Lwakhakha | Customs and Immigration

May 6th, 2024 by TornadoTim

Crossing from Uganda to Kenya

You will drive down a hill and there are a few men that will offer their services as border agents, but you don’t need anyone. Drove all the way down the hill and turn right in front of the gate to the parking in front of the customs. The immigration is in house with no signs in the backyard. We asked at the customs and he showed the right building to us. Took a bit to get the exit stamp as the system was slow but got it after 10 minutes. Back at the customs we got the Carnet stamped and our vehicle TIP exited. Afterwards he had a short look in the car and we drove to the Kenyan side. There are two bridges and we had to take the smaller one on the right coming from Uganda.

In Kenya we were directed to park in front of a blue gate. Customs and immigration are all in the same building. First we got the entry stamp and no problem with the East Africa Visa. In the upper part of the building we went to the customs and had to explain to him how to fill out the Carnet. We also asked if we need to pay Road Tax, but he said only commercial vehicles have to pay. So that was easy and we were in Kenya. Can recommend this border even if it’s a detour from the main ones as it’s really relaxed and straightforward.

Update on the Kenyan Road Tax:
We shipped our car out from Mombasa and our agents asked us for the document and were surprised that we didn’t have it. But in the end it was no problem we just got our Carnet stamped at the port and saved the 40$.

February 15th, 2024 by reisen

From Kenya to Uganda: Ugandan immigration issues only Visa on arrival. Contrary to the last entry, they cannot handle e-visa, neither Ugandan e-visa nor East African e-visa. Currently, only the border posts in Malaba and in Busia can issue e-visa.

June 18th, 2023 by polarsteps.com

We unfortunately didn't have an e-visa and they couldn't process us through this border post. They were very friendly, but we had to reverse the whole process back into Kenya and restamp our carnet after being in no- man's land for 3 hours. Their system is too small to get visas at the border

May 22nd, 2022 by ytierie

As described. Super quick and friendly.
No Covid test or proof of vaccination needed.
They didn’t know what to do with the carnet, but they stamped it anyway.

Coming from Uganda side there’s about 5 km of trucks. But you can just pass them.
Took us 30 minutes in total to exit Uganda en enter Kenya!
Guys at the end gate wanted a coke.
No road taxes, no extra charges.
Open on Sunday.

March 15th, 2022 by Roetje&Jannie

Uganda to Kenia
Road to and from the border all good tar. At Uganda side we had to overtake 5 km of trucks. This was no problem.
Stamp out passport at immigration office and stamp out carnet at customs. Very quick and easy. All friendly officers.
Drive to Kenia side (there was a covid tent but we didn't go there. Mentioned to the officers that everything was done and we could proceed to the Kenia side. If you are not sure just ask the officers, they are helpfull. No fixers when we were there (and you don't need one).
At immigration at Kenia side they asked for PCR, when we told them we don't need when you are vaccinated it was fine. PCR only needed when you are not vaccinated). We didn't have e-visa, but you need one. We applied for it at the border on our own laptop. The immigration officer called with the head office and the issued it right away. wWe whatsapped the application form and proof of payment to the officer and it was done.
In the meantime you can stamp in your carnet (we didn't have to pay roadtax, which we are not sure if this is correct, but they made several calls and told us it was not needed).
That is it. No hassle and all very friendly.

September 26th, 2021 by africansoutthere.com

Very quiet border crossing. just ensure to arrange your Uganda visa online because they don't usually do visa on arrival at this border post. They made a plan for me thankfully

March 31st, 2021 by aurelgroh

This is a relatively quiet border crossing. We were told that it is easier to pass here then it is at Busia. I recommend crossing here! The officers were friendly and didn't make a fuzz of anything. We crossed using a carnet for our car.