The mandatory travel insurance

Okay, let's talk travel insurance. Groan. I know, I know. It's about as exciting as unpacking your suitcase after a trip. But, starting October 2024, the Zanzibar government decided to make it mandatory for all visitors. So, while I'm not going to get into the why of it all (because, let's be honest, who needs that kind of pre-vacation drama?), it's something we all need to deal with. Think of it as a tiny hurdle on the way to paradise.

Since it's a must-have for every tourist, I've rounded up the most common questions and answers. Hopefully, this will make navigating the insurance landscape a little less painful and get you one step closer to sinking your toes into that glorious Zanzibari sand. Consider it your pre-beach survival kit.

• You can only buy the insurance from ZIC, the Zanzibar Insurance Company. No other travel insurance is accepted.

• You do everything online here https://visitzanzibar.go.tz and it's pretty fast and easy to fill out the form, and you will immediately be granted the insurance document after payment of the USD 44 (lower price for kids).

• Make sure you have the QR code ready when you step into the airplane terminal or ferry terminal on arrival, this is the first checkpoint you will meet.

• Print it out from the website / screenshot it, as the email from the system sometimes does not arrive (check your spam filter as well to be sure), so you are sure that you have it.

• Many airplane companies will not let you board without showing that you have this insurance in place, so when people say "you can get it at the airport" really think hard if you want to risk issues boarding your plane.

• Yes, if you somehow manage to get to Zanzibar port or airport without having the insurance, you will be able to buy it then and there. It will just make sure that you get further behind in the line to go through immigration.

• The insurance is valid for 92 days and is multi-entry, so you can visit Zanzibar several times during the period it is valid.

• Soon you will also need a travel insurance to visit Tanzania mainland as well, as the government there has annouced they will start with the same requirements.

• Travellers from all countries needs a valid insurance, the only exception are nationals and residents.

• The insurance is non-renewable, meaning that if you are staying in Zanzibar after it expires you need to apply for and buy a new one.

• Should you have your own personal insurance as well from a national travel insurance company? Yes! I would strongly recommend that you do and not depend on this one, It was very limited coverage compared to a normal travel insurance. Like if you loose stuff, get robbed (hope it never happen but...). I also have heard people trying to use it and the experiences has been both good and bad.

Karibu Zanzibar!