Home Arrow FAQs Arrow Can an Ugandan travel to Kenya without a passport?

Can an Ugandan travel to Kenya without a passport?

Yes, but only under very limited and unofficial circumstances. Ugandan citizens can travel to Kenya without a passport only at select land borders like Busia or Malaba, and only if border officials allow entry based on a valid national ID. However, this is not a formal or guaranteed right. Air travel and most other formal purposes require a valid passport, which is strongly recommended for all cross-border travel.

East African Community (EAC) Benefits:

  • Visa Exemption: Since Uganda belongs to the East African Community, citizens of EAC partner states (including Uganda) do not have to get a visa for short visits to Kenya. It is an important plus for Ugandan people who plan to travel to Kenya.
  • National ID as Travel Document (in some cases): Within EAC member states, especially Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, citizens may sometimes use their national identity cards to cross borders via specific land posts, such as Busia and Malaba. However, this depends on border officer discretion and local implementation.

Important: There is no standardized guarantee that national IDs will be accepted across all entry points. Travelers are strongly advised to carry their passports for smoother processing and to avoid denial at the border.

 

When Can You Travel Without a Passport?

Ugandans can travel to Kenya without a passport if:

  • Some are using a land border crossing such as Busia or Malaba.
  • The trip is only expected to take a short period which is usually less than a few months.
  • They are constituted by people who carry a government-issued national ID card from Uganda.
  • The main reason for tourists to enter the country includes traveling for leisure, work or to pay a visit to their families

In certain cases, the officials at the border can allow entry using a national ID, as directed by the EAC rules.

Passport is Mandatory for Air Travel

A passport is required for any Ugandan who plans to travel by air to Kenya. All airlines ask for an internationally valid travel document for check-in, boarding and completing arrival procedures. A national ID card cannot be used for international air travel, no matter any agreements in the region.

Most international airlines comply with ICAO guidelines, therefore passengers must have a valid passport to board a flight to another country by air.

General Entry Requirements for Ugandans in Kenya (2025)

  • Visa: Uganda citizens do not have to apply for a visa to enter Kenya for six (6) months or less, according to EAC rules.
  • eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization): As of January 2024, Kenya introduced an eTA system. However, citizens of EAC member states, including Uganda, are exempt from applying for the eTA for stays under six months.
  • Travel documents: You must present either:
    • A valid passport, or
    • A valid national ID (only accepted at land border crossings for short stays)

While land travel may sometimes be possible without a passport, air travel always requires a valid passport for international flights

  • International standard:  All countries admit passports which make it easier to travel and cross borders.
  • Air travel compliance: If your travel plans shift or you come back by air, you will be required to have a passport.
  • Proof of identity:  Border officials are less likely to have any questions or concerns about a passport.
  • Future travel:  Should you plan to visit any countries that are not in the EAC, you must have a passport.

In some cases and depending on border control discretion, Ugandan citizens may be allowed to enter Kenya at select land borders using their national ID. However, this is not a fully standardized or guaranteed practice across all entry points.

Even if land borders may accept a national ID, airlines will not. A passport is mandatory for all international flights. Make sure to see the updated entry rules on the Kenya High Commission’s website or at the Ugandan High Commission in Uganda.

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