Planning a trip to Zanzibar or combining Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar beach vacation? Starting October 1, 2024, all visitors to Zanzibar Island will be required to pay a mandatory $44 insurance fee (approximately Sh118,360) to cover them for up to 92 days during their stay on the islands.
Check out the Official Press Release by the Zanzibar; Zanzibar’s new Travel Insurance.
In a recent interview with local news rooms, Dr. Saada Mkuya Salum, Zanzibar’s Minister of Finance, shared that the new measure is designed to enhance visitor services and offer protection in a range of situations. The insurance will cover health issues, lost baggage, accidents, emergency evacuation, passport loss, and even repatriation in the event of death.
“This insurance aims to address problems that visitors have faced in the past, ensuring they’re better protected during their stay,” Dr. Mkuya explained. Dedicated staff will be appointed to manage this coverage, making the process smoother for everyone.
Dr. Mkuya also highlighted that Zanzibar is not alone in introducing mandatory travel insurance. “This is something that’s common in many other countries. When we travel abroad, we often have to purchase travel insurance as well,” she said.
Read: Which are the best diving areas in Zanzibar island?.
Mandatory Insurance for visiting Zanzibar – How Will It Work?
The mandatory Zanzibar travel insurance will be handled by Zanzibar Insurance Corporation, the government-owned insurance provider. Even if you already have a separate travel policy from your home country, you will still need to purchase this mandatory coverage for your time in Zanzibar, according to the new regulation.
Concerns from the Tourism Industry – Hotels and Tour Operators
While this new requirement is intended to improve the visitor experience, many in the tourism industry are worried about the impact it could have. Tour operators fear that this additional cost may make Zanzibar a more expensive destination.
An anonymous tour operator for example, expressed concern, saying, “The government’s intentions are good, but with the extra costs and requirements, this might discourage some travelers from choosing Zanzibar.”
Despite these concerns, the government remains optimistic about the future of Zanzibar’s tourism sector. Zanzibar island is aiming to welcome 800,000 visitors in 2024, and this insurance initiative is seen by the government of the semi-autonomous nation as an important step in making travel safer and more secure for everyone.
If you’re planning to visit Zanzibar, make sure you’re aware of this new insurance fee and plan accordingly. At Tanzania Safari Supremacy, we’re here to help you navigate these new regulations and ensure you have a smooth, enjoyable trip.
Should you have any questions or need assistance with your travel plans, feel free to reach out to us—we’re happy to help!
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For travelers who prefer to start their safari adventure from Zanzibar, we offer a variety of options. Our Tanzania safari tours from Zanzibar allow you to experience the best of both worlds, combining the convenience of a beachside departure with the excitement of a wildlife safari.
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If you have any questions regarding the new Zanzibar Travel Insurance, you can check out the FAQs here.
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