Traveling from Kenya to Tanzania

Do You Need a Visa to Travel from Kenya to Tanzania?

Travelling from Kenya to Tanzania? Understanding the visa requirements is essential to ensure a smooth journey. Here’s what you need to know:

Kenyan Citizens: Kenyan passport holders can enter Tanzania visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism and business purposes.
Non-Kenyan Citizens: Foreign nationals travelling from Kenya to Tanzania may require a visa, depending on nationality. Travellers should check Tanzania’s visa policy before departure.

Tanzania Visa Options for Non-Kenyan Travelers

Here are the main visa options available:

Tanzania eVisa: Apply online before travelling for a smoother entry process. Suitable for tourism, business, and transit purposes.
Visa on Arrival: Available at major entry points but may involve longer wait times. Recommended only if you cannot apply online in advance.
Transit Visa: Ideal for travellers stopping in Tanzania for up to 7 days before continuing to another destination.

How to Travel from Kenya to Tanzania

1. By Air (Fastest & Most Convenient)

Flying is the quickest way to travel between Kenya and Tanzania.

Popular Flight Routes from Kenya to Tanzania:

Nairobi → Dar es Salaam (1.5 hours)

Nairobi → Zanzibar (1.5 hours)

Nairobi → Kilimanjaro (1 hour)

Mombasa → Zanzibar (1 hour)

Major Airlines Flying Between Kenya & Tanzania:

Kenya Airways Precision Air Air Tanzania

Tip: Book flights in advance for the best prices, especially during peak seasons.

2. By Road (Most Affordable Option)

Many travellers choose to travel by bus, private car, or taxi from Kenya to Tanzania. Major Land Border Crossings Include:

Border	Kenya Side	Tanzania Side	Main Route
Namanga	Namanga	Namanga	Nairobi → Arusha
Sirari/Isebania	Isebania	Sirari	Kisii → Musoma
Lunga Lunga/Horohoro	Lunga Lunga	Horohoro	Mombasa → Tanga
Loitokitok	Loitokitok	Tarakea	Nairobi → Kilimanjaro

Note: Namanga is the busiest and most commonly used border, especially for those heading to Arusha or Serengeti.

Bus Companies Operating Kenya-Tanzania Routes:

Riverside Shuttle- Nairobi to Arusha/Moshi
Impala Shuttle- Nairobi to Arusha/Moshi
Tahmeed Coach- Mombasa to Dar es Salaam
Modern Coast- Nairobi to Dar es Salaam

Book bus tickets in advance and travel during the day for safety.

3. By Train (Scenic but Slow)

There is no direct train service between Kenya and Tanzania.

Alternative Route:

Take the SGR Train from Nairobi to Mombasa, then cross by road into Tanzania via the Lunga Lunga/Horohoro border.
Take the Tanzania-Zambia Railway (TAZARA) from Dar es Salaam to other parts of Tanzania.

Required Vaccinations for Travelling from Kenya to Tanzania

Required Vaccinations For Traveling From Kenya To Tanzania

Some vaccinations are mandatory, while others are recommended when travelling from Kenya to Tanzania.

Mandatory Vaccination

Yellow Fever Vaccine: Travelers coming from or transiting through a Yellow Fever-endemic country (including Kenya) must show proof of Yellow Fever vaccination. A Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate is required at the border and airports.

Recommended Vaccinations

While not mandatory, the following vaccinations are highly recommended for travellers to Tanzania:

Hepatitis A & B: Protects against foodborne and bloodborne infections.
Typhoid: Recommended if you plan to eat street food or visit rural areas.
Rabies: If engaging in outdoor activities or visiting remote regions.
Meningitis: Advised, especially during the dry season (June to October).
Tetanus & Diphtheria: Essential for general health protection.
Malaria Prevention: Tanzania is a malaria-risk country. Consider taking anti-malarial medication, using mosquito repellent, and sleeping under a mosquito net.

Border Crossing Procedures: What to Expect

At the Border (Road & Bus Travelers):

Arrive at the Kenyan border post (e.g., Namanga, Isebania).
Get an exit stamp from Kenya Immigration.
Walk or drive to the Tanzanian side.
Show your passport and visa to the Immigration.
Pay the visa fee (if required).
Receive your entry stamp and proceed into Tanzania.

Tip: Carry USD cash if applying for a Visa on Arrival, as card payments may not be available.

