Last reviewed: July 2026
All Riverside scheduled shuttles cross at Namanga, the main road border post on the Nairobi–Arusha highway. Namanga has dedicated immigration halls for both Kenya and Tanzania and is the standard overland crossing for this corridor. Isebania, in western Kenya, is a different crossing entirely — it is not used on any Riverside scheduled service and is only relevant to occasional bespoke private itineraries.
Under normal conditions, clearing Kenyan exit immigration and Tanzanian entry immigration takes roughly 15–45 minutes. That time can stretch considerably during busy travel periods, public holidays, or when systems are slow. Build buffer into your day and avoid tight onward connections on the same afternoon. Journey times quoted for each route already include the border stop.
The shuttle stops at the Kenyan border post. You collect your carry-on, walk across to the Kenyan immigration hall, receive your exit stamp, then continue on foot to the Tanzanian immigration hall. There you present your passport, visa or eTA, and any required health documents. Once stamped in, you walk to the shuttle on the Tanzanian side. The driver waits for all passengers before continuing to Arusha or Moshi — you do not need to board a different vehicle.
Entry rules vary by nationality and change. Many nationalities apply for a Tanzania eTA online before travelling; others receive a visa on arrival. Kenya operates an ETA system for most foreign visitors. Do not rely on second-hand or out-of-date information — check directly with the official portals below before booking your travel.
COVID-19 vaccination certificates and pre-departure tests are generally no longer required at the Namanga crossing, but health screening procedures and entry health rules can change at short notice. Yellow fever vaccination evidence may be required if you are travelling from or through a country considered to have a yellow fever transmission risk. Visitors who have been more than 12 hours in Nairobi will need a yellow fever vaccination certificate unless medically exempt. Check current health requirements with the relevant embassy or official health authority before you travel.
Most nationalities require a Tanzania visa or eTA. Many travellers apply online before departure through the Tanzania Immigration portal. Verify your specific requirements with the official Tanzania immigration authority — rules and eligible nationalities change.
Your driver accompanies the group to the border, guides you through the process, and waits on the Tanzanian side while you clear immigration. The actual immigration clearance — presenting your passport and documents — is done by you in person.
Plan for 15–45 minutes under normal conditions, but queues during busy periods or system delays can push this further. Shuttle journey times already account for a standard border stop.
Yellow fever vaccination evidence may be required if you are travelling from or transiting through a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission. Visitors who have been more than 12 hours in Nairobi will need a yellow fever vaccination certificate unless medically exempt. Requirements vary by nationality and itinerary, and can change — verify with the embassy or official health authority before travel.
COVID-19 vaccination certificates and pre-departure tests are generally no longer required at Namanga, but health entry rules can change. Always check the current requirements before you travel.
Isebania is a Kenya–Tanzania border crossing in western Kenya, far from both Nairobi and Arusha. Riverside scheduled shuttles do not use it. It may be relevant to a bespoke private itinerary routing via western Kenya — contact us if you need that.
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