Destinations that Require Travel Protection for Entry

Last Confirmed October 2025,


Travel protection is no longer just a smart suggestion—it is now a legal entry requirement in several countries around the world. From African archipelagos to Southeast Asian destinations and the polar extremes, more nations are enforcing mandatory travel protection to manage public healthcare costs, protect their tourism economies, and aid traveler safety. These rules can affect visa issuance, airport entry, and even your ability to receive medical treatment abroad.

This blog outlines the key reasons behind these mandates and explores how Generali Global Assistance offers travel protection plans that help travelers on their trip—while staying safe.

Why Are Countries Making Travel Protection Mandatory?

The primary reason countries have introduced travel protection mandates is to help shield their national healthcare systems. For example, nations with taxpayer-funded healthcare (such as Thailand and Ecuador) often cannot afford to cover the medical costs of uninsured tourists. Requiring travelers to carry coverage ensures that any medical expenses incurred during a trip—ranging from hospital stays to emergency evacuations—are not left unpaid.

Another motivator has been the COVID-19 pandemic. Countries realized that uninsured tourists could become public health liabilities, especially during outbreaks requiring quarantines, medical repatriation, or prolonged hospitalization. Mandatory coverage helps governments maintain control over their pandemic preparedness while reducing economic risk.

Lastly, the rise in adventure tourism has added pressure on governments to ensure travelers have protection against injuries in remote areas. From the Arctic Circle to tropical islands, accidents and evacuations can be extremely expensive—and without insurance, those bills often go unpaid.

Argentina

As of July 1, 2025, Argentina requires all foreign visitors to carry valid travel medical insurance for entry. This coverage must include medical care, hospitalization, emergency evacuation, and repatriation for the entire duration of the stay.

Travelers engaging in outdoor activities such as hiking in Patagonia, skiing in Bariloche, or wine tours in Mendoza should consider coverage that includes Emergency Medical Evacuation, Trip Interruption, and, where available, Adventure Sports Protection. The U.S. Department of State advises travelers to Argentina to carry travel protection that includes Medical and Emergency Assistance coverage.

Schengen Zone (Europe)

The Schengen Zone includes 27 European countries such as France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands. Travelers from countries that require a Schengen visa must provide proof of travel medical insurance to obtain their visa. The travel insurance must meet the following criteria:

• Minimum coverage of $39,488 for medical expenses
• Coverage for Emergency Medical Evacuation and Repatriation
• Valid in all Schengen countries for the duration of the stay

Even travelers who do not require a visa—such as U.S. citizens visiting for less than 90 days—are strongly encouraged to carry travel protection. Many hospitals in Europe may not admit patients without proof of insurance, and emergency care can be costly. The European Commission recommends that all visitors carry travel protection to help avoid unexpected medical expenses. (United Healthcare Global).

Tanzania (Including Zanzibar)

Tanzania is implementing a two-phase approach to mandatory travel protection. The first phase began with the semi-autonomous region of Zanzibar made travel protection mandatory for all foreign visitors starting October 1, 2024. Travelers must purchase this insurance exclusively from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC), either before or upon arrival. The government-backed policy costs USD $44 and covers medical expenses, hospitalization, and repatriation for stays of up to 92 days.  Travelers must present proof of coverage to immigration officials (Zanzibar Tribune).

Starting July 1, 2025, all foreign visitors entering mainland Tanzania will be required to have travel protection, as outlined in the country’s Finance Act of 2025. This new regulation is designed to assist with improving tourist safety and reducing strain on Tanzania’s healthcare infrastructure—particularly as the region continues to attract safari and adventure travelers.

Travel protection may help cover unexpected medical costs, emergency assistance, and other travel-related disruptions, depending on the plan selected and the conditions met. Travelers are encouraged to review their travel protection plans carefully to ensure they meet the new entry requirements and provide the support they may need while exploring Tanzania.

United Arab Emirates

In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), travel protection is mandatory depending on visa type. U.S. travelers staying longer than 30 days or applying for a tourist visa in advance must provide proof of valid travel medical insurance. U.S. travelers visiting for less than 30 days typically do not need a visa, and therefore travel protection is not mandatory at the border. The same applies to the country’s new multiple-entry 5-tourist year visa, which specifically requires applicants to show documentation of coverage for healthcare costs incurred during their stay (UAE Government Portal).

