Zanzibar Travel Insurance: Your Essential Guide for a Worry-Free Stay

Everything you need to know about Zanzibar's mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance — before you pack your bags.

Since 1 October 2024, the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar has required every international visitor to hold a mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance policy before arriving on the islands. Whether you're flying into Abeid Amani Karume International Airport or arriving by ferry, this applies to you — and it's strictly enforced at immigration.

At Paradise Zanzibar, we want your arrival to be as smooth and stress-free as your stay. This guide walks you through everything you need to know: who needs the insurance, what it covers, how to purchase it, and what to do if you need to make a claim.

Who Needs It?

The insurance is mandatory for all non-resident foreign visitors entering Zanzibar, whether by air or by sea. This includes:

• Holiday tourists
• Business travellers
• Conference attendees
• Transit passengers who clear immigration (even for a single night)
• Visitors arriving from mainland Tanzania as part of a combined Tanzania safari and Zanzibar beach trip

Exemptions apply to:

• Tanzanian citizens and permanent residents
• East African Community (EAC) citizens with valid documentation
• Diplomatic passport holders
• Children under 2 years of age

Important: Your existing travel insurance policy from home does not satisfy this requirement. The Zanzibar government mandates a separate, locally issued policy regardless of any other coverage you hold.

How Much Does It Cost?

The pricing is straightforward:

This is a one-time fee per person, covering a continuous stay of up to 92 days. If your stay exceeds 92 days, you'll need to purchase a new policy before the first one expires.

What Does the Insurance Cover?

The policy is issued exclusively by the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC), a government-owned body. Coverage is comprehensive and designed to protect you across a wide range of scenarios:

Medical & Health

• Emergency medical treatment up to USD 50,000 (including adventure sports such as kitesurfing, diving, and snorkelling)
• Compulsory quarantine costs arising from epidemics or pandemics
• Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation to your home country

Accidents & Personal Safety

• Accidental death and permanent disability
• Personal accident cover during your stay

Other Benefits

• Emergency dental treatment
• Support for other emergency situations during your visit

The policy is valid from the moment you arrive in Zanzibar and covers you across the entire archipelago — including Unguja (the main island), Pemba, and the surrounding smaller islands. Please note it does not apply to Mafia Island.

How to Purchase Your Insurance

The simplest and most recommended approach is to buy online before you travel, through the official Zanzibar government portal:

👉 visitzanzibar.go.tz

We recommend completing your purchase at least a few weeks before departure — ideally around the same time you apply for your Tanzania e-Visa. Once purchased, save your policy documents digitally and consider printing a copy to present at immigration.

Buying at the airport: If you arrive without a policy due to genuine technical difficulties, insurance can be purchased on arrival at Zanzibar airport. However, this can mean queues and delays, so purchasing in advance is strongly advised.

Can airlines refuse boarding? According to a Zanzibar government notice issued in October 2024 and reaffirmed in January 2025, passengers should not be denied boarding by airlines for not holding the insurance in advance. However, you will be required to show valid documentation at immigration on arrival.

Step-by-Step: How to Buy Your Policy Online

1. Visit visitzanzibar.go.tz
2. Select "Inbound Travel Insurance" from the menu
3. Enter your personal details (passport information, nationality, travel dates)
4. Add any accompanying travellers (family members, children)
5. Pay securely by card — USD 44 per adult, USD 22 per child aged 3–17
6. Download and save your policy document, which will include your unique policy number and coverage details

Keep this document accessible throughout your trip, as you may be asked to present it at immigration upon arrival.

What If I Need to Make a Claim?

If you experience a medical emergency or another covered incident during your stay, ZIC operates a dedicated claims helpline available around the clock.

Contact details for claims:

• 24/7 Helpline: 0800 008 005 (toll-free)
• International: +33 170 195 7025
• Email: inbound@zic.co.tz

When contacting ZIC, have your policy document ready. It includes your unique policy number, effective date, and the terms and conditions of your coverage. All claims are settled directly through the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) instead? No. These cards are not accepted as a substitute for the Zanzibar Inbound Travel Insurance. The ZIC policy is mandatory in addition to any other coverage you hold.

What if I'm combining a Tanzania mainland safari with a trip to Zanzibar? You will still need to purchase the Zanzibar-specific insurance. Your policy becomes valid from the moment you arrive in Zanzibar, whether by domestic flight or ferry from the mainland.

Does the insurance renew automatically for repeat visits? No. Each policy covers one continuous stay of up to 92 days. If you leave and return, or if your stay extends beyond 92 days, a new policy must be purchased.

Is the insurance policy non-renewable? Yes — the policy cannot be extended. A new one must be purchased if needed.

Are adventure activities covered? Yes. The policy is understood to cover water sports including scuba diving and kitesurfing, which are popular activities in Zanzibar. If in doubt, confirm the specifics with ZIC before your trip.

A Note from Paradise Zanzibar

We know that navigating entry requirements can feel like one more thing to manage when planning a holiday. But this step really is quick and easy — a few minutes online and a single payment of USD 44, and you're fully covered for your entire stay.

Think of it as peace of mind built into your trip from the very start. Zanzibar's turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and rich culture are waiting — let's make sure nothing gets in the way of you enjoying every moment.

If you have any questions about the insurance process or your arrival in Zanzibar, our team at Paradise Zanzibar is happy to help. Get in touch before your trip and we'll make sure you arrive ready to relax.

Last updated: June 2026. Information correct at time of publication. For the most up-to-date requirements, please refer to the official Zanzibar government portal at visitzanzibar.go.tz.