Tanzania’s tour operators are calling on the government to postpone a planned requirement for foreign visitors to purchase travel insurance. They say the new rule could disrupt current bookings and damage the tourism sector.
Under the Financial Bill, all non‑East African visitors would be required to buy insurance coverage costing $44 per person, valid for up to 62 days. Nationals from East African Community countries—such as Kenya and Uganda—would be exempt, with possible waivers for visitors from SADC nations .
Willy Chambulo, chair of the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO), emphasized that the announcement caught tour firms by surprise:
“We already have tourists who had booked their journeys … we can’t surprise them with the new insurance fees.”
Chambulo suggested a 12‑month grace period to give operators time to inform clients and adjust systems, warning that the sudden enforcement could increase costs and strain the industry.
The insurance, expected to be offered via the National Insurance Company, would cover emergencies, medical incidents, baggage loss, and accidents. While many tourists already purchase private policies, the mandatory fee could unfairly raise travel expenses .
Tanzania plans to introduce an online portal for travelers to buy the insurance. Zanzibar has already implemented a similar charge—$44 for adults, $22 for children—with over $6.1 million collected since October 2024 .