Traveling from Kenya to Tanzania

Traveling from Kenya to Tanzania is a common trip for visitors, business persons, and residents. Regardless of your plans to go to Serengeti, Zanzibar, Kilimanjaro, or Dar es Salaam, there are a number of travel alternatives, Tanzania visa needs, and essential considerations to bear in mind prior to taking your journey.

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

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

✔ No Visa Required for Kenyan Citizens – Kenyan passport holders can enter Tanzania visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism and business purposes.

✔ Visa Required for Non-Kenyan Citizens – If you are a foreign national traveling from Kenya to Tanzania, you may need a Tanzania visa, depending on your nationality. It’s best to check Tanzania’s visa policy before departure.

Tanzania Visa Options for Non-Kenyan Travelers

If you are a non-Kenyan traveler heading to Tanzania, you will need a visa unless you are from a visa-exempt country. Here are the main visa options available:

• Tanzania eVisa – Apply online before traveling 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 travelers stopping in Tanzania for up to 7 days before continuing to another destination.

How to Travel from Kenya to Tanzania

There are several ways to travel between Kenya and 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 (NBO) → Dar es Salaam (DAR) – 1.5-hour flight
• Nairobi (NBO) → Zanzibar (ZNZ) – 1.5-hour flight
• Nairobi (NBO) → Kilimanjaro (JRO) – 1-hour flight
• Mombasa (MBA) → Zanzibar (ZNZ) – 1-hour flight

Major Airlines Flying Between Kenya & Tanzania:

✈ Kenya Airways

✈ Precision Air

✈ Air Tanzania

✈ Fly540

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

2. By Road (Most Affordable Option)

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

Tip: The Namanga border is the most popular and busiest route, 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)

Tanzania and Kenya have railway systems, but direct train travel between the two countries is not available.

🚂 Alternative Route:

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

Required Vaccinations for Traveling from Kenya to Tanzania

When traveling from Kenya to Tanzania, some vaccinations are mandatory, while others are recommended to ensure a safe and healthy trip.

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 travelers 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

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

1. Accepted Currencies

• Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) – The official currency of Tanzania. Most transactions in Tanzania, including transport, food, and shopping, are conducted in TZS.
• Kenyan Shilling (KES) – Some businesses near the border, especially at Namanga, may accept KES, but exchange rates may not be favorable.
• 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.

2. 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 payment services like M-Pesa, Airtel Money, and Tigo Pesa are widely used in both Kenya and Tanzania. If you have a registered M-Pesa account in Kenya, you can use it in Tanzania through international money transfer options.

3. Payment Methods

• Cash – Always carry some Tanzanian shillings in cash, as small vendors, transport services, and local markets may not accept cards or foreign currencies.
• Credit & Debit Cards – Accepted at larger hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets, but not commonly used at border crossings. Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted.
• ATMs – Available in major towns near the border, such as Arusha and Moshi, where you can withdraw TZS using international cards.

Travel Tips for Kenya-Tanzania Border Crossings

Traveling between Kenya and Tanzania can be a smooth experience with the right preparation. To help ensure a hassle-free journey, follow these key travel tips for crossing the Kenya-Tanzania border.

• Check Visa Requirements Before Traveling – Ensure you have the right visa.

• Carry Passport & Other Documents – Have a valid passport, travel itinerary, and any required health documents.

• Yellow Fever Vaccination – Required if traveling 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 – For security reasons, avoid border crossings at night.

Best Destinations in Tanzania After Crossing from Kenya

Traveling 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:

🌍 From Namanga Border (Popular Route for Safari Travelers)

✔ 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.

🌍 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, this is a must-visit for adventure lovers.

Tanzania offers something for every traveler—whether you’re looking for wildlife safaris, cultural experiences, or coastal retreats, you’ll find incredible destinations after crossing from Kenya.

Conclusion

Traveling from Kenya to Tanzania is easy and offers multiple transport options, from flights and buses to border crossings by road.

Kenyan citizens do not need a visa.

Non-Kenyans must apply for a Tanzania eVisa or get a Visa on Arrival.

The Namanga border is the most popular and busiest entry point.

Travelers should exchange currency in advance and carry necessary documents.

Content Disclaimer: While this information was last updated in March 2025, we strongly suggest confirming all travel details with the appropriate governmental agencies, embassies, and airlines.