Tanzania: New Zanzibar Travel-Insurance Tax Explained
Zanzibar’s new mandatory insurance tax goes live 1 September 2024—what the $44 levy covers, who must buy it, and whether existing policies suffice.
Why Zanzibar is imposing the new travel-insurance charge
What’s behind the move? The island is strengthening its financial shield against unpaid medical bills and cutting disputes with European insurers. Many destinations already mandate that visitors carry local coverage, and Zanzibar is aligning with this global trend to safeguard both public health and tourism revenue.
Does an existing policy count?
No—even if your credit card or tour operator already provides travel insurance, you’ll still be required to purchase Zanzibar’s mandatory local policy upon arrival (or pre-purchase online).
How to buy the cover
On arrival you’ll be directed to a dedicated counter at the airport or port. Authorities are also building an online pre-purchase system (details pending) to let visitors complete the paperwork before they land.
Cost and validity
The $44 fee grants coverage valid for up to three months—confirm the exact duration before you book your flights.
Negotiations and possible changes
The African Travel & Tourism Association and hotel groups are lobbying to:
remove the requirement entirely;
lower the $44 premium;
accept foreign proof of insurance instead; or
embed the charge in tour-bundle prices.
Outcomes may yet shift the landscape before 1 September 2024, but travellers should plan for the levy to take effect as currently scheduled.
Spécialiste de la veille réglementaire et experte en contenus destinations, elle analyse quotidiennement l’évolution des formalités d’entrée pour traduire la complexité administrative en guides pratiques. Son rôle combine expertise terrain et précision technique afin de garantir la fiabilité des informations délivrées aux voyageurs.