Even for travelers entering under visa-on-arrival programs, proof of insurance is often expected by private healthcare providers. Many hospitals in Dubai and Abu Dhabi may not admit patients without either upfront payment or proof of adequate coverage. Given that emergency care in the UAE can be costly, local authorities strongly encourage—even if they do not universally require—travelers to have medical insurance before arrival (U.S. Embassy in the UAE).

Antarctica (Via Tour Operators)

Travel to Antarctica is not regulated by a single national government, but most expedition companies and cruise lines operating in the region require participants to carry travel protection that includes emergency medical evacuation and medical expense coverage of at least USD $100,000 Per person. This is not optional; passengers must show proof of coverage before embarking.

Because Antarctica is one of the most remote places on Earth, emergency medical evacuation can involve complex logistics including icebreakers and airlifts— and often costs well above $100,000. The U.S. Department of State advises that all Americans visiting the region purchase travel protection that includes coverage for emergency transportation, hospitalization, and evacuation (U.S. Department of State).

Ecuador & The Galápagos Islands

Travelers to Ecuador are strongly encouraged to carry health insurance that is valid within the country, although it is not legally required for entry—except when visiting the Galápagos Islands. The original insurance requirement was introduced in 2018 but has since been relaxed for mainland Ecuador. According to the Ecuadorian Ministry of Tourism, both private and public health insurance policies are acceptable as long as they offer coverage for the entirety of the trip.

Immigration authorities may request proof of insurance upon arrival to the Galápagos Islands. If travelers cannot provide it, they may be refused entry or forced to purchase a local insurance policy on the spot (Galapagos Conservatory).

Thailand

Thailand’s approach to travel protection requirements was closely tied to its COVID-19 response. While the government lifted most entry restrictions in 2023, travelers arriving from or transiting through countries that still require negative COVID-19 tests must show proof of travel protection covering at least $10,000 for COVID-related medical expenses.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand confirmed that this rule remains in effect for travelers from such countries. The insurance must also cover treatment for at least seven days beyond the traveler’s original departure date in case of diagnosis and required quarantine (Tourism Authority of Thailand).

Turkey

In Turkey, medical insurance is required for all travelers who need a visa. For U.S. citizens, a visa is mandatory for stays beyond 90 days or for certain travel purposes. During the e-visa application process, applicants must provide proof of insurance that is valid in Turkey.

Although some short-term travelers may be able to enter without formal checks, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends that all visitors carry travel protection due to the high cost of private medical care and the limitations of public services for foreigners (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey).

Uruguay

Uruguay mandates that all incoming travelers must have health insurance valid within the country. This requirement, introduced in early 2023, applies regardless of nationality or length of stay. The rule is designed to help ensure that visitors can receive medical treatment without burdening public health facilities.

The Uruguayan Ministry of Public Health and National Immigration Office both list health insurance as a requirement for travelers entering the country (Guru Guay).

How Generali Global Assistance Helps Travelers Meet These Requirements

Generali Global Assistance offers travel protection plans that may meet or exceed the medical and emergency coverage requirements of the countries listed above. Whether you’re traveling to the Galápagos or embarking on an Antarctic expedition, Generali Global Assistance’s plans are designed to provide peace of mind.

The Premium Plan includes:

• $250,000 per person in Medical and Dental coverage
• $1,000,000 per person in Emergency Assistance and Transportation coverage
• 24/7 multilingual emergency support

With easy online quoting, instant certificate delivery, and global support infrastructure, Generali Global Assistance helps meet national requirements.

Mandatory travel protection is now a requirement in some countries—and the list continues to grow. These mandates are designed to help protect both travelers and the nations they visit. As tourism continues to flourish globally, being unprotected could mean denied entry, costly bills, or ruined plans.

By getting a fast and free quote from Generali Global Assistance, travelers can enjoy their trips knowing they have peace of mind, and are supported at every stage of the journey.

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