Container gateway · Kenya
Port of Mombasa
Mombasa is a container gateway on the Indian Ocean in Kenya (East Africa & Indian Ocean). Below: key facts, how it connects with Vietnam and what to prepare when shipping through it.
Key facts
- Country / territory
- Kenya
- UN/LOCODE
- KEMBA
- Port type
- Container gateway
- Region
- East Africa & Indian Ocean
- Waters
- Indian Ocean
- Coordinates
- 4.07°S, 39.65°E
- Container throughput
- No verified figure published here
- Sea distance from Vietnam
- approx. 4,630 nm
About the port of Mombasa
Mombasa is East Africa’s main gateway, serving Kenya and land-locked neighbours such as Uganda, Rwanda and South Sudan via the Northern Corridor.
Mombasa is a container gateway: most boxes handled are imports and exports for its own hinterland, carried on mainline and regional services.
Role in trade with Vietnam
East Africa is reached from Vietnam across the Indian Ocean, usually with transshipment in Singapore, Colombo or Salalah, sometimes on direct Asia–East Africa loops.
Sea routes and transit times from Vietnam
Estimated port-to-port distances and transit times on typical routings. Actual schedules depend on the service and its port rotation.
| Route | Distance | Transit (direct) |
|---|---|---|
| Cai Mep – Thi Vai → Mombasa | 4,630 | 13–16 days |
Shipping lines
Most global carriers and regional lines serve this region. We check current services and space for your shipment when quoting. All shipping lines →
Customs and documentation tips
- Make sure the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and customs declaration show consistent descriptions, HS codes, quantities and weights.
- Agree the Incoterms® rule and who arranges freight, insurance and destination charges before booking.
- Choose the bill of lading type (original, telex release or sea waybill) according to the payment terms with your buyer or supplier.
- Declare the verified gross mass (VGM) of each container before the carrier’s cut-off, as required by SOLAS.
- Check destination import requirements early: licences, product standards, labelling, fumigation or phytosanitary certificates where applicable.
Frequently asked questions about Mombasa
Where is the port of Mombasa?
Mombasa is in Kenya, on the Indian Ocean, in the East Africa & Indian Ocean shipping region.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Mombasa?
The UN/LOCODE commonly used for Mombasa is KEMBA. Check the exact terminal or location code required by the carrier when booking.
How long does sea freight take from Vietnam to Mombasa?
On a typical routing from Cai Mep – Thi Vai, the sea distance is about 4,630 nautical miles and a direct service takes roughly 13–16 days port to port. Services with transshipment take longer.
What documents are needed to ship via Mombasa?
Usually a commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading, plus any certificates required by the destination (origin, phytosanitary, fumigation, licences). Advance cargo filings may apply before loading.
Can Global Logistic Group arrange shipping to or from Mombasa?
Yes. We arrange FCL and LCL ocean freight, customs clearance and inland transport for Mombasa through our carrier contracts and agent network. Send us your cargo details for a quote.
Information on this page is general guidance compiled by Global Logistic Group from public sources. Port facilities, carrier networks, routings and transit times change frequently; always confirm current schedules, cut-offs and requirements with us or the carrier before booking. Data as of October 2026.