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Trip Quest

Mandatory Travel Insurance for Zanzibar in 2026: Essential Guide for Travellers

  • Manish Putane
  • 21 hours ago
  • 3 min read

Planning your dream Tanzania Safari followed by a relaxing Zanzibar Beach Holiday? As of October 1, 2024, the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar requires all foreign visitors (non-residents) to have mandatory inbound travel insurance for entry. This policy remains fully enforced in 2026 with no changes announced. At Trip Quest, we ensure our clients are fully informed and compliant so your Zanzibar extension after Serengeti, Ngorongoro, or Masai Mara adventures goes smoothly and stress-free.


Why Is Travel Insurance Mandatory for Zanzibar?

The Zanzibar authorities introduced this requirement to enhance visitor safety, guarantee immediate access to emergency medical care, and support overall tourism resilience. The insurance is exclusively provided and managed by the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC).


Who Must Purchase It?

  • All international tourists and non-residents entering Zanzibar (by air or sea).

  • Required even if you already hold comprehensive international travel insurance.

  • Not applicable for passengers transiting through Zanzibar Airport without leaving the terminal.

  • Covers stays of up to 92 consecutive days (approximately 3 months) from arrival.


What Does the Mandatory Zanzibar Insurance Cover?

The official policy includes the following key protections:

  • Emergency medical expenses up to USD 50,000 (including epidemics/pandemics and compulsory quarantine).

  • Medical evacuation and repatriation (including for pandemic-related issues).

  • Extension of stay for medical reasons + accommodation/transport for one accompanying person.

  • Personal accidents (e.g., accidental death/disability up to USD 20,000).

  • Baggage issues: Delay (up to USD 200), loss/theft/damage (up to USD 400).

  • Personal liability up to USD 30,000.

  • Legal expenses and bail advance up to USD 2,000 each.

  • 24/7 emergency assistance services (medical, consular, travel support).

  • Coverage for adventure activities like scuba diving and kitesurfing.


Coverage applies only within the Zanzibar archipelago and allows multiple entries/exits during the validity period.


Cost and How to Buy It

The process to obtain the mandatory policy is online and straightforward, and Trip Quest strongly recommends completing it before you start your journey. Airport purchase is possible at kiosks, but pre-purchase is strongly recommended to avoid queues and delays.


Cost:

  • Adult price: USD 44 Per Person.

  • Children 3 to 17 years: USD 22 Per Kid.

  • Children under 3: Free of Cost.

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Step‑by‑step:

  1. Visit the official Zanzibar Tourism portal: https://visitzanzibar.go.tz/ or directly at https://inbound.visitzanzibar.go.tz/

    Zanzibar Insurnance Corporation Offical Portal | Trip Quest


  2. Choose the plan type: Individual/Couple, Family, Group, or Student.

    Select Plans for Zanzibar Insurance | Trip Quest


  3. Complete the online form with your personal and travel details as requested.

    Zanzibar Insurance Form | Trip Quest


  4. Pay the premium using the available payment options on the portal.

    Zanzibar Insurance Payment Pagel | Trip Quest

  5. After payment, you will receive a confirmation email containing your policy details and a unique QR code.

  6. Save the QR code on your phone and keep a printed copy with your travel documents, as immigration officers may request to scan it on arrival.

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Trip Quest cannot purchase this insurance on your behalf; each traveller must complete the online registration individually.


Important Tips for 2026 Travelers

  • This is separate from any personal travel insurance - only the ZIC policy satisfies entry requirements.

  • No exemptions for most visitors; non-compliance may lead to denied entry.

  • Valid for 92 days; purchase a new policy for longer stays.

  • Airlines generally do not check in advance, but immigration will.

  • For emergencies: Contact ZIC 24/7 helpline (0800008005 toll-free in Tanzania, or international numbers provided in policy) or Email: inbound@zic.co.tz


How Trip Quest Makes It Easy

When you book a combined Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar Beach Package with us, our team reminds you of this requirement well in advance, provides step-by-step guidance, and helps integrate it seamlessly into your itinerary. We’ve assisted hundreds of clients with hassle-free Zanzibar add-ons - let us handle the details so you can focus on paradise.


Ready to add pristine Zanzibar Beaches to your East Africa adventure? Contact us for the best Safari + Zanzibar itineraries today.

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