Currency & Payments at the Kenya-Tanzania Border

Tanzanian Shilling Official Currency Of Tanzania

When crossing the Kenya-Tanzania border, understanding currency exchange and payment options is essential to ensure a smooth journey.

Accepted Currencies

Tanzanian Shilling (TZS): The official currency of Tanzania used for daily transactions
Kenyan Shilling (KES): Some businesses near the border, especially at Namanga, may accept KES, but exchange rates may not be favourable.
US Dollars (USD): Widely accepted for visa fees, hotels and tourist services. Ensure your USD notes are in good condition and printed after 2006, as older or damaged bills may not be accepted.

Currency Exchange

Border Exchange Bureaus: Both Namanga and other major border crossings have exchange offices where you can convert KES, USD, or other major currencies into TZS.
Banks: Some border towns have bank branches that offer currency exchange services, though they may have limited hours of operation.
Mobile Money & Digital Payments: Mobile money services such as M-Pesa, Airtel Money, and Tigo Pesa are widely used in both Kenya and Tanzania.

Payment Methods

Cash: Always carry some Tanzanian shillings, essential for small vendors and transport services.
Cards: Accepted at larger hotels, restuarants and supermarkets. Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted.
ATMs: Available in major towns like Arusha and Moshi, where you can withdraw TZS using international cards.

Travel Tips for Kenya-Tanzania Border Crossings

With proper preparation, travellers can enjoy a smooth journey between Kenya and Tanzania. Follow these key travel tips for crossing the Kenya-Tanzania border.

Confirm visa requirements before travel: Ensure you have the right visa.

Carry proper travel documents: A valid passport, travel itinerary and required health documents.

Yellow Fever Vaccination: Required if travelling from a Yellow Fever-endemic country.

Beware of Scams: Only use official immigration offices for visa processing.

Use Reliable Transport Services: Choose reputable bus companies or flights for a safe journey.

Travel During the Day: Cross borders during daytime hours.

Best Destinations in Tanzania After Crossing from Kenya

Travelling from Kenya to Tanzania offers diverse landscapes, from wildlife-rich savannas to coastal paradises. Depending on your border entry point, here are some top destinations to explore:

Herd Of Elephants From Tarangire In Tanzania

From Namanga Border (Popular Route for Safari Travellers)

Arusha: Known as the safari capital of Tanzania, Arusha is the gateway to world-famous parks like Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park. The city also offers cultural experiences and scenic views of Mount Meru.

Moshi: A charming town at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, ideal for trekkers and those wanting to experience coffee tours or visit local waterfalls.

Beautiful Lake Victoria In Mwanza Tanzania

From Sirari/Isebania Border (For Travelers Heading to Western Tanzania)

Musoma: A peaceful lakeside town near Lake Victoria, offering fishing trips, boat rides, and a relaxing atmosphere.

Mwanza: The second-largest city in Tanzania, known as the “Rock City” for its unique boulder-strewn landscape. It is also a key access point to Rubondo Island National Park, a great spot for birdwatching and chimpanzee tracking.

From Lunga Lunga/Horohoro Border (For Coastal & Island Explorers)

Tanga: A historic coastal town with stunning beaches, ancient ruins, and caves. Visit Amboni Caves, Pangani Beach, or the famous Saadani National Park, where you can see wildlife near the ocean.

Zanzibar: A short ferry ride from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar is a must-visit island for pristine beaches, rich Swahili culture, and the historic Stone Town. It is ideal for relaxation, water sports, and cultural experiences.

From Loitokitok Border (For Adventure & Mountain Enthusiasts)

Mount Kilimanjaro: Entering through Tarakea, you’ll be close to Kilimanjaro National Park, home to Africa’s highest peak. Whether you’re trekking to the summit or exploring its lower slopes, Tanzania is a must-visit for adventure lovers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Kenyan SIM cards may work in Tanzania through international roaming, but roaming charges can be high. Many travellers choose to buy a local Tanzanian SIM card at the border or in major towns for cheaper data and calls. Major networks include Vodacom, Airtel, and Tigo.

Yes. Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Tanzania and have at least one blank page for entry stamps. Travellers with damaged or near-expiry passports may be denied entry.

Content Disclaimer: While this information was last updated in March 2026, we strongly suggest confirming all travel details with the appropriate governmental agencies, embassies, and airlines.