Border Stations in Tanzania | 2026 Complete Guide
Tanzania shares its borders with eight countries, making it a key gateway for regional trade, tourism, and transport. This guide lists all major border stations in Tanzania for 2026 โ including official entry and exit points, immigration services, and travel requirements for both locals and foreigners.
1. Overview of Tanzaniaโs Borders
The United Republic of Tanzania borders Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique. These borders are managed by the Tanzania Immigration Department and the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), ensuring smooth cross-border movement for people and goods.
- Total Neighboring Countries: 8
- Border Management: Immigration Department, TRA, and Tanzania Police
- Updated: October 2026
2. Main Border Stations Between Tanzania and Kenya
Tanzania and Kenya share several active border crossings connecting key trade and tourism hubs.
- Namanga Border Station โ Between Arusha (TZ) and Kajiado (KE); open 24 hours for goods and travelers.
- Holili / Taveta Border โ Connects Moshi (TZ) and Voi (KE); commonly used for northern circuit safari travelers.
- Sirari / Isebania Border โ Connects Tarime (TZ) with Migori (KE); important for Lake Victoria transport.
- Horohoro / Lunga Lunga Border โ Links Tanga (TZ) and Mombasa (KE); key for coastal trade routes.
3. Border Stations Between Tanzania and Uganda
- Mutukula Border Station โ Located in Kagera Region; serves buses, cargo, and private vehicles between Tanzania and Uganda.
- Port Bukoba (Lake Victoria ) โ Used for lake transport and ferry services between Bukoba (TZ) and Entebbe (UG).
4. Border Stations Between Tanzania and Rwanda
- Rusumo Border Station โ Located in Ngara District; the main crossing between Tanzania and Rwanda via the Rusumo Bridge.
5. Border Stations Between Tanzania and Burundi
- Kabanga Border Station โ Near Kigoma Region; connects Tanzania with Kayanza, Burundi.
- Mabanda Border Station โ A smaller crossing used by local traders and travelers.
6. Border Stations Between Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
- Kigoma Port โ Connects Tanzania to Uvira and Kalemie in the DRC via Lake Tanganyika ferries.
- Kasanga Port โ Another lake border station used for goods and trade with the DRC.
7. Border Stations Between Tanzania and Zambia
- Tunduma Border Station โ The busiest southern border, linking Tanzania with Nakonde (Zambia). Serves the TAZARA Railway, buses, and cargo trucks.
8. Border Stations Between Tanzania and Malawi
- Kasumulu Border Station โ Connects Mbeya (TZ) and Karonga (Malawi); open for both passenger and commercial transport.
- Kyela Lake Port โ Used for lake transport on Lake Nyasa between Tanzania and Malawi.
9. Border Stations Between Tanzania and Mozambique
- Mtambaswala Border Station โ Located in Mtwara Region; connects to Negomano (Mozambique).
- Mtwara Port โ Serves as a maritime entry point between Tanzania and Mozambique.
10. Key Requirements at Tanzania Border Stations
To cross any Tanzania border station, travelers must have valid documentation and meet customs regulations:
- Valid passport or recognized travel document.
- Valid visa (if required) or East African eVisa.
- Vehicle documents (logbook, insurance, and international driving permit).
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate (for some borders).
- Customs declaration for goods and commercial cargo.
11. Tanzania Border Operating Hours
Most major border stations operate daily, with extended hours for commercial routes.
- Major borders (Namanga, Tunduma, Mutukula): 24 hours
- Smaller regional borders: 6:00 AM โ 6:00 PM
12. Border Management Authorities
- Immigration Department of Tanzania โ www.immigration.go.tz
- Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) โ www.tra.go.tz
- Tanzania Police Force โ Border security and safety enforcement.
13. Summary โ Border Stations in Tanzania (2026)
Tanzania has multiple official border stations connecting it with eight neighboring countries across East, Central, and Southern Africa. The busiest include Namanga (Kenya), Tunduma (Zambia), and Mutukula (Uganda).
- Total Neighboring Countries: 8
- Land and Lake Border Stations: 20+
- Managed by Immigration & TRA
- Updated for 2026
Whether you are traveling, transporting goods, or planning cross-border trade, knowing these Tanzania border stations helps ensure a smooth journey. For official updates, visit the Tanzania Immigration website.
Explore more Tanzania travel and transport guides at www.jaynevytours.com.