Arusha. The Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (Tato) has strongly opposed the Zanzibar’s newly introduced policy requiring foreign tourists to purchase inbound travel insurance starting October 1.
Under the new regulation, all non-resident visitors must obtain this insurance, which costs $44, in addition to their Tanzania e-Visa.
Tato chairman Wilbard Chambulo has faulted the policy as an unnecessary and duplicative burden on tourists.
“The proposed compulsory insurance policy is irrational. It’s rare for tourists to travel without insurance, so this requirement is a needless duplication,” he said. International travel agents, according to Mr Chambulo, are questioning the rationale behind requiring tourists to buy insurance through the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC), a government-run entity.
He argued that the insurance mandate should focus on those without existing coverage and allow tourists to choose from a range of insurance providers.
“The government’s role should be to ensure that all visitors have insurance, not to dictate the price or the provider,” Mr Chambulo added.
He described the policy as resembling a tax rather than a legitimate requirement.
Mr Chambulo expressed concern that while the $44 fee might not significantly deter tourists, it could harm Zanzibar’s reputation.
He proposed an alternative such as a Zanzibar conservation fee, which could fund tourism development and healthcare infrastructure.
This, he suggested, might be more acceptable to tourists than the compulsory insurance.
Further, Mr Chambulo questioned whether ZIC, acting as the main insurer, functions as a commission agent and how much of the $44 fee it retains.
He stressed that government involvement in what should be a private sector matter risks creating a monopolistic impression.
The Zanzibar government’s policy mandates that from October 1, all foreign visitors entering Zanzibar must purchase inbound travel insurance for up to 92 days.
The insurance, available exclusively from ZIC starting September 1, covers emergencies such as medical repatriation, evacuation, and other contingencies.
Visitors who stay beyond 92 days must purchase a new policy, and non-compliance could result in entry denial.
The policy aims to ensure visitor safety and address potential travel risks but has faced criticism for potentially undermining Zanzibar’s tourism appeal.
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Tanzania Confirms Outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease
Dodoma — Tanzania today confirmed an outbreak of Marburg virus disease in the northwestern Kagera region after one case tested positive for the virus following investigations and laboratory analysis of suspected cases of the disease.
President of the Republic of Tanzania, Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan, made the announcement during a press briefing alongside World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, in the country’s administrative capital Dodoma.
“Laboratory tests conducted in Kabaile Mobile Laboratory in Kagera and later confirmed in Dar es Salaam identified one patient as being infected with the Marburg virus. Fortunately, the remaining suspected patients tested negative,” the president said. “We have demonstrated in the past our ability to contain a similar outbreak and are determined to do the same this time around.”
A total of 25 suspected cases have been reported as of 20 January 2025, all of whom have tested negative and are currently under close follow-up, the president said. The cases have been reported in Biharamulo and Muleba districts in Kagera.
“We have resolved to reassure the general public in Tanzania and the international community as a whole of our collective determination to address the global health challenges, including the Marburg virus disease,” said H.E President Hassan.
WHO is supporting Tanzanian health authorities to enhance key outbreak control measures including disease surveillance, testing, treatment, infection prevention and control, case management, as well as increasing public awareness among communities to prevent further spread of the virus.
“WHO, working with its partners, is committed to supporting the government of Tanzania to bring the outbreak under control as soon as possible, and to build a healthier, safer, fairer future for all the people of Tanzania,” said Dr Tedros. “Now is a time for collaboration, and commitment, to protecting the health of all people in Tanzania, and the region, from the risks posed by this disease.”
Marburg virus disease is highly virulent and causes haemorrhagic fever. It belongs to the same family as the virus that causes Ebola virus disease. Illness caused by Marburg virus begins abruptly. Patients present with high fever, severe headache and severe malaise. They may develop severe haemorrhagic symptoms within seven days.
“The declaration by the president and the measures being taken by the government are crucial in addressing the threat of this disease at the local and national levels as well as preventing potential cross-border spread,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “Our priority is to support the government to rapidly scale up measures to effectively respond to this outbreak and safeguard the health of the population,”
Tanzania previously reported an outbreak of Marburg in March 2023 – the country’s first – in Kagera region, in which a total of nine cases (eight confirmed and one probable) and six deaths were reported, with a case fatality ratio of 67%.
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In the African region, previous outbreaks and sporadic cases have been reported in Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Equatorial Guinea, Rwanda, South Africa and Uganda.
Marburg virus is transmitted to people from fruit bats and spreads among humans through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected people, surfaces and materials. Although several promising candidate medical countermeasures are currently undergoing clinical trials, there is no licensed treatment or vaccine for effective management or prevention of Marburg virus disease. However, early access to treatment and supportive care – rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids – and treatment of specific symptoms, improve survival.
Source: allafrica.com
Zanzibar introduces $44 insurance fee for visitors
Visitors travelling to Zanzibar will now have to pay an insurance fee of $44 (about Sh118,360) with effect from September 1.Continue Reading
Zanzibar tourism investors alarmed by new mandatory insurance fee
Tourism investors in Zanzibar have voiced their concerns over the introduction of mandatory travel insurance, cautioning about its potential negative impact on the industry.Continue Reading
