Do I need to pay a bribe at the border?

No. Stick to official queues and window payments. If an official demands a payment, ask for a printed receipt.

Can I use credit cards for border fees?

No. Border posts are almost exclusively cash-based. Always carry small denominations of USD and the local currency of the country you are leaving.

Crossing Borders Overland in East Africa

Crossing East African borders requires having your East Africa Tourist Visa (or individual country visas) printed out, your yellow fever certificate in hand, and plenty of clean, new USD bills for transit fees. Most crossings are done via shared taxi or bus, so plan to arrive at the border before 2:00 PM to ensure you aren't stuck on the wrong side at night.

Verify visa requirements. Apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) online at least 14 days before travel if you are moving between Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. Print three copies of your approval letter; you will hand these over at each border point.
Prepare your documentation packet. Carry your physical passport, a copy of your yellow fever vaccination card, and your printed visa. Keep these in a waterproof pouch that stays on your body, not in your luggage.
Select your transport. Use established bus lines like Mash East Africa or Modern Coast for long distances, as they handle the logistics of moving luggage through customs better than private matatus. If taking a matatu, be prepared to pay for your luggage as a 'passenger' seat.
Navigate the border post. Exit your vehicle, walk to the immigration window for an exit stamp, walk to the customs area if necessary, and then proceed to the entry immigration window of the new country. Never leave your bag unattended in the 'no-man's land' between checkpoints.
Change currency carefully. Avoid using 'money changers' at the border if possible. If you must, only change what you need for the bus ticket or a meal until you reach a larger town where you can use an ATM or a reputable forex bureau.

Do I need to pay a bribe at the border?: No. Stick to official queues and window payments. If an official demands a payment, ask for a printed receipt.
Can I use credit cards for border fees?: No. Border posts are almost exclusively cash-based. Always carry small denominations of USD and the local currency of the country you are leaving.