Question 1

What are the requirements to cross the Busia border by bus?

Accepted Answer

Kenyan and Ugandan citizens may cross at Busia on a valid National ID card or East African Tourist Passport. All other travellers need a valid passport, plus a Uganda visa if they are not EAC nationals. A Yellow Fever certificate is checked at the health desk, separately from immigration. Passengers leave the coach, clear both the exit and entry windows on foot, then reboard.

Question 2

Is a Yellow Fever certificate required for Kenya to Uganda bus travel?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for entry into Uganda, Rwanda and South Sudan, and it is checked at the border health desk on every crossing. Get vaccinated at least ten days before travel — the certificate is only valid after that period. Keep the card with your passport, not in your hold luggage.

Question 3

What are the Malaba border crossing guidelines for bus passengers?

Accepted Answer

Coaches usually reach Malaba at night. Keep your passport or ID, Yellow Fever card and boarding slip in one pocket, stay with your group, and do not leave bags unattended on the coach. Declare any commercial goods at the customs counter — undeclared trade goods can delay the whole coach. Small notes in Kenyan and Ugandan shillings are useful for food while you wait.

Question 4

What documents are needed to travel from Nairobi to Kigali by road?

Accepted Answer

Citizens of Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda may travel on a National ID card. Everyone else needs a valid passport and, for non-EAC nationals, a Rwanda visa or the East Africa Tourist Visa. A Yellow Fever certificate is required for both the Ugandan and Rwandan entry points. Plastic carrier bags are restricted in Rwanda, so repack before the Gatuna or Mirama Hills post.

Question 5

Can I travel to South Sudan or Burundi on a National ID?

Accepted Answer

No. South Sudan and Burundi both require a valid passport, and most travellers need a visa arranged before departure. A Yellow Fever certificate is strictly mandatory. Passengers without complete documents cannot be boarded, because they cannot be cleared at the border.

Question 6

What is the Trinity Express luggage allowance?

Accepted Answer

Each passenger carries one suitcase or travel backpack in the under-bus hold plus one small cabin bag, free of charge. Extra bags, boxes and commercial loads are weighed at the cargo counter and charged before the manifest closes, so traders should arrive early.

Country	Identity document	Visa	Yellow Fever
Kenya	National ID or East African Tourist Passport for EAC citizens	Kenya eTA for non-EAC travellers	Required if arriving from a Yellow Fever country
Uganda	National ID or East African Tourist Passport for EAC citizens	Uganda visa or East Africa Tourist Visa for non-EAC travellers	Mandatory
Rwanda	National ID for Kenyan, Ugandan and Rwandan citizens	Rwanda visa or East Africa Tourist Visa for non-EAC travellers	Mandatory
South Sudan	Valid passport only — National ID is not accepted	Visa required in advance for most travellers	Mandatory
Burundi	Valid passport only — National ID is not accepted	Visa required in advance unless exempt	Mandatory

East Africa bus travel requirements

Documents by country

Yellow Fever card and border crossing health checks

Luggage allowance and cargo

Border crossing questions