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TANZANIA NIGHT TRAVEL BY BUS

Date: November 1, 2023 By Ngeshu Categories: Blog No comments

Driving personal vehicles in East Africa

Tanzania night travel by bus is currently safe by bus according to tanzanian government. There is a lot of bus services connecting all East African capitals and major cities, but with EAC-enhanced co-operation in the area of transport, East Africans can now drive private cars across borders and across the entire EAC region, free of charge, for visits no longer than seven (7) days.

The maximum period allowed for one to use a car not registered in the host Partner State is six (6) months, you will be required to pay $20 per month as temporary road licence after the seven-day grace period elapses. Anyone using a private car has to fill a form, obtainable at border crossing points or local Revenue Authority office, which grants permission for free access for a week. A valid driver’s licence is required for driving in any of the Partner States.

Ensure that your car is insured before you travel. Have a valid sticker displayed on your vehicle as proof of insurance. Also make sure you carry an original copy of your car Log Book or at the very least, a certified photocopy.

Tanzania Night Travel Ban Lifted in Public Transport

The Tanzanian government lifted a long standing directive barring upcountry buses from operating at night. The ban had been in effect since the 1990s. The decision was announced by Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa in parliament. The lifting of the ban also came after thorough consideration of input from various stakeholders in the transport sector, alongside marked improvements in infrastructure and security. The ban was a response to the escalating number of road accidents and bus hijackings.

The country had recorded improvements in infrastructure, security and transport management, hence the decision to lift the ban. The uplifting of the ban is expected to have a substantial impact on the country’s transport sector. With potential benefits in terms of economic growth and enhanced travel options for passengers.

Getting Around In Tanzania

If you’re looking for cheap ways to travel in Tanzania and get around the entire country, buses are the best way to go. Of course they’re much slower than planes but the good news is that they usually arrive around the announced time. It’s important not to underestimate driving times as the roads here are not made for driving fast or overtaking easily. Between Moshi and Dar Es Salaam, eg., there’s only about 550 km but it takes 10 hours. There’s different types of buses for long and short distances, they include: Impala Shuttle, Nairobi Arusha Shuttle Bus, Nairobi Arusha Shuttles, Marangu Shuttle, ngurdoto-shuttle and many more.

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Buses From Nairobi to Arusha

Date: September 5, 2023 By Ngeshu Categories: Blog No comments

Buses from Nairobi to Arusha and Moshi are offered by Impala Shuttle in Nairobi located at 25 Monrovia Street. Trying to plan a backpacking trip around Kenya and Tanzania can be challenging. You need to research the best destinations and the safest routes while trying to save some money and leaving yourself the freedom and flexibility to explore each place. That’s why Impala Shuttle provides the best of all worlds for backpackers! Our fare prices from Nairobi to Arusha and Moshi towns and vice versa are favorable to backpackers.

Our buses from Nairobi to Arusha are also a great place to meet other like-minded travelers. We often hear from people who started their journey alone but made friends on the Impala bus and continued their travels together to other countries. In addition to meeting other travelers, Impala Shuttle also provides the most freedom of any way to travel in East Africa. 

With Impala Shuttle, you’ll be able to travel to Kenya and Tanzania in comfort and safety while visiting all of the country’s most amazing destinations and making friends along the way. You’ll also save money by taking advantage of our private transfers. Book a Bus Now

Luggage Suitcase and Carry-on

When travelling with Impala Shuttle buses from Kenya to Tanzania or vice versa, you are allowed some luggage and some is considered extra luggage. You are allowed to carry 2 suitcases and 2 carry-ons not exceeding 20kgs total weight. Any other extra luggage is allowed but will be charged $5 per 20kgs. All luggages are safely carried but it is upon the owner to keep check of their luggage. Reserve a Seat Now!

All luggaes go on top of the bus on the carrier. The luggage is protected from the rain and sun with a canvas cover. Do not worry that your luggage might get wet from the rain or anything. Everybody is also supposed to alight with their luggages at the border for border checking. After clearance the luggage is loaded again on the top of the bus.

