Zambians To Pay KR2.00 Entry Fee Into Tanzania

TANZANIAN authorities have tightened entry regulations for Zambians, which now require those entering Tunduma to obtain a border pass from the Immigration Department on the Zambian side.
According to a public notice, no Zambian or any foreign national shall be allowed to enter Tunduma without a border pass. The measure is with immediate effect.
The border pass, which will be valid for one month, shall be obtained from the immigration office at Nakonde at a fee of KR2, which should be presented to the immigration officer in Tunduma upon entry.
The move has aroused mixed feelings among many Zambians who have been entering and leaving the Tanzanian border town of Tunduma without a passport or border pass.
Nakonde district commissioner James Singoyi said the Tanzanian Immigration Department has communicated to his office so that he can as well inform the travelling public on the Zambian side.
Mr Singoyi said the decision has been taken to ensure peace and security on the Nakonde-Tunduma border.
He said Zambians who want to cross the border should present their national registration cards (NRCs) at the immigration office in Nakonde for them to obtain a border pass.
Mr Singoyi said people with passports only need to have the travelling document stamped at Nakonde immigration office before proceeding into Tunduma.
Mr Singoyi has since advised Zambian cross-border traders to ensure that they move with NRCs or passports to enable them obtain border passes at the Nakonde immigration office before entering Tanzania.
He said the office of the Muchinga Province permanent secretary has been informed about the changes.
The Nakonde-Tunduma border is the only open border in Central, Southern and East Africa where people used to move freely crossing from one side of the border to the other.
Although in the past the border gates officially closed at 18:00 hours on both ends, people used to move freely from Tunduma into Nakonde and vice versa until 07:00 hours without any harassment.
Tanzanians in Tunduma also accept the Zambian currency as legal tender. – ZANIS.