Travel Alert: Mandatory Insurance Requirements for Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar

Planning a safari in Kenya, a wildlife adventure in Tanzania or a beach stay in Zanzibar?

Travellers should be aware of mandatory inbound travel insurance requirements before departure.

These destination-specific policies are additional to your usual travel insurance. They provide limited cover and do not replace comprehensive travel insurance for your full journey.

Information checked: 14 October 2026. Requirements, pricing and application procedures may change.

Kenya: Insurance now forms part of new eTA applications

Since 6 October 2026, travellers completing a new Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) application must purchase the Kenyan travel health insurance policy before proceeding to eTA payment.

The insurance purchase is integrated into the application process for entry by air, land or water. Cover can also be purchased separately through eCitizen.

What if you already have an approved eTA?

Travellers who already hold an approved eTA do not need to reapply. The required insurance can be purchased separately through eCitizen before travel.

How much does Kenya’s insurance cost?

Current purchase tests indicate a USD 44 premium, with payment and transaction fees bringing the total to approximately USD 52 per traveller.

Use this figure for planning only. The final amount should be checked at the time of purchase.

Can you use your existing travel insurance?

The application system does not currently allow travellers to upload a policy purchased elsewhere. Travellers should therefore arrange the Kenyan policy through the official channels and retain their own comprehensive travel insurance.

Some details, including child rates and policy duration, remain subject to further official clarification.

Apply through the official Kenya eTA portal or visit eCitizen to arrange insurance separately. CLICK HERE >>

Mainland Tanzania: Mandatory insurance from 1 October 2026

From 1 October 2026, foreign visitors entering through mainland Tanzania must obtain mandatory inbound travel insurance through the National Insurance Corporation (NIC) before arrival, unless exempt.

This requirement is confirmed by the Australian Government’s Smartraveller advice.

Current published guidance lists a standard premium of USD 44, with cover valid for up to 92 days. Travellers should confirm the applicable rate, dates and policy terms when purchasing.

Arrange cover through the official Tanzania NIC inbound insurance portal. CLICK HERE >>

Visiting mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar on the same trip?

Current guidance published by the Norwegian Embassy in Tanzania states that travellers visiting both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar need one inbound insurance policy, arranged according to their first entry point:

• Entering through mainland Tanzania: purchase through NIC.
• Entering through Zanzibar: purchase through ZIC.

Before purchasing, confirm that the policy covers your complete itinerary and travel dates, particularly if you leave and re-enter Tanzania during your journey.
Combining Kenya and Tanzania?

Kenya and Tanzania operate separate insurance arrangements. Do not assume that purchasing Kenya’s compulsory policy satisfies Tanzania’s entry requirements, or vice versa.

Travellers on a combined itinerary should arrange the required cover for each country and keep the relevant confirmations accessible throughout their journey.

Why you still need comprehensive travel insurance
Compulsory inbound policies are designed to meet local entry requirements and provide specified benefits. They may have limits or exclusions that leave parts of your holiday uncovered.
Your comprehensive travel insurance should be suitable for your full itinerary, including medical circumstances, cancellation needs and planned activities. Check the wording carefully, especially for safari activities, trekking or other experiences included in your trip.

Your pre-departure checklist
Before travelling to Kenya, mainland Tanzania or Zanzibar:

• Check the latest entry requirements and any exemptions that apply to you.
• Purchase compulsory cover through the relevant official portal.
• Confirm that your policy dates match your itinerary.
• Save your insurance confirmation, reference number and available policy documents.
• Keep offline copies of your insurance documents and eTA or visa confirmation.
• Retain comprehensive travel insurance for your entire journey.

Travel agents: Please share these requirements with clients travelling to these destinations, including those who already hold an approved eTA or visa.

Need help with your MW Tours booking?
If you have an upcoming booking with MW Tours, contact your travel agent or the MW Tours team for assistance with your travel arrangements.

For the latest Tanzania entry advice, visit Smartraveller. Always check the relevant official insurance portal before departure.

This article provides general travel information, not advice about the suitability of an insurance product. Entry requirements and policy terms should be checked directly with the relevant authorities and insurers.