How to travel to Kenya from Rwanda?

It is simple to travel between Rwanda and Kenya because both countries are in the East African Community (EAC). No matter if you are planning a tourist trip, a work visit or visiting relatives, everything you ought to know is here.

Entry Requirements for Rwandan Citizens

Visa-Free Travel: 

Kenya allows citizens of Rwanda to visit for up to 90 days without a visa because of the EAC-related protocol.

No eTA Required: 

From January 2024, citizens of EAC member states, including Rwandans, are exempt from Kenya’s eTA system for an initial transitional period of six months.
=> Future extensions or changes may depend on intergovernmental agreements—check official updates before traveling.

Travel Documents:

• An up-to-date Rwandan passport is acceptable for traveling.
• Alternatively, land travel between Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda allows you to use a national ID card.
• Passengers traveling by air will need to show their passports to each airline and to authorities.

East Africa Tourist Visa (Optional)

As long as you want to visit more EAC countries such as Uganda combined with Kenya and Rwanda within three months, the East Africa Tourist Visa is the right choice for you. As a result, visitors are permitted to enter any of the countries several times using one visa. To apply for this visa, you should go to the immigration authorities for the first country in your itinerary.

Note: The East Africa Tourist Visa is intended for foreign (non-EAC) nationals visiting Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda within a 90-day period. EAC citizens typically do not need it due to regional agreements.

Travel Methods from Rwanda to Kenya:

Option 1: Traveling by Air (Fastest and Most Comfortable)

Flying is the quickest and most convenient way to travel from Rwanda to Kenya.

• Airports:
  • Departure: Kigali International Airport (KGL)
  • Arrival: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), Nairobi
• Flight Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
• Airlines Operating This Route:
  • RwandAir
  • Kenya Airways
  • Other regional airlines (depending on season)
     
• Cost: Flight prices range from $120 to $250 USD, depending on booking time and season.
• Requirements:
  • Valid passport
  • Return or onward ticket
  • Proof of accommodation (sometimes requested)

Option 2: By Bus (Budget-Friendly)

For travelers on a budget or those seeking a scenic journey, bus travel is a popular option.

• Major Route: Kigali → Kampala (Uganda) → Nairobi
• Travel Time: Approximately 20 to 24 hours total, depending on stopovers and border wait times.
• Bus Companies:
  • Modern Coast
  • Mash Poa
  • Tahmeed Coaches
• Border Crossings:
  • Kigali to Kampala: Cross into Uganda at Gatuna/Katuna
  • Kampala to Nairobi: Cross into Kenya at Malaba or Busia

Tip: Make sure to carry your national ID or passport, and have documents ready for border checks.

Option 3: Private Car or Shared Taxi

If you prefer flexible travel or are traveling in a group, you can:

• Drive from Kigali to Nairobi, passing through Uganda.
• You’ll need to carry:
  • Valid travel documents (passport or EAC-recognized ID)
  • A COMESA Yellow Card for vehicle insurance
  • A Temporary Import Permit for the ca

This trip typically takes 18 to 22 hours depending on rest stops and traffic.

Health Requirements

• Yellow Fever Vaccination: Required for travelers coming from Rwanda, which is considered a yellow fever risk zone. Carry your Yellow Fever Certificate—vaccination must be done at least 10 days before entry.
• COVID-19 Guidelines: While most pandemic-era restrictions have eased, it’s best to check current health protocols. Proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test might still be required in some cases.

Border and Travel Considerations

• Proof of Funds: You may be asked to show financial means to support your stay.
   
• Return or Onward Ticket: Especially important for air travelers.
• Purpose of Visit: Be ready to explain your visit. Accommodation or itinerary documents may be requested.
• Plastic Bag Ban: Kenya has a strict ban on plastic bags. Avoid carrying any plastic into the country.
• Driving Requirements:
  • Valid Rwandan driver’s license
  • Cross-border vehicle insurance (COMESA Yellow Card)
  • Car logbook and temporary road license form (issued at border)

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