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Kenya is Visa-Free for Ugandan Passport Holders

✓ Visa Free — No visa required for your passport
1/5 Difficulty
–d Processing

Entry rules for travellers from Uganda are changing — verify before you fly

Uganda declared an Ebola outbreak on 15 May 2026 after cases were imported from the DR Congo, and several countries introduced precautionary entry restrictions on arrivals from Uganda — the UAE suspended visas for arrivals from Uganda, the DR Congo and South Sudan from 6 June 2026. Uganda declared the outbreak contained on 5 July 2026 and asked for the restrictions to be lifted. Requirements on this route may have changed since we last checked, and some states are reviewing their rules week by week.

Last checked July 2026 — rules on this route can change at short notice, so confirm with your airline and the destination's immigration authority before you book or fly.

Quick Facts

Requirement Visa Free
Visa Fee
Processing Time – working days
Appointment Wait ~ weeks
Stay Duration Up to 180 days
Stay Duration Up to 90 days

Kenya is the simplest international destination for Ugandan travelers. As EAC partner states, Ugandans enter Kenya visa-free with no time limit on tourism stays. The most popular route is the Malaba land border for overland travel, or Entebbe–Nairobi direct flights. Your only essential document beyond a valid passport (or national ID) is your yellow fever vaccination card.

Key Warnings

  • Yellow fever card is strictly checked at JKIA Nairobi. Arriving without it can mean refusal of entry or on-the-spot vaccination at significant cost — always carry the original physical yellow card.
  • While national ID is technically accepted at land borders under EAC rules, carry your passport for air travel to avoid any complications.
  • Do not overstay 90 days without applying for an extension at a Kenya Immigration office — overstaying can affect future entries.

Insider Tips

  • Malaba is the busiest land border between Uganda and Kenya. Travel early in the morning to avoid peak truck queues. The Busia border is slightly quieter and is preferred by many Kampala-based travelers heading to Kisumu.
  • Nairobi is about 8–9 hours by road from Kampala via Malaba. Many Ugandans prefer the overnight buses (Modern Coast, Easy Coach) that depart Kampala in the evening and arrive Nairobi early morning.
  • EAC free movement means the 90-day clock resets each time you re-enter Kenya. Business travelers regularly shuttle between Kampala and Nairobi.

Required Documents

  • Valid Ugandan passport (6+ months validity) Must be valid at least 6 months beyond your date of entry.
  • Yellow fever vaccination certificate (ICVP) Carry the original yellow card — checked on arrival.

Health Requirements

⚠️ Yellow Fever Certificate required. Uganda is a yellow fever endemic country. A valid International Certificate of Vaccination (the yellow card) is mandatory for Ugandan passport holders entering Kenya. The physical original is required — digital copies are not consistently accepted at Nairobi airport. Get vaccinated at Mulago National Referral Hospital or any approved Ministry of Health port health facility in Kampala or Entebbe.

Latest Updates

2026-08

EAC nationals get 180 days in Kenya, not 90

Kenya grants East African Community citizens an entry pass free of charge for six months, not the 90 days commonly quoted. Ugandan travellers are entitled to the full 180 days on a valid passport or national ID.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Ugandans enter Kenya using a national ID card?
Yes. Under the EAC Free Movement Protocol, Ugandan citizens can cross into Kenya using a valid national ID card at land borders. However, for travel by air, carry your Ugandan passport — airlines require a passport for boarding, and JKIA immigration officers may request one. For Malaba or Busia land crossings, a national ID is sufficient.
Do Ugandans need a yellow fever certificate to enter Kenya?
Yes, absolutely. Uganda is a yellow fever endemic country, so a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (the yellow card) is mandatory when entering Kenya. You must carry the original physical card — digital copies are not accepted at JKIA. Vaccinate at Mulago National Referral Hospital or the Entebbe Airport Port Health Office before travel.
How long can a Ugandan stay in Kenya visa-free?
Up to 90 days per entry. After 90 days, you must either leave Kenya or apply for a 30-day extension at a Kenya Immigration office (fee approximately $50 / UGX 185,000). The 90-day clock resets each time you re-enter Kenya, making it easy for frequent travelers.
How is the Malaba land border crossing for Ugandans?
Malaba is the main Uganda–Kenya land crossing and handles heavy truck and passenger traffic. For Ugandan travelers, the crossing is generally straightforward — show your passport (or national ID) and yellow fever card. Arrive early morning to avoid peak hours. The Busia crossing (about 50 km south) is a quieter alternative popular with travelers heading to Kisumu.

Data Sources & Verification

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