How many entry points to Tanzania from Kenya?

Tanzania and Kenya share a long and active border in East Africa, making cross-border movement common among tourists, traders, business travelers, and residents. When you are planning to travel from Kenya to Tanzania, you should be aware of the number of official entry points and which ones are suitable for your route and travel purpose.

How many official entry points does Tanzania have from Kenya?

Tanzania has several official entry points that can be used by travelers entering from Kenya, including major land border crossings and international airports that receive flights from Kenya. In total, there are seven commonly used official entry points, including major land border crossings and international airports.

These entry points fall into two main categories:

Land border crossings (road-based)
International airports

Major land border entry points (road)

The most common entry points are land borders, especially for tourists traveling to northern Tanzania, regional trade, and land transportation.

1. Namanga Border

Namanga is the busiest and most popular border crossing between Kenya and Tanzania. It is situated on the highway linking Nairobi in Kenya and Arusha in northern Tanzania. This border provides direct access to major safari destinations such as Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Mount Kilimanjaro, making it especially popular with international tourists. Namanga Border is officially open 24 hours a day, although processing times and services may be more limited at night.

2. Holili – Taveta Border

The Taveta–Holili border crossing connects Taveta town in Kenya with the Tanzanian town of Holili. It is a popular path among the passengers traveling in the direction of Moshi and the area of Mount Kilimanjaro, especially those who arrive at the coast or the southeastern regions of Kenya. This border is usually not crowded as compared to Namanga and, therefore, can be processed faster. It is popular among tourists, tour operators, and locals.

3. Sirari – Isebania Border

The Sirari–Isebania border crossing is found both in western Kenya and northern Tanzania and is a key entry point to the region and long-distance travel. International buses and commercial transport vehicles that are moving between Kenya, Tanzania, and other East African countries often cross over using this crossing. Similar to Namanga, the border between Sirari and Isebania is open all day and night; it is one of the best points of entry for cross-border movement.

4. Lunga Lunga – Horohoro Border

The Lunga Lunga-Horohoro border is a coastal land border crossing used by tourists who traverse between Mombasa in Kenya and the Tanzanian sea coast, including that near Tanga. This border is significant to both regional and local trade and coastal tourism. Travelers usually select it because they prefer to avoid the busier inland border posts.

5. Oloitokitok Border

The Oloitokitok border is a smaller and less frequently used crossing point found close to Mount Kilimanjaro. It is primarily utilized by local people, licensed tour operators, and safari cars working in the border area. It is not widely advised for first-time international travelers on an unplanned basis because of its limited facilities as well as operating hours.

Air entry points commonly used by travelers from Kenya

Travelers can also fly directly from Kenya and enter Tanzania through international airports.

6. Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA)

The most popular airport when flying between Nairobi and northern Tanzania is Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA). It covers the major safari destinations in Arusha, Moshi, and other areas of northern Tanzania, such as Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Mount Kilimanjaro. KIA is regarded as a significant gateway to the tourism industry, particularly among international arrivals in Kenya, due to its strategic location and frequent regional flights.

7. Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam)

Julius Nyerere International Airport, which is based in Dar es Salaam, is the largest international airport in Tanzania and the biggest aviation hub. It also handles regular direct flights between Dar es Salaam and Nairobi, making it a key air entry point for travelers coming from Kenya, thus it acts as a major point of entry for people who have originated in Kenya. This airport is particularly significant to business travelers, long-distance travelers, and links to southern and coastal Tanzania.

Important things to know before crossing

Visa requirements: The majority of tourists require a Tanzania visa (eVisa or visa on arrival, based on the nationality).
Validity of passport: Minimum 6 months' validity.
Health requirements: A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate may be required when entering Tanzania from Kenya, as Kenya is classified as a Yellow Fever risk country. Travelers should check current health requirements before crossing.
Border hours: Not all crossings are 24 hours.

Conclusion

Tanzania has approximately seven regularly used official entry points from Kenya, consisting of five main road border crossings and two major international airports. Namanga Border is still the most frequented point of entry by land, then there is Holili-Taveta and Sirari-Isebania. The decision of the entry point depends upon your destination, mode of transportation, and the purpose of travel. Cross-border travel between Kenya and Tanzania is generally smooth and hassle-free.

How many entry points to Tanzania from Kenya?

How many official entry points does Tanzania have from Kenya?