Crossing from Uganda to Kenya using Road Transport

Crossing from Uganda to Kenya using Road Transport: Uganda and Kenya are two neighbouring countries nestled in the eastern corner of Africa. The two countries are connected by the fresh waters of Lake Victoria.  Uganda is a landlocked country that always takes advantage of its neighbour  Kenya’s access to the Indian Ocean, a great trading connection to continents beyond Africa. Travelling from Uganda to Kenya or vice versa is quite possible through different designated checkpoints. These points are accessed by citizens from both countries and backpackers touring both countries.

Tourists planning to cross borders to either country are advised to seek current information from travel agents who are aware of the traffic conditions and the necessary documentation needed at the border post.   There are five official border points used to connect the two countries using ground transport, they include, Busia, Malaba, Lokitanyala, Lwakhakha, and Suam.

Crossing from Uganda to Kenya using Road Transport, Busia is one of the two main cross-border points between Kenya and Uganda.  This border point lies in Busia district in Uganda and Busia County in Kenya. It’s a busy point for both passengers and goods traveling between Kampala, Kisumu and Nairobi.

Malaba is another main border point between Tororo district in Uganda and Teso county in Kenya. This point mainly handles heavy cargo and other transit goods from Mombasa Port.  The two border points provide immigration services to travelers and cargo checks. They process digital documents and are the only cross-border points that accept the use of eVisa cards.

Suam is another stop border post connecting Kapchorwa- Suam – Kitale trade. It is a small border post that is soon to be opened after the ongoing infrastructural developments. This post will help to foster economic cooperation, trade, and travel between  Uganda and Kenya.

Lokitanyala is another cross-border post in northwestern Uganda in Moroto district and northwestern Kenya in Turkana County. It’s mainly used by the Karamojong and Turkana pastoralists. It is commonly used for efficient movement of livestock and agricultural products between the two countries.

Lwakhakha: This is another border post that is proposed to have infrastructural improvements to reduce congestion at Malaba and Busia border posts. It is located in Bungoma County in Kenya and Manafwa district in Uganda. regional trade procedures are undertaken at this post though fewer goods and travellers cross through this point.

Guide on crossing  the border

While at the border post, travelers are expected to present the necessary travel documents for verification, like a valid passport, six months from the date of entry with at least one blank page, a visa, and vaccination certificates against diseases like yellow fever.

Travel insurance is not mandatory, but you may have it to avoid unnecessary medical expenditures.

When traveling in a bus or private vehicle, on reaching the border, passengers must move out of the car and cross the border on foot or by boda-boda after thorough checkups and proper vehicle inspection.

 Required documentation to cross  Uganda-Kenya borders.

Travelers from different places must present some travel documents at the entry points and these include

Passport: this is a mandatory travel requirement for both Uganda and Kenya. It should be valid for six months from the date of entry with blank pages for immigration stamps. The passport should have your clear biodata showing your name, age, nationality, gender, place of birth issue, and expiry date.

Visa: Travelers to Uganda and Kenya are advised to acquire visas from the embassies of Uganda or Kenya in their countries. The visas usually depend on the safari duration, they can be single or multiple entry. This will help reduce drawbacks at the border posts.

Vaccination requirements. Before traveling to Kenya or Uganda, they should have attained vaccines against diseases like yellow fever, typhoid, hepatitis A and B, and rabies. Malaria is common in many parts of Uganda and Kenya, so visitors are advised to travel with first aid kits and insect repellents to avoid insect bites.

Travellers from East African Community member states do not need a visa to Uganda or Kenya. They have the option of using their national identity cards (ID), which makes the two countries more accessible and well-timed for safaris.

Crossing from Kenya to Uganda by bus

Several bus companies help in the transportation of people and their goods from Kampala (Uganda) to Nairobi or Mombasa(Kenya) and some of these include Mash Poa buses, Volcano Express buses, Trinity buses, Jaguar Executive buses, Dreamline Buses, and modern coast buses among others.

For one to travel by bus through either country, it’s considered best to book your travel ticket at least a day before the intended travel date. This will help you secure a VIP or a comfortable seat. Buses from Nairobi to Kampala or vice versa set off in 1-3 phases daily depending on the weather (season).  The journey takes 10-13 hours depending on the time spent at the borders for document verification. Some people prefer to travel at night because there are less traffic jams, and the weather conditions are cool.

Buses from Nairobi will travel through Kisumu and cross to Uganda via the Busia border. At the immigration office in Kenya, you will come out of the vehicle for document verification and stamping, this involves the display of your passport, yellow fever certificate, copy of your return ticket, and answering a few questions where necessary.

From here, walk to the Uganda side, which is about 100 meters. The guards at the checking point will give you a form to fill out for more stamping and clearance. After all this, you find your vehicle already waiting for you, board again, and travel to Kampala.

 Tips for traveling across the Uganda- Kenya border

If you opt for road transport from Uganda to Kenya and vice versa, the most convenient means is travelling by bus. Bus tickets cost between $20- $35 Travellers are advised to have all the necessary travel documents like a valid passport, visa and yellow fever vaccination certificate to avoid inconvenience at the border points.

It is important to note that you should have the necessary visas if you are planning to visit other countries because some visas are limited to specific countries. For example, a multiple visa will help you enter Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya and is always valid for 90 days. However, this visa doesn’t guarantee you access to Tanzania, so you should have a proper budget and know the necessary travel documents for each country you wish to extend your safari.

Ensure the personal security of your valuable belongings. Don’t leave them on the bus while at the border points during the checking process.  Do not trust anyone you find on the bus or at the checkpoints because many people move with different motives. This will help you avoid losses and thefts that lead to disappointment.

It’s important to know the specific items that have restricted entry to different countries. Pack only essential items like personal clothing, medications, and travel documents. Avoid destructive equipment such as illegal drugs, guns, explosives,pornographic material, counterfeit money and goods, hazardous materials, sharp weapons among others.

Always feel free and relaxed while at the checking points because the process at the borders may take longer than expected since many people travel daily with much luggage that needs thorough checkups.

Follow the right procedures and respond positively to the customs rules and regulations at both sides of the border points. This will help you have quick checkups and guidance where the need arises.

When you follow the above tips, you will have a safe and successful time when crossing the Uganda- Kenya border.