Tanzania Travel Insurance Guide
Tanzania requires comprehensive travel insurance with malaria coverage and evacuation benefits. Following October 2025 civil unrest and elections, the US raised the advisory to Level 3 (Reconsider Travel). Mandatory insurance required for Zanzibar entry. Medical facilities limited; evacuation to Kenya/South Africa often necessary. Malaria risk year-round below 1,800m including Zanzibar.
- What there is to do in Tanzania Travel Insurance Guide
- Cultural experiences & natural wonders
- Seasonal attractions & adventure activities
- Quick profiles of major cities
- Hotel cost ranges
- Visa & entry requirements
- Healthcare costs & detailed insurance breakdown
Safety Ratings and Resources
The advisory level increased from Level 2 to 3. The “unrest” risk indicator was added.
Reconsider travel to Tanzania due to unrest, crime, terrorism, and targeting of gay and lesbian individuals. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Advisory summary
Unrest
Demonstrations often take place in response to political or economic issues. They may also occur on holidays or during large events.
- Demonstrations can be unpredictable.
- The Tanzanian government increases security presence around protests. This includes stationary checkpoints and roadblocks.
- The Tanzanian government limits or does not authorize large gatherings.
Crime
Violent crime is common. It includes assault, sexual assault, robberies, mugging, and carjacking. Local police have limited resources to respond effectively to serious crime.
Terrorism
There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Tanzania. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.
The risk of terrorist violence is most common in the Mtwara Region.
Targeting of gay and lesbian individuals
Members of the gay and lesbian community have been arrested, targeted, and harassed. People who identify as gay or lesbian may experience a higher likelihood of being targeted by police. People detained under suspicion of same-sex sexual conduct may face invasive physical exams.
If you decide to travel to Tanzania:
- Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations.
- Monitor local media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans.
- Keep a low profile.
- Always carry a copy of your U.S. passport and visa. Keep original documents in a safe location.
- Stay aware of your surroundings.
- Do not leave your food or drink unattended.
- Stay alert in tourist spots.
- Avoid public displays of affection particularly between same-sex couples.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
- Review the Country Security Report for Tanzania.
- Review our information on Terrorism, Travel to High-Risk Areas, Crime Abroad, and for Victims of Crime.
- Prepare a backup plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
- Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
Safari and Zanzibar areas are popular; theft and harassment occur, especially at night or on beaches.
View Women's Travel Safety Guide →Crackdowns on LGBTQ communities; arrests and harassment by authorities reported.
View LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Guide →Visa & Entry Requirements
- Valid passport required (must be valid for at least 6 months from entry date)
- At least one blank passport page required for visa stamp
- US citizens must apply for Multiple Entry Visa even for tourism
- E-Visa available online at visa.immigration.go.tz
- Visa fee: $100 USD for Multiple Entry Visa (valid 1 year, max 90 days per stay)
- Round-trip ticket and proof of sufficient funds required at entry
Additional visa information
- US citizens must obtain Multiple Entry Visa ($100 USD) even for single tourism visits
- E-Visa available online at visa.immigration.go.tz (apply before travel)
- Multiple Entry Visa valid for 1 year but each stay limited to 90 days maximum
- Passport must have 6 months validity and at least one blank page
- Mandatory travel insurance required for all foreigners entering Zanzibar (purchased from Zanzibar Insurance Corporation)
- Round-trip ticket and proof of sufficient funds required at immigration
Healthcare & Medical Information
Healthcare overview
Tanzania's healthcare system is limited with facilities not meeting US standards. Tanzania does not accept US health insurance, and most doctors expect upfront cash payment. In Dar es Salaam, private hospitals like Aga Khan Hospital and Regency Medical Centre offer better care with English-speaking staff, but options are limited and costs must be paid upfront. Outside major cities, medical facilities are extremely basic. Malaria is a high risk year-round below 1,800m (including all of Zanzibar) with chloroquine-resistant strains present; CDC recommends preventative medication and vaccines. For safari travel, remote lodge locations make accessing medical care difficult, and wildlife poses additional risks. Mount Kilimanjaro climbing requires insurance covering altitudes above 5,000m and altitude sickness risks. For serious conditions, medical evacuation to Kenya or South Africa is typically necessary at costs of $10,000-$30,000; evacuation to the US exceeds $50,000. Essential coverage includes emergency evacuation, tropical disease treatment including malaria, and high-altitude coverage for Kilimanjaro. Zanzibar mandates purchase of travel insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation for all visitors.
Typical medical costs
- Private clinic visit: 20,000-50,000 TZS ($8-20 USD)
- Malaria treatment with IV drips (2-night hospital stay): 200,000-300,000 TZS ($75-115 USD)
- Brain surgery in Dar es Salaam private hospital: $15,000 USD
- Medical evacuation to Kenya or South Africa: $10,000-$30,000 USD
- Medical evacuation to United States: $50,000-$150,000 USD
- Hospital treatment: Payment expected upfront in cash (US health insurance not accepted)
- Recommended minimum coverage: $100,000 medical, $250,000 evacuation, malaria treatment
Travel Insurance Recommendations
While travel insurance is not always required, it's recommended for international travel to protect against unexpected medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other travel-related issues.
Common travel issues to consider
- Malaria treatment (high risk year-round below 1,800m, including Zanzibar)
- Trip cancellations due to civil unrest, demonstrations, and election violence
- Medical evacuations to Kenya or South Africa for specialized treatment
- Safari-related injuries and wildlife encounters
- Gastrointestinal illnesses and tropical diseases (dengue fever, typhoid)
- Altitude sickness on Mount Kilimanjaro (requires coverage above 5,000m)
- Delayed or cancelled flights and transportation disruptions
- Theft and crime in Dar es Salaam and tourist areas
Recommended providers
Consider comparing policies from multiple providers to find coverage that matches your travel needs.
Emergency Contacts
Police (Tanzania)
112 or 999
Fire
114
Ambulance
112 or 114
US Embassy Dar es Salaam - Main Line
+255-22-229-4000
US Embassy - After Hours Emergency
+255-22-229-4000 (dial 0 for operator)
US Embassy Email
DRSACS@State.gov