ZIC insurance does NOT replace your personal travel insurance. For trip cancellation, pre-existing conditions, worldwide coverage, and broader protection, you still need a comprehensive private policy.
Zanzibar Travel Insurance FAQ
Yes, it’s mandatory for all foreign visitors since 1 October 2024. Cost: $44 per adult. Buy at visitzanzibar.go.tz.
No. International travel insurance policies are not accepted as a replacement. Even if you have comprehensive worldwide coverage, you must still purchase the ZIC Inbound Travel Insurance. Your existing policy is still recommended on top of the ZIC policy.
Emergency medical treatment up to $50,000, medical evacuation, repatriation, personal accident, baggage loss/theft/delay, legal expenses, and third-party liability. Does NOT cover pre-existing conditions, sports injuries (generally), natural disasters, war, or terrorism.
After purchasing online, you receive a QR code by email. Present this QR code at immigration on arrival in Zanzibar, along with your passport and Tanzania visa.
Yes, the mandatory insurance applies to the entire Zanzibar archipelago: Unguja (Zanzibar’s main island) and Pemba. It does not apply to Mafia Island, which is part of mainland Tanzania.
