The Government of Zanzibar is introducing mandatory travel insurance for all visitors from 1st October 2024.
This insurance will need to be purchased online from the Zanzibar Insurance Company (ZIC) before travelling. It will cost $44 (£33.50) and be valid for 92 consecutive days.
Here’s everything you need to know:
What does mandatory travel insurance mean?
Mandatory travel insurance means it is compulsory for all visitors to Zanzibar to purchase this insurance policy before travelling to Zanzibar.
If you do not purchase this travel insurance you may be denied entry to Zanzibar.
You will need to buy this mandatory insurance policy even if you have your own, valid, travel insurance and/ or medical insurance. It will apply to all visitors to Zanzibar, including those from other East African countries, and to arrivals via both sea and air. You can read the official advisory notice here.
Why is Zanzibar introducing mandatory travel insurance?
Whilst the news of the introduction of mandatory travel insurance for Zanzibar travel has been unpopular, the Government of Zanzibar claim that the introduction of this scheme is part of their wider efforts to ensure the safety and wellbeing of tourists.
Tourism in Zanzibar has rapidly expanded over recent years and this can impact service standards, especially for medical care. The sole provider of the insurance, ZIC, is part of the Zanzibari government, working with the Ministry of Finance to design an insurance package that will cover all essential needs for visitors to Zanzibar, as well as addressing specific local needs.
The full details are yet to be disclosed, and are still subject to change, but the government believe that every visitor having the same coverage from one provider will simplify paperwork for visitors and authorities alike as they strive to provide a ‘safe and enjoyable experience’.
How can I buy Zanzibar travel insurance for my trip?
As soon as possible after booking your travel to Zanzibar you will need to purchase your mandatory travel insurance online from the ZIC. You will be able to pay using a debit or credit card.
Once purchased, you will receive a QR code; you will need this code both for your flight and also your entry into Zanzibar. You will receive an email with your policy documents attached.
Your insurance will become active from the time of your arrival in Zanzibar.
What does it cover?
Zanzibar’s travel insurance will provide cover for unexpected medical illness, including the cost of emergency medical expenses and repatriation expenses (body and medical), as well as personal accidents and liabilities, lost or stolen baggage, legal expenses and delays.
It will not provide cover against terrorism.
The ZIC has not yet provided full details of exclusions: you can check here for updates.
How will I be able to make a claim?
Full details of how to make a claim should be provided in the email containing your policy documents. You will need your unique policy number and any receipts required to support your claim. To make a claim, email inbound@zic.co.tz or medical-service@axa- assistance.ma, or call or +331701957025 or 0800008005.
How much does it cost?
It costs $44 per person. The ZIC has stated there will be a family package offered but has not yet provided details of this option.
What if I already have my own travel or medical insurance?
You will still need to purchase the Zanzibar travel insurance from the ZIC as, from 1st October 2024 it will be a mandatory entry requirement to travel to Zanzibar. My personal recommendation would be to still have your own insurance policy in place, especially as currently we don’t know the full details of the coverage provided by Zanzibar’s mandatory travel insurance. Please note also that this insurance is for travel to Zanzibar and so will only cover any time you spend in Zanzibar and not your travel to the Tanzanian mainland.
What other entry requirements are there for Zanzibar?
To travel to Zanzibar, you will need:
- A Visa: travellers from the UK can buy a visa online in advance of travel, or pay upon arrival. A visa costs $50 (£38.10) and is valid for 90 days.
- A valid passport: your passport will need to be valid for at least six months from your date of arrival in Zanzibar.
- A Yellow Fever vaccine certificate: for those who have travelled to, or passed through, countries with a Yellow Fever risk.
You could also be asked to provide evidence of onward travel and/ or funds.
When I travelled to Zanzibar I bought my visa on arrival using cash and found it to be a simple and quick process. You can find out more about the process, and purchase an online visa, here.
What else should I know?
When planning any travel to Zanzibar from 1st October 2024 it’s important that you factor both the cost of your visa and the mandatory travel insurance into your budget.
If you extend your stay in Zanzibar beyond three months then you will need to purchase both a new visa AND a new travel insurance policy.
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