BOOK YOUR SEAT TO ARUSHA AND MOSHI HERE

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Travelling to Tanzania With Kids

Date: August 15, 2023 By Ngeshu Categories: Blog No comments

Required Documentation to Take a Child across the Namanga Border

Travelling to Tanzania with kids can be a thrilling experience, but Customs Officers at the Namanga border or any other border are always on high alert for child abduction. Make sure you have your ducks in a row and get them a passport before entering the country—other forms of documentation may be accepted, but it’s best to make sure the officials are satisfied and won’t hold up your Nairobi Arusha trip!

When crossing into Tanzania, ensure that parents or guardians travel in the same vehicle as their children. Kids who are old enough to speak should feel empowered by answering any questions posed by customs officers–just let them know beforehand what might happen so they’re feeling comfortable when it’s time to chat.

Children under age 18 may enter Kenya or Tanzania using the following:

See what documents a child needs to travel to or from Kenya and Tanzania alone or with a parent or relative below:

1. A valid passport or temporary permit for EA Residents
2. Yellow Fever Vaccination Card (For kids above 3 years)
3. Visa if non-resident

Children Traveling without Parents via Namanga Border

If you’re an East African resident, it’s super important to make sure that any young traveler under the age of 18 crossing borders without their parents has a Consent Letter from both guardians. This way, they can cross with peace of mind and travel safely even if accompanied by family or friends instead. So if your little ones are planning on taking a trip, don’t forget this essential step!

When you roll up to the inspection station, border officials will be making their own assessment of the situation. If one parent is present, a few simple questions may suffice for approval – if all goes well, they may even just wave you through. However, taking extra precaution by having a Consent Letter can make things easier; it provides all the information needed in one place and its validatable signatures show that you’ve done your due diligence.

You’re not legally required to have a Consent Letter with an exact format or notarized signature, but bear in mind that both countries’ border officials reserve complete discretion when allowing entrance into their country. Therefore, divorced parents sharing custody of children should bring copies of legal documents plus authorization letters from the other parent; guardians transporting a child should include court orders granting guardianship too!

Crossing the Namanga Border with Groups of Children

When travelling to Tanzania with kids via the Namanga border, the group should be ready to present a letter, on organizational letterhead, with the following information:

• The name of the group and supervising adult
• A list of the children on the trip, and the primary address, phone number, date of birth, place of birth, and name of at least one parent or legal guardian for each child

It is also important to make a call to the specific border crossing you will be using to give them a heads up and confirm that you have the proper documentation.

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Updated Kenya-Tanzania Travel Documents Requirement

Date: June 8, 2023 By Ngeshu Categories: Blog No comments

Impala Shuttle Nairobi-Arusha-Moshi

Are you looking to travel from Kenya to Tanzania but unsure of what is currently needed for border crossing? We have made everything easy in this article. Impala Shuttle is a travel company with offices in both Kenya and Tanzania. We have daily departures both private and shared. Most often, our clients ask us many questions about border crossing requirements, so we decided to make this post. We will look into it in three parts for each document. Here are the Updated Kenya-Tanzania Travel Documents Requirement

Covid-19 Vaccination Requirement To Enter Kenya

Early May 2023, Kenya dropped the Covid-19 travel restrictions for travelers. All travelers arriving in Kenya through any port of entry are no longer required to produce a Covid-19 vaccination certificate or show proof of a negative Covid-19 test. This was after a review of the Covid-19 travel restriction in Kenya by the Ministry of Health in line with guidance from the World Health Organization.

Only travelers arriving at any port of entry into Kenya with flu-like symptoms will be expected to fill out the passenger locator form on the ‘Jitenge’ platform. They will also be required to take a COVID-19 antigen test upon arrival. Those who turn positive for Antigen testing will be required to take a further COVID-19 PCR test. All these tests will be at their own cost.

For persons travelling out of the country, they will be required to abide by the travel requirements of the destination country.

Covid-19 Vaccination Requirement To Enter Tanzania

You do not need to show a COVID vaccination certificate or negative COVID test to enter Tanzania. Health officials may screen you for COVID symptoms on arrival. They may also randomly select travellers for rapid antigen testing.

If you are transiting through Tanzania, your carrier or final destination country may have separate rules on vaccination and testing requirements. Check with your transport provider or travel agent for their COVID-19 requirements before you travel.

Visa Requirement to Enter Tanzania

All foreigners seeking to enter in the United Republic of Tanzania are required to have a valid visa, unless their countries have visa abolition agreement with Tanzania. A visa is a permission granted to a foreigner to enter and remain in the United Republic of Tanzania for a specific period. A visa is issued to a visitor who intends to enter Tanzania for a visit, leisure, holiday, business, health treatment, studies, or any other related activities. 

