Visiting Tanzania? You now need travel insurance

Tanzania has joined a growing list of destinations requiring visitors to be covered by travel insurance. And not just any insurance — the new mandate requires tourists to purchase a specific policy, even if they have already purchased trip insurance or have coverage through a travel credit card.Here's how you can prepare for your trip to Tanzania.Stone Town, Zanzibar. ROBERTO MOIOLA/SYSAWORLDUnder Section 134A of Tanzania's Insurance Act, Cap. 394, which was amended through the Finance Act 2025, most inbound foreigners are now required to carry a specific travel insurance policy as of Oct. 1. This applies whether you enter the country by air, land or sea.Transit passengers are exempt, as are diplomats, select work and residence permit holders and some residents of other African states. Most American tourists, however, will need this insurance to set foot in this popular safari and beach destination.How can you purchase the necessary coverage? That depends on where you enter the country.If you arrive in mainland Tanzania, such as Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) near the safari gateway of Arusha or Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in the capital of Dar es Salaam, yo...