Can I cross borders at night?

No. All East African borders close at sunset (6-7pm). Some major crossings like Malaba stay open 24 hours, but most don't. Plan to finish crossing by 5pm.

What if I don't have yellow fever vaccination?

You'll be turned back or forced to get vaccinated at the border clinic for $30-50. The vaccination takes 10 days to become valid, so you can't travel immediately after border vaccination.

Do I need to show proof of accommodation?

Sometimes. Have a hotel booking or address written down. Officials rarely call to verify, but having something concrete helps. Saying 'I'll find something' raises suspicion.

Can I pay visa fees in local currency?

Usually no. Most borders require USD for visa fees. A few accept Euros. Local currency is rarely accepted except for small facilitation fees.

How to Cross Borders Overland in East Africa

East African border crossings require patience, proper documentation, and $50-100 in visa fees per crossing. Most borders close at sunset, so start early. Keep your passport, yellow fever certificate, and cash ready at all times.

Get your documentation sorted before you travel. You need a passport valid for 6+ months, yellow fever vaccination certificate, and proof of onward travel. Print everything—border officials often don't accept phone screens. Get visa-on-arrival cash ready in USD.
Plan your crossing times. Most East African borders operate 8am-6pm. Arrive by 4pm to avoid rushing. Popular crossings like Namanga (Kenya-Tanzania) get busy 10am-2pm. Smaller borders like Isebania move faster but close earlier.
Prepare cash in the right denominations. Bring crisp USD bills—no torn or heavily marked notes. Kenya visas cost $51, Tanzania $50, Uganda $50, Rwanda $30. Keep $20 bills handy for faster processing. Some borders only accept exact change.
Navigate the exit process. Stop at the first country's exit post first. Hand over your passport, fill out the departure card if required. Don't walk past immigration—you'll have to backtrack. Keep your exit stamp receipt.
Cross no man's land carefully. Walk or drive the 50-500 meters between posts. Don't buy anything from vendors here—prices are inflated. Keep moving toward the entry post of your destination country.
Complete entry procedures. Present passport, visa payment, yellow fever certificate, and onward travel proof. Answer questions briefly and honestly. Common questions: purpose of visit, length of stay, where you're staying first night.

Can I cross borders at night?: No. All East African borders close at sunset (6-7pm). Some major crossings like Malaba stay open 24 hours, but most don't. Plan to finish crossing by 5pm.
What if I don't have yellow fever vaccination?: You'll be turned back or forced to get vaccinated at the border clinic for $30-50. The vaccination takes 10 days to become valid, so you can't travel immediately after border vaccination.
Do I need to show proof of accommodation?: Sometimes. Have a hotel booking or address written down. Officials rarely call to verify, but having something concrete helps. Saying 'I'll find something' raises suspicion.
Can I pay visa fees in local currency?: Usually no. Most borders require USD for visa fees. A few accept Euros. Local currency is rarely accepted except for small facilitation fees.