Crossing the Kenya-Uganda Border
Travelers going from Uganda to Kenya or vice versa can either make the journey by air or by land, crossing the border at a designated checkpoint. From Ugandan citizens taking a trip to the other side of the frontier to backpackers touring around Africa, many people cross the Kenya-Uganda border each day..
There are a number of Kenya-Uganda border crossing points that land-based travelers may use to pass between the 2 East African states, although not all of them may be crossed with a Kenya eVisa.
Between Kenya and Uganda Border Posts
There are a total of 5 Kenya-Uganda border points where travelers may cross from one country into the other. These are as follows:
- Busia
- Crossing the Kenya-Uganda border at Busia: The Busia border crossing is the main land checkpoint for goods and travelers passing between Kenya and Uganda borders. The town of Busia (Kenya) is the capital of Busia County and lies on the direct route between Kampala and Nairobi via Kimisu. The facilities were upgraded in recent years to make it a one-stop border crossing between Busia, Kenya and Busia, Uganda. Border transportion It is possible take a direct bus between the 2 capital cities, which takes 12-13 hours. Some bus companies include a meal in the price of the journey.
- Malaba
- Malaba Kenya-Uganda border point: Kenya-Uganda border town of Malaba is the second-busiest border crossing between the 2 countries. North of Busia and east of Tororo, Uganda, it is the most convenient checkpoint for those traveling from Uganda to Eldoret. The border itself is quite wide, with around 1 km between the Kenyan and Ugandan border posts. Travelers crossing can cover this distance on foot or by boda-boda (bicycle taxi). Border transportion Regular buses run from Kampala to Eldoret, crossing the border at Malaba.
- Lwakhakha
- Lokitanyala
- Suam
The main checkpoints are the Busia and Malaba border crossings. They both lie on main roads between Uganda and Kenya and there is also a train crossing at Malaba, operated by Rift Valley Railways.
Busia and Malaba borders are also the only land border crossing points between the 2 countries that are fully equipped to deal with large volumes of travelers and process digital documents.
Kenya Uganda border open on Sunday?
The only times these checkpoints are closed are during emergencies and crises, such as for periods during the 2019-2021 coronavirus pandemic. In times of uncertainty like this, it is important to check whether the border is closed and, if so, when the Kenya-Uganda border is opening.
The Kenya-Uganda border crossing points at Busia and Malaba are open 24/7 to allow travelers to cross in normal circumstances.
Documentation Needed at Kenyan-Uganda Border Entry
International visitors who meet the Kenyan eVisa requirements can take the convenient option of applying for their Kenyan eVisa/visa online which skips any unnecessary trips to an embassy.
Individuals crossing the Kenyan-Uganda border will need certain documents to do so, including the following:
- Passport (or national ID for East Africans)
- Visa (if applicable)
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate
Travelers should double-check that they have brought all the necessary documentation, including their passport, visa, and yellow fever vaccination certificate. Without these, they may be turned away at the border.
Border crossing period
When crossing the border between Kenya and Uganda, it is worth bearing a few things in mind.
Kenya-Uganda Border Crossings - with TransportionsFirstly, buses are a handy way to get from Kampala to Nairobi and can be a comfortable way to travel, especially by booking a VIP seat. Prices vary from around 2300 to 3400 Kenyan shillings (~USD $20-30).