Kenyan Holidaymakers Hit by Zanzibar's Sh5700 Insurance Levy

Tourists from Kenya heading to Zanzibar will face a new financial hurdle as of October 1, with the implementation of a mandatory travel insurance fee.

The controversial charge of $44 (approximately Ksh5,700) comes into effect despite efforts to delay its introduction since its announcement in June. The Zanzibar government has mandated this insurance requirement for all foreign visitors to the island. The coverage, valid for up to 92 days, is designed to address emergencies such as medical evacuations and other unexpected incidents. Immigration authorities will deny entry to travelers who have not secured this insurance. Zanzibar has long been a preferred destination for Kenyan holidaymakers due to its accessibility and affordability, with four daily flights typically operating between Nairobi and the island.

However, concerns are mounting that the additional insurance cost could deter Kenyan travelers from choosing Zanzibar for their vacations. Although initially postponed from September to allow for further deliberation, the authorities have remained resolute in implementing this policy. Zanzibar's President Hussein Mwinyi recently defended the decision, citing the historical financial burden on the government for covering medical expenses of tourists who encounter health issues or other calamities during their stay. The policy has faced criticism from various quarters, including tour operators and opposition politicians who argue that it could diminish Zanzibar's competitiveness compared to other East African destinations.

Critics also point out the redundancy of the charge, as many international tourists typically arrange their own travel insurance before departure. Furthermore, the requirement that insurance must be purchased exclusively from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation has sparked additional controversy, with critics arguing that this limitation could lead to inflated costs for visitors. Tourism remains a cornerstone of Zanzibar's economy, with the island targeting 800,000 international arrivals in 2024. Kenyan tourists constitute a significant portion of these visitors, with official data showing 5,263 Kenyan arrivals in the first quarter of 2023 alone.

The insurance policy forms part of Zanzibar's broader strategy to enhance its tourism infrastructure and visitor safety. The coverage encompasses local medical treatment, emergency evacuations, travel disruptions, and repatriation if necessary. Despite implementation challenges and initial confusion among travellers, the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation has since established an online portal for insurance purchases aiming to streamline the process through QR code verification at immigration checkpoints.