Starting October 1st, 2024, all international visitors to Zanzibar are required to purchase local travel insurance.
This insurance is exclusively
provided by the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC), costs USD 44,
and is valid for 90 days. It covers essential areas such as medical
care, lost luggage, accidents, emergency evacuations, replacement of important
documents (like passports), and repatriation in the event of death. This new
mandate is part of an effort to enhance traveler safety and security.
At Northern Circuit Adventure,
we understand that this regulation—and the additional cost—might be
inconvenient for travelers. However, as responsible travelers, it’s essential
to comply with local laws, ensuring smooth and worry-free adventures.
Key
Recommendations for Travelers
- Budget for the USD 44 Fee: Even if you already have
international travel insurance, this local coverage is mandatory for all
foreign visitors.
- Purchase Before Travel: The insurance must be
obtained before arriving in Zanzibar. You’ll need the ZIC-issued QR
code for both your flight and entry into Zanzibar.
- Stay Updated: Visit the official Zanzibar tourism website or
contact ZIC directly for the latest details. Reach ZIC at inbound@zic.co.tz
or call their toll-free number 0800008005.
Why
Mandatory Travel Insurance?
Zanzibar’s booming tourism industry
is vital to its economy, and with rapid growth come challenges—particularly in
health and safety. This new insurance policy aims to provide comprehensive
protection for tourists while addressing gaps in existing international travel
insurance plans.
For example:
- Many international policies may not cover local
hospitals or remote evacuation needs.
- Standard coverage for lost baggage or replacement
documents may fall short in Zanzibar’s unique context.
The ZIC policy ensures consistent
coverage for all travelers, simplifying processes and aligning with local
tourism needs.
Understanding
the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC)
The Zanzibar Insurance
Corporation, a government-owned entity, worked with the Ministry of Finance
to create this tailored policy.
- Purchase in Advance: Travelers must buy the
insurance before their trip.
- QR Code:
After purchase, you’ll receive a QR code confirming your coverage. This
code is required for entry into Zanzibar and links to your insurance
details.
Additional
Entry Requirements for Zanzibar
Alongside mandatory insurance,
ensure you meet these entry requirements:
- Visa:
Required for most nationalities. Check with the Tanzania Immigration
Department for details.
- Yellow Fever Vaccination: Proof is needed if arriving
from or transiting through countries with yellow fever risk.
- Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid
for at least six months from your entry date and have at least two blank
pages.
Prepare
for Your Zanzibar Adventure
With the October 2024 policy
change, make sure to secure your travel insurance and double-check entry
requirements.
At Northern Circuit Adventure,
we’re here to guide you through the process and answer any questions you have.
Contact us today to ensure your trip to Zanzibar is as seamless and enjoyable
as possible!
Safe travels and happy exploring! 🌴✨
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