ZANZIBAR ANNOUNCES MANDATORY TRAVEL INSURANCE
If you’re planning a trip to the tropical island of Zanzibar, then you might have to revisit your budget as the country’s tourism ministry has just imposed a new mandatory insurance requirement for foreign visitors.
From 1 October, all international tourists to Zanzibar will be required to pay for mandatory insurance, even if you have the very best travel insurance.
The new mandatory insurance is the equivalent of about R800 per person.
The duration of your visit to the island doesn’t matter. Whether you’re going for a weekend or three months, you’ll still be required to pay the same amount for the 92-day cover.
The payment has to be made to the national insurer, Zanzibar Insurance Corporation. Once the payment has been made, visitors will get a QR code which they’ll be required to show on arrival.
The same price applies to all foreign non-resident visitors, including children.
News24 reports that according to the Tanzanian government, the insurance that is bought will be comprehensive cover, “including repatriation, evacuation, and related contingencies” – exactly the kind of thing covered by the travel insurance travellers are often required to buy in their home countries.
Image credit: Daily Sabah