Mandatory Zanzibar Travel Insurance: What Travelers Need to Know
If you are planning a trip to Zanzibar, there is an important travel requirement you should know about before your journey. Foreign visitors traveling to Zanzibar are required to have Zanzibar-specific travel insurance arranged through the designated Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC).
At Sereland Africa Safaris, we recommend that every traveler planning a Zanzibar holiday understands this requirement before arrival and makes the necessary arrangements in advance.
The mandatory Zanzibar travel insurance is designed to provide visitors with protection during their stay on the island, including coverage for medical emergencies, accidents, emergency evacuation, baggage-related issues, and other unexpected situations.
The Zanzibar-specific insurance is separate from any travel insurance policy you may already have from your home country. Therefore, travelers should check the current requirements and ensure they have the appropriate Zanzibar coverage before traveling.
What Is Zanzibar Mandatory Travel Insurance?
Zanzibar introduced mandatory travel insurance for foreign visitors as part of its efforts to strengthen tourist safety and provide visitors with access to assistance in case of emergencies.
The insurance provides coverage for a range of situations that may occur during your stay in Zanzibar. Travelers are generally required to obtain the appropriate Zanzibar insurance before entering the destination.
The policy is designed specifically for visitors traveling within the Zanzibar archipelago.
At Sereland Africa Safaris, we encourage our guests to arrange their insurance before departure so that their arrival and holiday experience can be as smooth as possible.
Why Do I Need Zanzibar Travel Insurance If I Already Have Travel Insurance?
This is one of the most common questions travelers ask.
You may already have international travel insurance that covers medical treatment, cancellations, baggage, and emergencies. However, Zanzibar’s mandatory insurance requirement is a separate destination-specific requirement.
Having your own international travel insurance does not necessarily replace the Zanzibar mandatory insurance requirement.
For this reason, travelers should maintain their existing travel insurance while also following the current Zanzibar entry requirements.
Your personal travel insurance may provide broader protection, while the Zanzibar-specific policy is intended to satisfy the local mandatory insurance requirement.
What Does the Zanzibar Insurance Cover?
The mandatory insurance policy is designed to provide protection against several potential situations during your stay.
Depending on the current terms of the policy, coverage may include:
- Emergency medical expenses
- Medical treatment related to epidemics and pandemics
- Compulsory quarantine expenses where applicable
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Repatriation expenses
- Extension of stay when a traveler is medically unfit to fly
- 24/7 emergency assistance services
- Personal accident coverage
- Personal liability
- Legal expenses
- Baggage-related protection
- Repatriation in the event of death
Travelers should always review the latest policy terms and conditions before purchasing the insurance because coverage, limits, exclusions, and requirements may change.
Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC)
The Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) is the designated provider associated with Zanzibar’s mandatory travel insurance requirement.
Travelers purchasing the required insurance receive confirmation of their coverage, including a QR code or other documentation that may be required when entering Zanzibar.
It is important to keep your insurance confirmation accessible throughout your journey and have the necessary documentation available when arriving at Zanzibar’s airport or other official entry point.
How to Get Zanzibar Mandatory Travel Insurance
Travelers should arrange the required Zanzibar insurance before traveling to Zanzibar.
The application process generally involves:
- Accessing the official Zanzibar insurance or tourism platform.
- Providing the required traveler information.
- Selecting the appropriate insurance coverage.
- Making the required payment.
- Receiving your insurance confirmation and QR code.
- Keeping the confirmation available for presentation upon arrival if requested.
Because government procedures and fees can change, travelers should always verify the latest information through official Zanzibar sources before making payment.
How Much Does Zanzibar Travel Insurance Cost?
The cost of mandatory Zanzibar travel insurance has been published at US$44 per person under the current policy information.
However, travelers should verify the current official price before purchasing, as government fees and insurance requirements may be updated.
Children and adults may be subject to the applicable policy pricing depending on the current regulations.
Do Children Need Zanzibar Travel Insurance?
Families traveling to Zanzibar should also check the insurance requirements for children before their trip.
The applicable premium and coverage conditions should be confirmed through the official insurance provider before travel.
At Sereland Africa Safaris, we recommend that families arrange the necessary documentation for every traveler before departing for Zanzibar.
Can Sereland Africa Safaris Buy the Insurance for Me?
Sereland Africa Safaris can assist you with general travel planning and provide guidance about Zanzibar’s entry requirements.
However, travelers should purchase the mandatory Zanzibar insurance through the official designated channel and ensure that the insurance is issued in the traveler’s own details.
We recommend completing the process before your departure rather than waiting until you arrive in Zanzibar.
Do I Still Need My Own Travel Insurance?
Yes, it is strongly recommended that travelers maintain comprehensive international travel insurance even when they have purchased the mandatory Zanzibar-specific insurance.
Your personal travel insurance may provide additional protection for areas such as:
- Trip cancellation
- Trip interruption
- Lost or delayed luggage
- Flight delays
- Medical treatment outside the scope of the Zanzibar policy
- Personal belongings
- Other travel-related emergencies
The Zanzibar mandatory insurance should therefore be viewed as a local entry requirement, rather than necessarily replacing comprehensive international travel insurance.
Important Advice Before Traveling to Zanzibar
Before your trip, make sure you:
- Check the latest Zanzibar travel insurance requirements.
- Purchase the required insurance through the official channel.
- Keep your insurance confirmation and QR code accessible.
- Carry your passport and required travel documents.
- Maintain your own comprehensive travel insurance.
- Check your visa and entry requirements.
- Confirm your accommodation and airport transfer arrangements.
- Keep copies of important travel documents.
At Sereland Africa Safaris, we recommend preparing all essential travel documentation before your departure to avoid unnecessary delays or complications upon arrival.
Planning a Zanzibar Holiday?
Zanzibar offers beautiful beaches, fascinating history, rich Swahili culture, and unforgettable island experiences. Whether you are planning a relaxing beach holiday, a romantic honeymoon, a family vacation, or combining Zanzibar with a Tanzania safari, proper preparation can make your journey much smoother.
Sereland Africa Safaris can help you design a personalized Tanzania journey combining wildlife safaris, Kilimanjaro adventures, and a relaxing Zanzibar escape.
From exploring the Serengeti and Ngorongoro to relaxing on Zanzibar’s beautiful coastline, our team can help create an itinerary designed around your interests, travel dates, and preferred style of travel.
How to Apply for Zanzibar’s Mandatory Insurance
The procedure should be simple: visit the official Zanzibar tourism website https://visitzanzibar.go.tz/, fill out your details, and pay the 44 USD fee. The coverage applies to one person and only within the Zanzibar archipelago. Once the insurance and payment have been processed, you should receive a receipt with a QR code to present on arrival at immigration at the Zanzibar airport along with your tourist visas. The option to buy single insurance for the whole family or group should also be available in the future.
Please note: You will need to do this yourselves, before you travel. Lion King is not able to purchase this insurance on your behalf.
If you have any questions or need further clarification, please contact the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation directly. You can reach them via email at inbound@zic.co.tz
Final Thoughts
Zanzibar’s mandatory travel insurance is an important requirement for international visitors and should be arranged before traveling.
While the Zanzibar-specific insurance provides an additional layer of protection during your stay, we recommend maintaining comprehensive travel insurance from your home country as well.
Before traveling, always check the latest official Zanzibar requirements, insurance costs, coverage details, and application procedures, as regulations can change.
Planning your Zanzibar adventure? Contact Sereland Africa Safaris to create a personalized Tanzania safari and Zanzibar holiday designed around you.
