Tanzania Requires New Travel Insurance and Health Declarations

Tanzania now requires all travelers to purchase a travel insurance policy from the country’s authorized travel insurance company. This policy previously applied only to those visiting Zanzibar, but it is now required of travelers going to mainland Tanzania as well. This policy is in addition to any other travel insurance visitors may purchase.

How travelers get the required insurance depends on their point of entry in Tanzania. Those entering through mainland Tanzania purchase their policy through the National Insurance Corporation. Those entering through Zanzibar acquire their policy through the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation. Either policy covers all of Tanzania and provides 92 days of coverage.

Travelers must present a digital or printed copy of their insurance certificate and QR code upon arrival. The insurance certificate and QR Code may be scanned or otherwise verified at the port of entry to establish authenticity, validity and applicable period of coverage.

Additionally, all travelers to Tanzania must complete the newly required online health declarations. Simply go to AfyaMsafiri Traveler Health Surveillance before departure to Tanzania or upon arrival there.  (English and French versions are accessible through the toggle in the top righthand corner of the site.) Expect health screenings, including temperature checks at all points of entry, including airports, land border crossings and seaports.

The new requirement is due to the Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda. Declarations were previously required only of those arriving from or transiting through the DRC but have been extended to all travelers.

By Barbara Crown, Hunter Information Service Liaison