VIS
Foreign visitors
Foreign non-residents entering Zanzibar by air or sea should plan to obtain the inbound insurance before arrival.
Zanzibar · Mandatory inbound travel insurance
Zanzibar Travel Insurance: Mandatory Inbound Insurance for Visitors
Foreign non-residents visiting Zanzibar must arrange the official inbound travel insurance before arrival. Learn who needs it, how to apply, what proof to carry, what it may cover, and how it works alongside your Tanzania visa and travel documents.
MandatoryForeign non-resident visitors
Official portalZIC / Visit Zanzibar
QR certificateCarry proof for arrival
Visa still neededIf required by nationality
Who Needs Zanzibar Mandatory Travel Insurance?
The requirement applies to foreign non-residents traveling to Zanzibar. It is separate from a Tanzania visa, eVisa, passport validity rule, hotel booking or airline requirement.
Do not rely only on private insurance: A separate international travel insurance policy may still be useful, but Zanzibar’s official inbound insurance requirement is specific and may need the official QR certificate for verification.
QR
Certificate with QR code
Travelers should carry the official insurance certificate with QR code for scanning and verification on arrival.
DATE
Effective date
The requirement was announced for foreign non-residents traveling to Zanzibar from October 1, 2024.
ZIC
Official channel
The insurance is purchased through the official Zanzibar inbound insurance portal connected to Zanzibar Insurance Corporation.
What Zanzibar Inbound Insurance May Cover
Coverage wording, limits and exclusions should always be checked on the official policy certificate. Common descriptions mention emergency support, medical emergencies and travel-related risks.
| Area | What to check | Traveler action | Important note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical emergency | Emergency medical expenses and assistance wording. | Review the policy certificate and keep emergency contacts accessible. | Coverage limits and exclusions matter. |
| Air evacuation | Whether evacuation or emergency transport is included and under what conditions. | Save hotline contacts and certificate details offline. | Evacuation usually requires authorization. |
| Baggage and documents | Lost baggage, passport/document issues or delay rules where listed. | Keep receipts, reports and copies of passport and visa documents. | Claim rules may require official reports. |
| Duration | Start date, end date and maximum covered stay. | Match insurance dates to your Zanzibar stay. | Long stays may need special attention. |
| Exclusions | Activities, pre-existing conditions, alcohol/drug exclusions, risky sports and claim limits. | Read exclusions before travel if diving, kitesurfing or adventure activities are planned. | Consider additional private insurance for broader coverage. |
Practical tip: The official Zanzibar insurance may satisfy the entry requirement, but travelers may still want broader private insurance for trip cancellation, high-value equipment, adventure sports, missed connections or coverage outside Zanzibar.
How to Apply for Zanzibar Travel Insurance
Apply before travel, keep the certificate accessible, and make sure the information matches your passport and itinerary.
Start the application
Use the official inbound insurance portal and select the correct insurance type for your trip.
Enter traveler details
Complete your passport, nationality, travel date and contact information carefully.
Review and pay
Check all information before payment. Save your payment confirmation and application reference.
Download certificate
Get the insurance certificate with QR code and keep both digital and printed copies.
Present on arrival
Be ready to show the QR certificate with your passport, visa or eVisa and accommodation details.
Zanzibar Insurance, Tanzania Visa and Arrival Documents
Insurance does not replace visa requirements. Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, so travelers should check Tanzania visa/eVisa requirements based on nationality, passport type and travel purpose.
PASS
Passport
Carry a valid passport with sufficient validity and blank pages for entry and exit stamps.
VISA
Tanzania visa/eVisa
Apply for Tanzania visa or eVisa if your nationality requires it. Zanzibar normally does not require a separate visa.
INS
Insurance certificate
Carry your official Zanzibar inbound insurance QR certificate for arrival verification.
HOTEL
Accommodation proof
Have hotel booking, host details or trip itinerary ready for airline or arrival checks.
TICKET
Onward travel
Keep return or onward ticket details available, especially for short tourist visits.
HEALTH
Health documents
Check vaccination, health and transit requirements based on your route and previous countries visited.
Useful Zanzibar Insurance and Travel Links
Use these links to coordinate insurance, Tanzania visa, Zanzibar travel planning, airport pickup and hotel arrangements.
Zanzibar Travel Insurance FAQ
Quick answers about mandatory inbound insurance, certificates, arrival checks and Tanzania visa planning.
Is travel insurance mandatory for Zanzibar?
Yes. Foreign non-residents traveling to Zanzibar are required to purchase the official mandatory inbound travel insurance before arrival.
Where should I buy Zanzibar travel insurance?
Use the official inbound Visit Zanzibar / Zanzibar Insurance Corporation channel. The official portal states that it is the only official website to apply for the mandatory travel insurance.
Can my own travel insurance replace the Zanzibar insurance?
No. A separate international travel insurance policy may be useful, but it may not replace the official Zanzibar inbound insurance required for entry verification.
What document do I need to show on arrival?
You should carry the official insurance certificate with QR code so it can be scanned and verified, together with your passport, visa or eVisa where required, accommodation and onward travel details.
Do I still need a Tanzania visa?
Yes, if your nationality requires one. Zanzibar insurance does not replace Tanzania visa or eVisa requirements.
Should I still buy private travel insurance?
You may want broader private travel insurance for cancellation, missed flights, sports activities, high-value items or coverage outside Zanzibar. Check both policies carefully.
Prepare insurance, visa and arrival documents before Zanzibar
Get your official Zanzibar inbound insurance certificate, check Tanzania visa rules, arrange airport pickup and keep all travel documents ready for arrival.