Details of the Proposed Fee
Speaking in Dodoma, Minister for Finance Dr. Mwigulu Nchemba announced that each foreign visitor would be required to pay a fee of 44 US dollars (approximately 115,000 Tanzanian Shillings). The payment will secure a comprehensive travel insurance package valid throughout the visitor’s stay in Tanzania.
Importantly, the fee will not apply to citizens of the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), who are exempt from the new charge.
“Our goal is to ensure that visitors receive quality health and safety services while in Tanzania, but we also want them to contribute fairly to the systems that support those services,” Dr. Nchemba explained.
Funding Health and Emergency Services
According to the Minister, the funds collected will be allocated to improving healthcare services, emergency response infrastructure, and a rapid response system for tourists facing crises. By pooling these resources, the government aims to deliver swift and reliable aid to travelers in distress.
Officials believe the system will strengthen Tanzania’s reputation as a safe and secure destination for both tourism and investment. Dr. Nchemba emphasized that the arrangement would also reduce pressure on the national budget and limit the burden on Tanzanian taxpayers.
Enhancing the Visitor Experience
With tourism playing a vital role in Tanzania’s economy, the proposed insurance system is part of broader efforts to improve the visitor experience. The government envisions a well-funded emergency response framework that can handle medical evacuations, accidents, and other crises without delays or resource constraints.
“This approach ensures visitors’ safety while making our tourism sector more resilient and competitive,” Dr. Nchemba noted.
Commitment to Sustainable Tourism
The proposal underscores Tanzania’s commitment to building a sustainable tourism sector that balances visitor needs with local capacity. By requiring visitors to contribute directly to the systems that serve them, the government hopes to deliver better-quality services without compromising domestic development priorities.
If implemented, the policy would make Tanzania one of the few countries in the region to mandate such a travel insurance fee for international arrivals. Authorities say they will continue to engage with stakeholders, including tourism operators, health service providers, and the wider public, as they refine the plan ahead of formal adoption.