Is travel insurance mandatory for Zanzibar?

Hi, I’m writing to ask for some info—I’ve heard that you **must** have travel insurance to land in Zanzibar. What’s the process, and which insurance should I get? Thanks in advance for your feedback! Best, Seb

Hi,

Yes, there is MANDATORY insurance... but!

First, read this carefully: It’s very well explained by our consular services.

https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/information-par-pays/tanzanie/conseils-aux-voyageurs-entree-sejour

In short, to simplify a bit, it’s mandatory, but it’s a "scam" by the Zanzibar government. If you have a problem, it’s best to avoid using it and, above all, have "proper insurance from back home." The best thing is not to go to Zanzibar at all...!

Puma2A

hi thanks so much for the info.

so if I get it right, it’s mandatory, but it’s useless, yet still mandatory—so if you don’t take out this insurance, you can’t go to Zanzibar :(

Looks like it is!! Hopefully some folks who’ve just come back from Zanzibar can shed a bit more light. But our government’s travel advice is always super reliable.

..

thanks so much no choice but to get it then thanks again

😉

For Zanzibar, you need to budget for a tourist tax that can range from $1 to $9 per person per night (depending on the standard of your hotels), which must be paid on-site for your stays in Zanzibar.

Starting October 1, 2024, the Zanzibar government requires all visitors to purchase THEIR travel insurance, regardless of whether you already have some. The cost is $44 per adult and $22 per child aged 3 to 17. To subscribe, visit their website:

https://visitzanzibar.go.tz/insurance

For Tanzania (whether Zanzibar or not), a visa ($50) is mandatory for citizens of the European Union, Switzerland, and Canada. It’s highly recommended to apply for your visa online 2-3 weeks in advance via the official immigration website to avoid a nearly hour-long procedure upon arrival: https://visa.immigration.go.tz/

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date.

no choice but to take it then

To avoid paying for Zanzibar’s "dodgy" insurance, one solution is to opt for the Island of Mafia, further south and full of charm. This island is administered by the Tanzanian Government, not the autonomous government of Zanzibar ??? So you don’t have to pay the mandatory insurance. I haven’t been there myself, but several friends have stayed there and came back delighted. You can reach it by plane from Dar es Salaam.

Cheers, Puma2A

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