It should be noted that the possession of Visa is not a final authority to enter the United Republic of Tanzania. The Immigration Officer at the Entry point may refuse a holder of visa to enter, if he is satisfied that the holder is unable to fulfil Immigration entry requirements or if the presence of such person or visitors in the United Republic of Tanzania would be contrary to the National Interests.

Visa Requirement to Enter Kenya

A citizen of a foreign country, wishing to enter The Republic of Kenya, generally must first obtain an evisa. Kenyan entry visas are exclusively issued electronically, with passengers required to obtain their e-visas before departure. You can apply for single entry and transit visas on the e-visas website.

The visa is accessible for viewing by your airline, or at port, through an electronic system managed by the Kenyan Government. Once the e visa is issued, the holder can travel to an entry point where their passport will be stamped then they are allowed entry.

Yellow Fever Card Requirement to Enter Kenya and Tanzania

Kenya requires a valid yellow fever certificate from all foreign visitors and citizens over 1 year of age travelling from an infected area or having been in transit through infected areas.

Tanzania also requires a valid yellow fever certificate from all foreign visitors and citizens over 1 year of age travelling from an infected area or having been in transit through infected areas . An important note, however. If you’re transiting through one of the yellow fever high-risk countries for a period of 12 hours or more, you will be required to receive the yellow fever vaccination. If this is the case on your trip to Tanzania, we strongly advise seeing your doctor and checking your Tanzania vaccination requirements with a healthcare professional before travelling. 

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WHAT YOU NEED TO CROSS KENYA-TANZANIA BORDER (NAMANGA)

Date: May 26, 2022 By Ngeshu Categories: Blog No comments

The Namanga border crossing between Southern Kenya and Northern Tanzania is located about 160 km southeast of Nairobi and 100 km north of Arusha. The Kenyan side of the border is in Kajiado County, while the Tanzanian side is in Longido District. Namanga is one of the major border crossings between
the two countries due to its proximity to the two major cities.

The border is a One Stop Border Post (OSBP). The main objective of OSBPs is to facilitate trade and travel by reducing the number of stops made at a border crossing, thereby reducing the time required for clearance at the border. This objective is achieved by co-locating exit and entry controls of both countries on each side of the border, or in one common facility with simplified procedures and joint controls where feasible. At an OSBP, border controls of the two Partner States are co-located in a way that people, goods, and vehicles stop only once, in the country of entry, for both exit formalities from one Partner State and entry formalities into the other.

DOCUMENTS NEEDED TO CROSS NAMANGA BORDER

In addition to taking a flight, you may also consider the option of entering Kenya or Tanzania by land through the Namanga Border. Nationals of most countries require a visa to enter Tanzania. The easiest option is to apply for an e-Visa online. There are currently 158 countries that are eligible for this electronic visa for Tanzania including Australia, Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. The e-Visa can be applied for rapidly and securely by filling out the user-friendly Tanzania e-Visa application form, paying the fee by credit or debit card and then waiting just a few days or less to receive the visa at the email address that you provided. What you need to cross Kenya-Tanzania border (Namanga) include:

• Valid Passport
• Yellow fever card
• Visa (for non EAC citizens)
• Proof of Covid-19 Vaccination Certificate/PCR Test
• EAC Citizens can use a temporary permits if one does not have a passport
• If driving, a Car logbook, valid driving license, Valid insurance.

There are various options for traveling from Nairobi to Namanga:

• There are shuttle buses to the border that pick up guests from many of the city’s main hotels.
• There is also a bus service to Namanga from Nairobi’s main bus station such as Impala Buses.
• For those looking to go by private means, these can also be caught from the bus station. Most of the shuttle buses also provide private transfers.

Things to Keep in Mind When Crossing the Namanga Border

• Do not change money at the border unless advised by your bus driver. He will give you a specific person to do so. There are numerous touts on the road to the border offering to change money and selling insurance. Some of them can be quite forceful. It is best to politely decline if you are not interested.
• If you have chosen not to get your hassle-free e-Visa and instead to queue at the border then be sure to insist on a receipt for the visa from the immigration official as this may be later requested.

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