Kenya-Uganda Border Crossings

Travellers wishing to go from Uganda to Kenya or vice versa have two options: air or land travel. To cross the border, you will need to go to a specific checkpoint for either option. Many people, including citizens of both countries and backpackers touring Africa, frequently cross the Kenya–Uganda border. However, not all of these points can be used with a Kenya eTA, so it’s important to check entry requirements and apply for Kenya eTA in advance if needed.

The information below is useful for travellers who plan to cross the border between Kenya and Uganda.

Crossing Points: Kenya-Uganda Border Posts

The five official border points along the Kenya-Uganda border are listed below:

1. Busia
2. Lokitanyala
3. Lwakhakha
4. Malaba
5. Suam

Each crossing differs depending on operating hours, visa requirements, and customs regulations. Being aware of these unique features or distinctions is vital for planning a smooth and hassle-free border crossing experience.

Except for Lokitanyala, all of the towns along the Kenya-Uganda border are located in the southern half of the frontier.

The major border crossings connecting the two countries are Busia and Malaba, situated on the main roads. Rift Valley Railways operates a train crossing at Malaba. The only land border posts between Kenya and Uganda fully equipped to accommodate a large number of passengers and process digital documents are Busia and Malaba.

However, Busia, Lwakhakha, Malaba, and Suam are the authorised crossing points where a Kenya eTA is accepted.

How is the border between Uganda and Kenya?

The border between Uganda and Kenya spans an impressive distance of 772 kilometres, featuring a total of five crossing points. Three of these points are located in small towns that primarily serve the needs of locals who cross the border for work or to visit family.

In contrast, the remaining two crossing points are in the relatively large towns of Busia and Malaba. These two points are crucial gateways for the transportation of goods and people, and as such, thousands of trucks traverse these towns every day, stopping at the border for customs clearance. Additionally, many bus routes also pass through these towns, providing convenient transportation options.

Kenya-Uganda border crossing at Busia

The Busia border crossing is a primary land checkpoint for goods and travellers traversing between Kenya and Uganda. The best part is that it's an authorised crossing point for eTA holders.

Over the past few years, the facilities have undergone significant upgrades, transforming it into a one-stop border crossing that links Busia, Kenya, and Busia, Uganda.

Located in Busia County, Kenya, the town of Busia is strategically positioned along the direct route connecting Kampala and Nairobi via Kimisu. Many travellers prefer to take a direct bus between the two capital cities, which typically takes between 12 and 13 hours. Some bus companies even include a complimentary meal in the price of the journey, making it a comfortable and convenient travel option.

Malaba, Kenya-Uganda border point

The border town of Malaba, situated between Tororo, Uganda to the east and Busia, Kenya to the south, ranks as the second busiest crossing point between Kenya and Uganda. This checkpoint is especially convenient for those travelling from Uganda to Eldoret, a city in Kenya. It is also an authorised crossing point where travellers with a pre-approved visa, or Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA), can present their printed approval letter for processing.

Spanning approximately 1 kilometre, the border area boasts a significant width between the Kenyan and Ugandan border posts. Travellers can traverse this distance on foot or by boda-boda, a type of bicycle taxi commonly used in East Africa.

Several regular bus services operate from Kampala, offering direct travel to Eldoret through the Malaba border crossing. Additionally, matatus, or minibuses, provide transportation options from Malaba to Nairobi in Kenya and to Kampala in Uganda.

Guide on Crossing the Border from Uganda to Kenya

It is simple to cross the land border from Uganda to Kenya if you have the correct documents and permission to enter the country.

You can opt to cross the border by driving your vehicle or by taking one of the numerous bus services that run between the two nations.

Upon reaching the border, all bus passengers must disembark and cross it on foot or via boda-boda while officials inspect the bus.

Border control officers will request to see your passport, eTA, Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate, and valid driver's license, along with other pertinent travel documents, to verify your eligibility to cross into Kenya (discussed in detail below)

Border Crossing Availability on Sundays: Is the Kenya-Uganda Border Open?

The checkpoints located in Busia and Malaba operate 24/7 under normal circumstances. However, emergencies and crisis situations can fluctuate the operating hours.

Therefore, it is essential to confirm the border's status before planning a trip during such uncertain times.

Required Documentation for Entry at Kenyan-Ugandan Ports

To cross the border between Kenya and Uganda, tourists must present certain documents at the entry port for identification, verification, and recordkeeping purposes. Here are some of the essential documents needed when entering Kenya:

• Passport: A valid passport is mandatory for entry into Kenya. It must have at least six months' validity from the date of entry and enough blank pages for immigration stamps.
• eTA: Visitors from most countries require an eTA to enter Kenya. The Kenya eTA allows a single entry into the nation. It's advisable to obtain a visa in advance to avoid complications at the border.

• Yellow fever vaccination certificate: Travellers entering Kenya from a yellow fever-endemic area must have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. This requirement is mandatory, and failure to produce a valid certificate may result in denial of entry.

The Kenya eTA can be obtained online from the Kenya eTA Application website. Obtaining an eTA online saves applicants from the hassle of visiting an embassy in person. This option is particularly beneficial for those who do not have an embassy in their country of residence.

It's worth noting, however, that some other nationalities may also be exempt from the Kenyan eTA requirements. They have the option to use their national ID card instead of a passport for entry into either country. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on the eligibility, refer to the Kenya eTA Eligible Countries webpage. It is essential to confirm eTA requirements before travelling to avoid any inconveniences at the border.

Recommended vaccinations include: Typhoid fever, yellow fever, hepatitis A and B, and rabies. Anyone travelling to Kenya must take Malaria preventive medications, as some parts of Kenya are prone to Malaria.

Tips and Recommendations for Crossing the Kenya-Uganda Border

By following these tips, travellers can have a smooth and hassle-free experience crossing the Kenya-Uganda border.

1. Buses are the most popular and convenient transportation option for travelling between Kampala and Nairobi, especially if you reserve a VIP seat. Bus tickets can vary between 3,876 KES and 5,168, which is roughly USD $30-40.
2. Please ensure you have all the necessary documents with you for entry into the country. The Border officials may deny your entry if you do not have them.
3. When crossing the border, keep your valuables with you, not on the bus. This is to avoid any loss or theft of your belongings during the border crossing process.
4. Allow enough time for the border crossing, as the immigration process can sometimes take longer than expected, especially during peak travel times.

Conclusion

Armed with this knowledge, you can confidently navigate the journey between Kenya and Uganda, transforming a potential travel challenge into a simple step. This ensures your adventure is defined by the incredible experiences ahead, not by preventable delays at the border.

FAQs

I have my eTA but forgot my Yellow Fever certificate. Will I be allowed to enter?

No, entry will almost certainly be denied. The Yellow Fever certificate is mandatory when arriving from Uganda, and this rule is strictly enforced.

Is it a good idea to use the smaller Suam crossing instead of Busia to avoid crowds?

While you can use Suam with an eTA, it has fewer transport connections. For reliable onwards travel to major cities, the main crossings in Busia and Malaba are recommended.

Can one parent handle the border crossing for the whole family while the kids stay on the bus?

No, every person, including children, must get off the bus and present themselves and their documents to an immigration officer in person.

I have received my mandatory Yellow Fever shot, but I skipped the recommended ones, such as Typhoid. Will I be stopped at the border?

No, you will not be stopped for missing recommended vaccinations. Only the Yellow Fever certificate is a mandatory legal document for entry. The others are for your own personal health protection during your trip.