Overview

The Kasumulu Border Crossing is a land border crossing between Tanzania and Malawi, it is the crucial crossing point for goods traveling from Dar es Salaam port to Malawi. The border crossing is about 100 kilometres (62 miles) south of Mbeya, Tanzania, and 200 kilometres (124 miles) north of Lilongwe, Malawi. It is located on the Songwe River, which forms the natural border between the two countries.

The border crossing is open 12 hours a day, 7 days a week. To cross the border, you will need to have a valid passport and visa. You may also need to pay a visa fee, which varies depending on your nationality. You can obtain a visa at the Tanzanian embassy or consulate in your home country, or at the Kasumulu border crossing.

The Kasumulu border crossing is a relatively easy crossing to navigate. However, it is always advisable to allow plenty of time for the crossing, as there can sometimes be queues. It is also advisable to have all of your documentation ready in advance. It is also important to be aware of the different driving rules in Tanzania and Malawi. In Tanzania, traffic drives on the left side of the road, while in Malawi, traffic drives on the right side of the road.

Daily Capacity

The level of traffic flow reported for 2022/23 FY was:  

• Numbers of Trucks – 80-100Per Day   
• Numbers of Cars – 20-30Per Day 
• Passenger Buses – 2 Per Week  

Kasumulu is not operating as an OSBP at present, the Malawi station is under construction and is expected to be complete in late 2024.This create a delay on the Malawi side for clearance however when the OSBP is operational this will alleviate this problem.

Customs Clearance 

Malawi is not a member of the East African Community and therefore are not part of the single customs territory. Therefore, this traditional border crossing requires traffic to be checked by customs on both sides. However, the traffic flow of transit goods through Kasumulu is very quick and takes only one (1) hour on average for a truck to complete inspection and cross the Tanzanian side of the border.

The TRA has developed a number of online tools to help businesses comply with customs requirements. These tools include.  

• Tanzania Integrated Customs Management System (TANCIS): TANCIS is a web-based system that allows businesses to lodge customs declarations and pay customs duties and taxes online.   
• Tanzania Customs Information Portal (TCIP): The TCIP is a web-based portal that provides businesses with access to information on customs procedures, regulations, and tariffs.   

Government agencies operating at the Tunduma OSBP include.  

• Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA),   
• Tanzania Immigration services,   
• Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS),   
• Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority (TMDA),   
• Weights and Measures Agency (WMA),   
• Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASAC),   
• Livestock & Fisheries Dept,   
• Port Health,   
• Forest Dept,   
• Tanzania Atomic Energy Commission (TAEC)   
• Ministry of Agriculture.  

Other Relevant Information 

The fees for trucks crossing the border vary depending on the origin of the journey, destination, and the number of axles. For small vehicles, the fees are mainly based on the longer of the journey in Tanzania.    

The usual documents are required for the custom clearance including invoice, packing list, permits, and a contract signed between the customer and the clearing agent, if any. The truck driver has to present his passport to the authority. Note that the goods could be subject to examination upon entering country. Clearance is completed at the destination country, thus truck driver has to present C2 accompanied by SuBT1. (Goods transfer) Form C2-Cargo Manifest  

Fees for small vehicles $25 per month regardless of distance

Fees for Trucks are $10 per 100Km traveled.

For more information, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information and 4.1 Government Contact List.