THE NAMANGA BORDER

Generally, if travelling by road between Nairobi and Arusha, you cross between Kenya and Tanzania at the Namanga Border. This will certainly not be the most fun experience you have on your trip. Some of the border officials can be a bit self-important. Just smile and keep calm.

On the Tanzania side, the customs and immigration building is combined. Immigration is the door to the left and you are required to enter in person. You may have received an entry card or completed a roster on the bus; otherwise a card will be made available at the counter. If cards and roster are not available, you will be asked to sign a book. If you are entering Tanzania, you will have to complete the information concerning where you will stay. In this case, write ‘On Safari’ in the P. O. Box line and the name of your first hotel stop in the physical address line.

If you do not have a visa, you will have to apply at the border. Remember that you need cash for this and the price varies depending on the nation your passport is issued from. It is best to carry U. S. Dollars in tens and twenties cash as travellers' cheques are not accepted for visas and change may not be available. If time permits, you should obtain visas in advance of travel. You may be required to present passport size photographs if applying for a visa, so make sure you keep some with you.

Customs may ask that you take all of your things from the bus and bring them inside for searching. In many cases, they will only walk through the bus to see what is there. Customs might inspect both arriving and departing visitors’ luggage. As annoying as this might be, they have to right as at any international border and cooperation and kindness usually speed things along.

On the Kenya Side, customs is far less inquisitive of tourists and often will only make a cursory inspection of the bus. They do have the authority to search bags, however; and you should assist and be honest at all times.

Kenya Immigrations is at the far end of the border, the last building you reach if entering Kenya, the first if leaving. It can be crowded and the queue system a bit confusing. You will have to complete arrival or departure cards. Your address whilst in Kenya should be the name of your hotel. If departing the same day by air, write 'TRANSIT'.

If you have not purchased a visa in advance, you will also have to do this at the border. The fee varies. Note: If you are flying out of Kenya or Tanzania (depending on which country you are entering now) in the next two days, you should qualify for a transit visa that is cheaper.

WARNINGS: PLEASE READ THIS CAREFULLY
It is unfortunate that some official and unofficial people prey on tourists to con them out of money. Please note the following carefully:

Always get receipts for anything you are required to pay such as visas. (The same person you paid on entry may demand to see it on departure and claim you entered the country illegally.)
Always watch your passport being stamped and check the stamp afterwards. (Some Immigration Officers ‘forget’ to stamp your passport on arrival and demand a ‘fine’ on departure for entering the country illegally.)

Ensure the number of days/weeks allowed to stay on your passport's visa stamp agree with the time you expect to remain in Tanzania or Kenya.

Never change money at the border. Years ago, visitors were required to cash money into local currency on entering Kenya or Tanzania. This is no longer the case, but some people may try to tell you differently and then cheat you on the rate. Others may sell you counterfeit bills or claim they cannot complete the transaction but return counterfeit currency in place of your good currency.
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AGAIN - Never change money at the border with someone who tells you they are giving you a good rate – even if it is a great rate. THIS IS A SCAM! During the transaction, a friend will claim to be an official and that the transaction is an offense. ‘You will be charged.’ To avoid being charged, you surrender your evidence (the money) and after you are gone, your money is split.

Watch your things at all times. Stuff in or on the bus should be safe, as the driver will generally keep an eye on it. Do not, however, leave anything near an unlocked window. If you carry a bag, keep it close to you and do not set it down.

Watch where you walk. This is a busy area and there are many vehicles, large and small about. In the noise and confusion, you might step in front of a moving vehicle.

Don't take any pictures of people in uniforms. It is actually best not to take pictures because there is the opportunity for someone to claim it is against the law. And depending on where you were, it might be.

Don't go anyplace with anybody except into one of the official Customs or Immigrations buildings. No matter how official someone looks, if he asks you to go with him to other than the official building, refuse and ask to go into the official building to see his supervisor.

When the Maasai women tell you something is a gift, they will expect something back, generally cash.

A WORD ABOUT BRIBES - Some visitors feel it is cheaper and easier to bribe officials rather than pay the proper visa fees. It may even add a little intrigue or excitement to your trip. We strongly suggest against this.

Departure Taxes. Don't let anybody tell you to pay a departure tax at Namanga. Departure taxes only apply to airports and harbours, not land borders.