ZANZIBAR is going ahead with its mandatory travel insurance payment required for all incoming visitors from foreign countries.

Juma Makungu Juma, the Finance and Planning deputy minister for Zanzibar, told a session of the House of Representatives here yesterday that mandatory travel insurance will be demanded at all points of entry.

He said that the government’s move in the policy is meant to heighten the tourism sector “with a major focus on enhancing visitor safety,” a position that stakeholders say duplicates insurance cover embedded in the travel arrangements back home.

In that case the requirement took effect yesterday, with travellers adding $44 to e-visa arrangements with travel agencies for health cover, applicable for those entering through seaports and airports.

The deputy minister made these affirmations at a question and answer session, insisting that the initiative is designed to mitigate potential risks and ensure all travellers enjoy a safe experience while in Zanzibar.

Dr Mohammed Ali Suleiman (Mtambwe-ACT Wazalendo), queried whether the government had conducted research to ensure that the insurance plan would not adversely affect the islands’ tourism sector.

In response, the top Treasury official cited the absence of a specific covering provision to protect tourists from potential disasters while in Zanzibar, even when such visitors hold insurance from their home countries.

“The government has consistently assisted visitors facing difficulties in various situations,” he said, noting that as a tourist destination, Zanzibar still lacks a reliable system to manage and safeguard visitors.

The move reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing Zanzibar’s tourism sector and its efforts to maintain high standards, pointing out that Zanzibar is not yet integrated into international insurance systems.

He said that traveller insurance is not a novel concept globally, with countries such as Qatar, Mauritius as well as in Europe and the Americas maintaining similar requirements to ensure visitor safety.

Assessments indicate that the introduction of visitor insurance aligns with the Zanzibar Development Vision 2050, aiming at elevating tourism quality significantly in two decades.

The government's rapid infrastructure improvements and focus on the blue economy further support this vision, he stated, underlining that  introducing traveller insurance was set out in budget estimates.

The Zanzibar Insurance Corporation manages its execution under the supervision of the Finance and Planning wing of the President’s Office, he stated, elaborating that no specific funds were committed for its start.

ZIC will absorb the rollout costs without incurring additional expenses, he said, pointing at the outbreak of Covid-19 as the crucial background, in the wake of which the United Nations recommended initiating visitor insurance systems to protect tourists in the case of emergencies or pandemics.

At that time visitors faced additional costs for quarantine accommodation, medical treatment and hospital stays if they contracted the virus, which deterred many from travelling due to such financial concerns, he elaborated.

Policy implementation by ZIC is expected to enhance efficiency and transparency in delivering the services promptly and reliably, while the government expects dividends from the service by the end of the year.

This income will contribute to improving various services, including the public health infrastructure and emergency services for visitors that will be more efficient compared to existing insurance options, he added.