New mandatory travel insurance for Zanzibar

Starting October 1, 2024, the Republic of Zanzibar will introduce an insurance fee for incoming travelers. This is a mandatory requirement for all foreigners planning to visit the islands of Zanzibar and Pemba. Below is everything we know about the new insurance offering comprehensive coverage.

Let’s break down what’s known and how this will work in practice.

Does this apply only to Zanzibar?

Yes, the insurance fee applies solely to those visiting the Zanzibar archipelago. It is not required for entry into mainland Tanzania.

Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous republic within Tanzania, so its government has the authority to make independent decisions in various sectors. The insurance fee is checked on the main islands of Unguja (commonly known as Zanzibar) and Pemba. Travelers can access the smaller neighboring islands from these main islands. Note that Mafia Island is not part of Zanzibar and administratively belongs to mainland Tanzania.

What does the Zanzibar insurance cover?

The mandatory insurance fee covers the costs of emergency medical care, medical evacuation, and repatriation expenses, accident insurance under certain conditions, delay or damage to luggage, theft, and loss of property, as well as potential legal and other expenses.

When does the new regulation come into effect?

It begins on October 1, 2024.

Who is required to pay the fee?

Everyone arriving by plane or ferry to the main islands of the Republic of Zanzibar: Unguja and Pemba.

This rule applies to all tourists except residents.

If a tourist already has international insurance, do they still need to pay this fee?

Yes, every traveler entering the republic must pay this Zanzibar mandatory travel insurance fee, regardless of other existing insurance policies. International insurance policies from other countries do not replace this mandatory insurance program.

How much does the new insurance cost?

The Zanzibar insurance fee is $44 USD per adult traveler.

Children under 2 years old are exempt. For children aged 3-17, there is a 50% discount.

Is there a family plan for Zanzibar insurance?

Yes, there is a family insurance package available for traveling families.

Is there a special plan for group travelers?

Yes, there is a group plan for 10 or more people.

Where can the fee be paid?

The insurance can be paid on an official Zanzibar tourism website operated by the state-run Zanzibar Insurance Corporation: visitzanzibar.go.tz. Payments can be made online, similar to applying for a visa to Tanzania.

The process of filling out forms and making payments is simple and intuitive. The site supports several languages, which can be selected from the top right corner. The entire process consists of three steps and takes only a few minutes.

How to pay the insurance fee?

The insurance fee can be paid by credit card.

Can the fee be paid upon arrival?

The insurance fee can be paid at the airport or at Stone Town’s seaport upon arrival. However, it's important to fill out an application on the website beforehand and remember or photograph its number to avoid delays at the airport. Payment can be made in cash upon arrival.

This process might take some time, especially if many people are paying on-site. Be prepared to spend a little more time at the airport than usual.

How long is the insurance valid?

The insurance will be valid for 3 months (92 days).

When should I purchase the insurance?

We recommend paying this fee immediately after purchasing plane tickets and booking tours or accommodations.

What document is issued after payment?

After payment, a confirmation will be sent to the provided email address. It will include the policy number, start date, and other important information.

When does the insurance coverage begin?

The insurance coverage starts from the moment of arrival in Zanzibar.

Can the Zanzibar travel insurance be extended if the trip lasts longer than 3 months?

In this case, you will need to pay a new insurance fee once the previous one expires.

What is not covered by this Zanzibar insurance?

The insurance does not cover:

• Accidents occurring during sports and other active recreation;
• Medical expenses related to scheduled examinations and preventive measures;
• Pre-existing conditions;
• Cosmetic surgery and treatments unrelated to accidents;
• Pregnancy and its consequences;
• Consequences of alcohol abuse;
• Circumstances following involvement in fights (except in cases of self-defense);
• Clear violations of recognized safety rules;
• Natural disasters;
• War, riots, and civil unrest;
• Uprisings, terrorist acts, sabotage;
• Circumstances deliberately caused by the insured person and other exceptional cases.

Can the insurance be canceled if the trip is canceled?

Yes, the compulsory insurance can be canceled by writing to the insurance company at: [email protected]

How do officials explain the need for the new mandatory travel insurance fee?

Zanzibar’s Finance Minister, Saada Salum, stated that the goal is to significantly improve services for tourists. This includes providing emergency medical assistance, addressing lost passports and luggage, organizing emergency evacuations, and repatriation in cases of unexpected death, with the Zanzibar government arranging the process. The minister was supported by a representative from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC), who added that this initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance the tourist experience in Zanzibar.

Saada Salum cited other countries where similar practices are common. However, she did not provide examples of such countries.

At an official stakeholder meeting earlier in 2024, it was mentioned that Zanzibar’s healthcare system is under significant pressure from tourists. The Zanzibar President’s Office aims to increase the amount of collected revenue, and this insurance fee seems intended to reduce the financial burden on the republic.

Zanzibar’s leadership hopes this will increase tourist numbers. However, there are concerns among tourism companies that the additional costs may deter foreign visitors.