How To Get Mandatory Travel Insurance For Zanzibar

Zanzibar is one of those countries that has introduced a mandatory travel insurance. This means to backpack it, you MUST have their travel insurance, not yours, not Jimmy’s and not Sally’s! As a backpacker who hates travel insurance and refuses to pay it, after companies stiched me up so many times two decades ago, it pained me that I needed to get it this time. It also confirms to me that Zanzibar is not Tanzania, they refer to themselves as The Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar.

Remember, all those countries that add in fake visas and then pretend they are visa free. You don’t need travel insurance to backpack mainland Tanzania, just for Zanzibar. As part of my 2025 Rainy Summertime tour, I’d need 3 visas, 1 traveller declaration and 1 travel insurance payment…

So the bad news is that you MUST pay for the travel insurance, as well as the visa. It means you have forked out around $100 US Dollars before you have even backpacked the country of Zanzibar! The good news is you can therefore count Zanzibar as a new country, and the process to buy this insurance is very easy. Also before my trip I used to think that Zanzibar was an island. It is not – it is a country, an island archipelago.  The main island has its capital of Zanzibar City, but that island is called Unguja. Here’s how to get the Mandatory Travel Insurance for Zanzibar away.

Firstly, go to the Official Website of Zanzibar Government

The island country is self-monikered “The Revolutionary Government Of Zanzibar, click here –  https://inbound.visitzanzibar.go.tz/insurance/apply

There are only 3 parts to the application. You fill in your details including address, passport number, date of birth then you click on the next page and confirm you understand the rules.

Then you pay. The payment is non-negotiable and is $44 US for a generic tourist like me. Business travellers and students are in different categories. You get a payment confirmation, a reference number and then you get the insurance document on email via a clickable link.

 

The Zanzibar Insurance Document

The Zanzibar Insurance Document is a whopping 10 pages long! I printed it for my arrival at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport which is the main airport in the Zanzibar Archipelago located on Unguja Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania. Yes, Zanzibar is not actually the name of the island! Though the capital city is known as Zanzibar City, or often referred to as Stone Town. On arrival the immigration officers will check it and then you pay for your visa for Zanzibar/Tanzania. The visa price is $50 US Dollars, payable in cash. My printed travel insurance looked like this:

The terms and conditions of this insurance (from official website) –

Zanzibar Mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance Terms and Conditions

Please read the following Zanzibar Mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance Terms and Conditions:

This system Ensures that all visitors to Zanzibar comply with the Government’s requirement for Mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance, safeguarding the health and safety of travellers and residents.

This website and its services are operated by the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) under the directives of the Government of Zanzibar, in accordance with the Data Protection laws of the United Republic of Tanzania, ensuring the confidentiality and security of your personal information.

By submitting your application and purchasing the Mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance, you agree to the following:

Mandatory Requirement: All visitors to Zanzibar must have this insurance. No alternative packages or providers are accepted. Public Health Compliance: You agree to adhere to any public health measures in place, including quarantine, isolation, or testing, if necessary. Accuracy of Information: Providing false or incomplete information will render your insurance void, requiring you to purchase a new one at your expense. Important Notes:

Possession of this Mandatory Insurance is required for entry into Zanzibar. Ensure you have completed the application accurately to avoid delays or issues upon arrival. Applications must be submitted through this official system. No third-party services are available or authorized for this process.

By clicking “Proceed,” you confirm your agreement to these terms. If you do not agree, you may choose not to apply, but please note that entry into Zanzibar requires compliance with this Mandatory Insurance policy.

Thank you for Ensuring a safe and secure visit to Zanzibar.

And you are ready to go!