From September 1, passengers heading to Zanzibar for an idyllic Indian Ocean holiday will have to fork out an additional US$44 (R805) per person on arrival for compulsory insurance initiated by the Zanzibar Government.
Marian Sandu, Director of AfricaStay, a tour operator that specialises in packaging Zanzibar (including charter flights) for the South African market, said this would be particularly expensive for families with children. “Families with two kids will now have to pay about US$176 (R3 200) on arrival. We are all disappointed. I don’t think it’s the right thing to do.”
Sandu added that clear procedures for the scheme had not yet been made public and the new regulation was facing resistance from local and international stakeholders hoping to delay its implementation.
Authorities in Tanzania announced that the mandatory fee would cover tourists for stays of up to 92 days on the island.
“The insurance will cover various aspects that have previously been problematic for visitors, such as health, loss of baggage, accidents, emergency evacuation, loss of passports and even repatriation of remains in case of death,” said Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr Saada Mkuya Salum.
The Zanzibar Insurance Corporation, a government-owned company, will provide the insurance. Travellers must pay the fee regardless of whether or not they have obtained travel insurance elsewhere.
“We have good, comprehensive travel insurance products here (in South Africa) for a fraction of the price,” said Sandu.
According to the African Travel and Tourism Association, the Zanzibari government said it was still finalising the procedures but said that the insurance would be obtained online and paid in advance.
According to Tanzanian press, local hoteliers and inbound operators on Zanzibar have voiced the fear that the mandatory insurance fee will considerably reduce the island’s competitiveness.