All visitors to Zanzibar must have mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance from Zanzibar Insurance Corporation, effective from October1, 2024.
“This insurance ensures your peace of mind during your stay, offering comprehensive coverage for emergencies such as medical evacuations and repatriation,” said the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar.
Travellers must pay a fee of $44 (R768.45) a person for insurance before visiting the archipelago of islands. Failure to comply with the requirement could result in denial of entry at immigration checkpoints.
Commenting on how the new regulation will impact South African travellers, Lynette Machiri, the customer experience leader at Flight Centre Travel Group South Africa, said the cover began upon arrival and lasted up to 92 days.
It covered foreign visitors, including children, regardless of the duration of their stay or existing travel insurance coverage.
She said the basic cover included the cost of emergency medical expenses and repatriation expenses (body and medical), personal accident, baggage delay, theft and loss, legal expenses and personal liabilities.
“We’ve taken proactive steps to educate our travel experts about this new requirement, so they can confidently advise clients during the booking process and answer any questions they may have.”
Machiri said the travel agency was sharing information about the new requirement with its clients and was in close contact with its Zanzibar travel suppliers to ensure a seamless, stress-free experience for all travellers using the agency.
“We encourage all clients travelling to Zanzibar or Tanzania from 1 October onwards to familiarise themselves with this new requirement and purchase the necessary insurance before their departure. Our team is ready to assist with any questions or concerns.”
For those travelling without the use of an agent, here is the link where you can apply for the mandatory insurance (www.visitzanzibar.go.tz).