Tanzania Border Crossings 2026
Tanzania shares land borders with eight countries: Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique. This guide covers the major border crossing points, required documents, operating hours, visa availability at the border, and practical tips for a smooth crossing.
Key Facts: Most major border crossings are open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Visa on arrival is available at major crossings. Always carry your passport, visa (or e-Visa approval), and yellow fever certificate. EAC passport holders enjoy simplified crossing procedures.
Required Documents for All Borders
- Valid Passport: At least 6 months validity, 2 blank pages
- Visa: e-Visa approval letter, or obtain visa on arrival (where available). Some nationalities may enter visa-free.
- Yellow Fever Certificate: Required if arriving from an endemic country (mandatory at all entry points)
- Customs Declaration: Complete the form declaring goods, currency, and restricted items
- Vehicle Documents (if driving): Vehicle registration, insurance, COMESA yellow card or border insurance, international driving permit
- EAC Passport/ID: EAC citizens may use national ID cards at some crossings
Kenya - Tanzania Border Crossings
1. Namanga Border
The busiest and most popular crossing between Kenya and Tanzania, located on the Arusha-Nairobi highway.
| Route | Nairobi to Arusha (approx. 275 km, 4-5 hours) |
| Hours | Open 24 hours (immigration desk: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM) |
| Visa on Arrival | Yes - available for eligible nationalities |
| Facilities | Currency exchange, food stalls, toilets, duty-free shop |
| Transport | Shuttle buses (Riverside, Impala), public matatus, private vehicles |
| Tips | Busiest border - arrive early to avoid queues. Popular with safari tourists. |
2. Holili / Taveta Border
Alternative crossing between Kenya and Tanzania, connecting Moshi/Kilimanjaro to the Kenyan coast.
| Route | Moshi to Voi (Kenya), connects to Nairobi-Mombasa highway |
| Hours | 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Visa on Arrival | Yes - but smaller office, may have limited capacity |
| Tips | Less busy than Namanga. Good for Kilimanjaro area travellers. |
3. Horohoro / Lunga Lunga Border
Coastal crossing connecting Dar es Salaam to Mombasa via the coast road.
| Route | Dar es Salaam to Mombasa (approx. 600 km, 10-12 hours) |
| Hours | 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
| Visa on Arrival | Yes |
| Tips | Long journey. Consider flying instead. Road conditions vary. |
4. Isebania / Sirari Border
Northern crossing connecting the Lake Victoria region (Musoma/Mwanza) to western Kenya.
| Route | Musoma/Mwanza to Kisii/Kisumu (Kenya) |
| Hours | 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Visa on Arrival | Yes |
| Tips | Useful for Serengeti visitors connecting to/from western Kenya. |
Rwanda - Tanzania Border
Rusumo Border
The main crossing between Tanzania and Rwanda, connecting Ngara to Kigali.
| Route | Ngara (Tanzania) to Kirehe/Kigali (Rwanda), approx. 200 km to Kigali |
| Hours | 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
| Visa on Arrival | Yes for Tanzania. Rwanda offers visa on arrival for all African nationals and many others. |
| Facilities | Basic. Currency exchange available nearby. |
| Tips | The Rusumo Falls bridge marks the border. Road from Kigali is good. Tanzania side road is improving but can be rough. |
Burundi - Tanzania Border
Kobero Border
The main crossing point between Tanzania and Burundi.
| Route | Ngara/Kigoma area to Bujumbura (Burundi) |
| Hours | 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Visa on Arrival | Yes for Tanzania entry. Burundi visa may be required - check in advance. |
| Caution | Exercise caution - this border area has periodic security concerns. Check travel advisories before crossing. |
Malawi - Tanzania Border
Songwe / Kaporo Border
The main crossing between Tanzania and Malawi, connecting Mbeya to Lilongwe.
| Route | Mbeya (Tanzania) to Karonga/Lilongwe (Malawi), approx. 60 km Mbeya to border |
| Hours | 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Visa on Arrival | Yes for Tanzania entry. Malawi offers visa on arrival for many nationalities. |
| Facilities | Basic facilities. Currency exchange at border. |
| Tips | Road from Mbeya is tarmac and in good condition. On the Malawi side, the road to Karonga is scenic along Lake Malawi. |
Mozambique - Tanzania Border
Unity Bridge / Negomano Border
The main crossing between Tanzania and Mozambique via the Unity Bridge over the Ruvuma River.
| Route | Mtwara (Tanzania) to Mocimboa da Praia/Pemba (Mozambique) |
| Hours | 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Visa on Arrival | Yes for Tanzania entry. Mozambique visa required - apply in advance. |
| Caution | Check advisory - the Cabo Delgado province in Mozambique has an active insurgency. The border area may be affected. Check travel advisories before attempting this crossing. |
Other Border Crossings
Uganda - Mutukula Border
- Route: Bukoba to Kampala via Mutukula
- Hours: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
- Note: Connects the Lake Victoria region. Road is tarmac on both sides.
Zambia - Tunduma Border
- Route: Mbeya to Lusaka via Tunduma/Nakonde
- Hours: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Note: Also the TAZARA railway crossing point. Busy commercial border.
DRC - Kigoma (Lake Tanganyika)
- Route: Kigoma to Uvira/Kalemie (DRC) by boat across Lake Tanganyika
- Note: Lake crossing, not a road border. Immigration at Kigoma port. Check advisory - eastern DRC has significant security concerns.
EAC Passport Holders
Citizens of East African Community (EAC) member states enjoy facilitated border crossing:
- EAC Member States: Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, DRC
- Benefits: Free movement, can use national ID cards at some crossings, no visa required, simplified immigration procedures
- EAC Passport: The EAC e-Passport is recognized at all member state borders
- Processing: Faster lanes may be available for EAC nationals at major crossings
While the EAC protocol guarantees free movement, always carry your passport for identification purposes. National ID acceptance varies by crossing point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Visa on arrival is available at major land border crossings for eligible nationalities. The fee is the same as the e-Visa ($50 single entry tourist, $100 multiple entry). However, applying online in advance through the e-Visa portal is recommended to avoid delays and ensure you get the visa type you need.
Namanga border (Kenya-Tanzania) is the busiest crossing, used by most overland travellers between Nairobi and Arusha. Shuttle buses run regularly. Arrive early to avoid long queues, especially during peak safari season (June-October).
Yes. The yellow fever certificate is required at all entry points if you are arriving from an endemic country. Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and DRC are all classified as endemic. If crossing from any of these countries, you must have your yellow card.
Yes, with the right documentation: vehicle registration, proof of ownership, international driving permit, and vehicle insurance valid in Tanzania. A COMESA Yellow Card (regional motor vehicle insurance) is accepted, or you can purchase border insurance. Your vehicle will be inspected and may be logged in customs records.
The East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) allows travel between Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda on a single visa. Tanzania is NOT currently part of this arrangement. You need a separate Tanzania visa. If you hold a multiple entry visa, you can easily re-enter Tanzania after visiting Kenya.
US dollars are accepted for visa fees at all borders. Carry small denominations ($50, $100 notes) for visa payment. Money changers operate at major crossings but rates may not be favorable. Avoid changing large amounts at the border. ATMs are available in nearby towns but not at the border itself.
Quick Facts
- Borders: 8 countries
- Busiest: Namanga (Kenya)
- Hours: Typically 6AM-10PM
- Visa at Border: Available
- Yellow Fever: Required from endemic countries
- Payment: USD cash accepted