Starting 1 October 2024, all foreign visitors to Zanzibar will be required to purchase a mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance, costing USD44.
The insurance, valid for up to 92 days, must be acquired exclusively from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation via a QR Code provided before travel.
The new policy, introduced by Zanzibar’s Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr Saada Mkuya Salum, aims to protect tourists against health issues, lost baggage, accidents, emergency evacuations, and passport loss. Visitors must pay the fee even if they already hold other travel insurance.
The mandatory insurance fee has raised concerns among travel experts, who argue that it may prove burdensome for families, potentially deterring tourists from choosing Zanzibar as their holiday destination.
While the government finalises the details, plans are in place to allow travellers to purchase the insurance online before their journey, ensuring compliance and avoiding any issues at immigration checkpoints.
