From October 1st, 2024, Zanzibar will require international visitors to purchase local travel insurance.
This insurance must be purchased exclusively from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC). It will cost $44USD and is valid for 90 days.
This mandatory insurance plan includes coverage for medical care, lost luggage, accidents, emergency evacuations, loss of important documents like passports, and repatriation in the event of death. The new regulation is intended to enhance traveler safety and security while in Zanzibar.
We at Shadows Of Africa fully understand that this new regulation, along with the extra cost, is not good news for travelers. We also recognize that not all details seem to have been fully ironed out. However, we must respectfully comply with the laws of the places we travel to, whether we agree with them or not.
Recommendations for Travelers
When planning your trip to Zanzibar, it's important to include the $44USD insurance fee in your budget. Even if you already have international travel insurance from your own country, you must still purchase this coverage, as it is a mandatory requirement for all foreign visitors.
To get the insurance, you must buy it before traveling. You will need the ZIC-issued QR code for both your flight and entry into Zanzibar.
Be sure to check the official Zanzibar tourism website for updates on the process. For more specific inquiries, reach out directly to ZIC via email at inbound@zic.co.tz or call their toll-free number at 0800008005.
The Purpose of Mandatory Travel Insurance
As Zanzibar’s tourism industry has rapidly expanded in recent years, it has become a key driver of the economy. The new travel insurance mandate is part of a larger effort to improve safety and well-being of tourists.
With more visitors come new challenges, particularly related to health and safety. The government has taken action to address these issues and ensure higher service standards for everyone visiting the island.
The Zanzibar Insurance Corporation
Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC), a government-owned entity, is the sole provider of this insurance. The ZIC worked with the Ministry of Finance to craft a package that covers all essential tourist needs.
Travelers must purchase the insurance in advance, and will receive a QR code to confirm their coverage. This QR code will be required when entering the country and links directly to the policy details.
Why is Additional Insurance Necessary?
Many travelers will wonder why they need this insurance, especially when they may already have coverage from their home country. Although existing insurance plans might offer some coverage, not all policies are tailored to the specific risks and services available in Zanzibar.
The Zanzibar government has said that this new policy addresses specific local needs. For instance, foreign insurance might cover medical emergencies, but it could exclude Zanzibar’s local hospitals or lack provisions for emergency evacuations from remote areas.
Additionally, common international policies might not fully cover lost baggage or the replacement of essential documents. The ZIC insurance closes these gaps, offering protection tailored to local conditions.
The policy will standardize insurance coverage for all travelers: every traveler will have the same coverage provided by one company. Since it integrates with the local tourism system, it also simplifies paperwork for both travelers and authorities.
Additional Entry Requirements for Zanzibar
Besides the insurance, there are a few other things you’ll need when visiting Zanzibar:
Visa: Required for most nationalities; check with the Tanzania Immigration Department for more information.
Yellow Fever Vaccination: If you are arriving from or passing through countries with yellow fever risk, you must show proof of vaccination.
Passport validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your entry date and has two blank pages.
