Zanzibar Mandatory Travel Insurance – ZIC Official

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Foreign non-residents entering Zanzibar must have mandatory inbound travel insurance issued by the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC).

The rule applies whether you arrive by air or sea, and existing international travel, medical, or credit-card insurance does not replace the required ZIC policy.

Find out everything you need to know about Zanzibar’s insurance requirement and apply today with VisaSyst.

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Why Is Inbound Insurance Mandatory for Zanzibar?

Zanzibar introduced mandatory inbound travel insurance on October 1, 2024. The requirement applies to foreign visitors who are not residents of Zanzibar.

The purpose of the system is to ensure visitors have local coverage during their stay.

The insurance policy must be issued by ZIC (Zanzibar Insurance Corporation). VisaSyst provides a safe and guided way to pay for the official ZIC insurance.

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Important: Private international insurance and credit card insurance do not replace the official ZIC policy. This also applies if your existing policy offers higher medical coverage.

Coverage and Limits of the Official Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) Policy

The ZIC policy includes medical, evacuation, baggage, legal, and liability benefits.

The table below outlines the key coverage and limits.

BenefitMaximum Coverage
Emergency medical expensesUp to US$ 50,000
Emergency evacuationActual eligible expenses
Medical repatriationActual eligible expenses
Repatriation in case of deathActual eligible expenses
Coffin expensesUp to US$ 1,000
Baggage delayUS$ 25/hour, up to US$ 200
Baggage loss, theft, or damageUp to US$ 400
Legal defense expensesUp to US$ 2,000
Bail advanceUp to US$ 2,000
Civil liabilityUp to US$ 30,000

Find out more in the sections below.

  • Emergency medical assistance and hospitalization

    The ZIC policy covers eligible emergency medical expenses up to US$ 50,000. This includes eligible medical costs linked to epidemics and pandemics.

    The policy also includes emergency medical assistance services.

    Travelers planning activities such as diving or kitesurfing should review the current policy terms.

  • Medical repatriation and emergency evacuation

    The policy covers eligible emergency evacuation within Zanzibar or to mainland Tanzania.

    Medical repatriation to the traveler's country of residence is also included. In case of death, the policy provides repatriation assistance.

    The benefits also include up to US$ 1,000 for coffin expenses. Other eligible repatriation expenses may be covered on an actual-cost basis.

  • Baggage incidents and legal coverage

    The policy provides US$25 per hour for baggage delay, up to a maximum of US$ 200.

    Loss, theft, or damage to baggage while in airline custody may be covered up to US$ 400.

    Legal defense expenses are covered up to US$ 2,000. A bail advance of up to US$ 2,000 is also included.

  • Civil liability

    The ZIC policy provides personal liability coverage of up to US$ 30,000.

    This may apply when an insured traveler becomes legally liable for eligible third-party damage.

Application Requirements and Exemptions for Zanzibar Insurance

The insurance requirement applies to foreign non-residents entering Zanzibar by air or sea.

Zanzibar residents are exempt. Travelers who do not enter Zanzibar are not subject to this specific insurance requirement.

The policy can be valid for up to 92 consecutive days (approximately 3 months).

Multiple entries may be possible during the insured period. Coverage cannot exceed the maximum period purchased.

Official policy for minors

ZIC uses age-based pricing for children.

Traveler's AgeOfficial ZIC Rate
0–2 yearsFree
3–17 years50% discount
AdultsStandard government rate

Government rates can change. Always check the final price shown during the application process.

Why Process Your ZIC Insurance With VisaSyst?

You can apply directly through the official ZIC portal. Using VisaSyst is optional.

VisaSyst is designed for travelers who want extra review and support. Our service helps reduce avoidable application mistakes.

  1. Zero error guarantee

    VisaSyst reviews the information you provide before submission. This helps identify typos and inconsistencies early.

    The review does not replace ZIC approval. Immigration authorities also keep final control over entry decisions.

  2. Fast and flexible delivery

    VisaSyst processes all applications within 2 days.

    For last minute travel, you can select our 1h Priority Processing option.

  3. Assistance with post-approval changes

    Travel dates can change. Errors can also be discovered after an application has been processed.

    VisaSyst support can help you understand the correction or reissue process.

  4. 24/7/365 multilingual support

    VisaSyst provides multilingual customer assistance throughout the application process.

    Our platform has a strong <a href="https://www.trustpilot.com/review/visasyst.com" rel=”noopener noreferrer nofollow” target="_blank">Trustpilot rating, with thousands of customer reviews.

Simplified 3-Step Application Process

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    1. Complete the simplified form

    Enter your passport and basic travel information.

    Make sure every detail matches the passport you will use to enter Zanzibar.

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    2. Secure Validation and payment

    Pay securely using an accepted credit or debit card.

    VisaSyst reviews the information you provide before processing the application.

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    3. Receive your certificate

    Your official ZIC insurance certificate is delivered electronically once issued.

    Save the PDF and QR code on your phone. You may also want to carry a printed copy.

You May Also Need to Apply for a Tanzania eVisa

Zanzibar travel insurance does not replace a Tanzania visa.

Depending on your nationality, you may also need a visa to enter Tanzania. Tanzania's visa system covers travel to both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.

More About the Tanzania eVisa

Zanzibar Travel Insurance FAQs

Is the ZIC insurance mandatory if I already have private international travel insurance?

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Yes. Private international insurance does not replace the mandatory ZIC policy.

Your existing policy may still provide extra protection. However, Zanzibar authorities require the official local insurance.

What’s the cost of the Zanzibar insurance and what discounts apply to families?

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Adults pay the standard ZIC government rate of US$ 22. Our service fee is then added.

Children aged 3 to 17 receive a 50% discount on the government fee. Infants aged 0 to 2 are covered free of charge.

How long does it take for the insurance to be approved?

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We process Zanzibar insurance applications within 2 days. You can also choose our 1h processing option.

Applying as soon as your travel dates are confirmed gives you more time to correct any issue.

If I travel to mainland Tanzania or Mafia Island, do I need the insurance?

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The mandatory ZIC policy applies when you enter Zanzibar.

If your itinerary stays outside Zanzibar, this specific requirement does not apply. If you later travel to Zanzibar, you will need the required insurance.

What happens if I make a mistake on my form or my travel dates change?

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Contact VisaSyst support as soon as you notice the problem.

Our team can review your case and help with the appropriate correction or reissue process.