Entering Tanzania by land is common for travelers on East Africa road trips or multi-country safaris. Visa on arrival is available at major Tanzania land border crossings, or you can use your pre-approved Tanzania e-Visa. This guide covers the main border crossings, visa requirements, and practical tips.
Main Tanzania Border Crossings
Tanzania-Kenya Borders
| Border | Tanzania Side | Kenya Side | Popularity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Namanga | Namanga | Namanga | Very busy — main Arusha-Nairobi route |
| Holili/Taveta | Holili | Taveta | Safari circuit between Kilimanjaro and Tsavo |
| Horohoro/Lunga Lunga | Horohoro | Lunga Lunga | Coastal route, Mombasa access |
| Sirari/Isebania | Sirari | Isebania | Western, less used |
Namanga is the busiest land crossing in the region — used by thousands of overland travelers weekly, including safari vehicles, buses, and independent overlanders.
Tanzania-Uganda Borders
| Border | Tanzania Side | Uganda Side |
|---|---|---|
| Mutukula | Mutukula | Mutukula |
Tanzania-Rwanda Borders
Travelers typically transit through Uganda to reach Rwanda from Tanzania. Direct Tanzania-Rwanda crossings are less common.
Tanzania-Burundi Borders
| Border | Tanzania Side | Burundi Side |
|---|---|---|
| Kabanga/Kobero | Kabanga | Kobero |
Tanzania-Malawi Borders
| Border | Tanzania Side | Malawi Side |
|---|---|---|
| Kasumulu/Mbeya | Kasumulu | Songwe |
Tanzania-Zambia Borders
| Border | Tanzania Side | Zambia Side |
|---|---|---|
| Tunduma | Tunduma | Nakonde |
Tanzania-Mozambique Borders
| Border | Tanzania Side | Mozambique Side |
|---|---|---|
| Mtambaswala/Negomano | Mtambaswala | Negomano |
| Unity Bridge | Songea region | Rovuma River crossing |
Visa on Arrival at Tanzania Land Borders
Visa on arrival is available at designated Tanzania land border crossings. Not all crossings offer visa services. The major international crossings (Namanga, Tunduma, Holili) do offer visa on arrival.
Requirements at land border crossings:
- Valid passport (6+ months validity, 2+ blank pages)
- $50 USD cash (exact amount, clean notes)
- Return or onward travel documentation
- Accommodation or host details in Tanzania
- Yellow fever certificate (if applicable)
Important: Smaller, less-used crossings may NOT offer visa on arrival. Research the specific crossing you plan to use before relying on VoA at a minor border post.
Using Tanzania e-Visa at Land Borders
Your pre-approved Tanzania e-Visa is valid at designated land border crossings as well as airports. When applying for the e-Visa online, you can select a land border crossing as your port of entry.
Tip: If you are doing a circuit (e.g., entering at Kilimanjaro airport and exiting via Namanga to Kenya), select your arrival airport as the port of entry — you can still exit at any crossing.
Namanga Border: Most Used Tanzania-Kenya Crossing
What to expect at Namanga:
- Both Tanzanian and Kenyan immigration offices are at the crossing
- You need both a Tanzania e-Visa (or VoA) AND a Kenya e-Visa (or Kenya VoA)
- Process both sides independently
- Busy times: daytime hours; early morning or evening is faster
- Moneychangers are present but rates are poor — use licensed exchange offices inside
Arusha to Nairobi via Namanga:
- By bus: 7–10 hours total including border processing
- By private vehicle: 5–7 hours depending on queues
Frequently Asked Questions
Related guides: Requirements | Fees | Processing Time