Landborder closed between Kenya and Ethiopia

[pjverschaeve]

Hi,

We are currently overlanding from Cape town to London but got stuck in Nairobi due to the closure of the landborder between Kenya and Ethiopia. After numerous calls everywhere, nobody says 'why', 'how long' or 'what to do'

- Fly-in is still possible (but not when you have your own car/bike)
- Send of passports to your own embassy in Europe
- Neighbouring countries don't issue them either

In order to get it in Nairobi, you need to be a Kenyan resident.

As I've seen, we are a quite big group piling up in Nairobi, not knowing that this policy changed with no reason in the past week.

East Africa highway seems to be closed.

Hints / tips very welcome.

regards

[DougieB]

I assume you are talking about the Moyale road ? it can happen when there is some local conflict going on. there is another crossing further west, it is longer and I'm not sure of the fuel range required.

I got caught up the stramash once, but another biker a day later made the crossing further west. the Moyale road was closed for 2 weeks that time, as the army laid down the law.

[pjverschaeve]

Thanks for your reply

unfortunately, it's not a local shut down of the moyale borderpost, it's the general policy.

They don't issue visas at the border as far as I know (Ken to Eth, moyale).

You need it in advance, issued in Nairobi, and that's what they stopped doing right now.

[DougieB]

hmm.. I don't understand then.

the border is open, but you don't have a visa to get into Ethiopia ? what nationality are you ?

[baboon_hai]

Hey there,

if you get a visa for Ethiopia in Kenya depends on your nationality - if your country is on the ethiopian list of "tourist-generating countries" (around 33 countries) you'll get one - if not: you'll only get it at home!

So here the list (as far as i know):
Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea Republic, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russian Federation, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States.


We got stuck in Nairobi about 6 month ago because we weren't on that list and tried everything. Our own Embassy spoke to the ethiopians, Ambassadors in several other countries did the same - no way. The only way is to switch to another passport or try it in another country (the consulat in Egypt might be less strict, Uganda . . .)

Good luck
robin

[Dan Parker]

Hi
Don't know if this is much help but about 10 years ago when i was riding through there i met up with some travelers that got into Ethiopia from Kenya with out a visa at all. I can't remember where they crossed but there are some very small unused road into the country other than they main routes. They just went and let the authorities know in Addis when the arrived. Could be a bit risky but they said there was no one patrolling these entry points

All the best

dan

[SPArnold]

The fact that Visa's aren't issued atm may have to do with the recent election in Ethiopia, which has seen quite a bit of violence last time around. I imagine foreign tourists that could be taken hostage and lead to diplomatic embarrassment, not to speak of mercenaries or -got forbid- critical western journalists are less then welcome.
As far as I understand elections have been comparatively calm, so let's hope the old visa-regime will be re-adopted soon.

[AfricaMinded]

Hi there, the border actually is not closed. Visas are no longer issued in Nairobi unless you are a resident or have a work permit for Kenya. The only way to get your visa is to send it back home and request it there or to get it in advance (if possible). 2 ways into Ethiopia: via Moyale road or via Lake Turkana. On both points there are immigration offices so you do need a visa. Lake Turkana road is not advisable after and during the rains. Check locally what the conditions are on that route. Hope this helps future travelers.

[greenbean3]

Hi All,
thanks for the update. Is it still alright going the other way (south)? Can you still get Ethiopian visas in Cairo or Khartoum?

Cheers
ness

[Chris Scott]

Yes you can last I heard a month ago:
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...sy-cairo-53083

It's just Kenya that's changed for those northbound - now simply sticking to the rules AFAIK.

There is the new intro 'letter with carnet rule', too:
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...t-enough-53466

Worth noting that Sudan may close for the referendum in a few weeks - visas have already started drying up.
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...ferendum-53730

Chris S

[patdavey78]

Hi fellow travelers,

Not to sure if this helps but when i was working as a Overland driver running trips from Cape Town to Cairo we had the same problem end of 2009.
We over come this by going to Kampala in Uganda. I know its a bit of a divertion but we were able to get visas for all my passengers in less than two days.
There would be a increase in your cost as you would then have to pay for the visa entery into Uganda but would not have to pay for going back into Kenya.
The up side to this is you get to visit the Nile in Jinja which really should not be missed.
Also Kampala is a great place to Visit as well. With the new road that has been made the trip does not take that long anymore.

Regards travelingaustralian