Frequently Asked Questions about Cross border Rental in East Africa.

If your planning to rent a car within East Africa for East Africa Safari tour involving border crossing within the region , then the reliable car rental firm is Self Drive Uganda that has been offering classic road trip within East African countries like Uganda, Kenya , Tanzania & Rwanda for memorable Safari vacation with friends or families.

Going on Self drive road trip in East Africa to explore a neighboring countries with optional one way car rental deals in East Africa is recommended in Landcruiser series of jeeps that have been tasted and proven to be reliable within East Africa by Self Drive Uganda.

Important travel information to read about

1. How to combine Kenya & Tanzania on Self Drive Adventure in East Africa
2. How to combing Rwanda and Uganda on self drive Adventure on Long holidays
3. Why A Uganda Registered car is recommended for Overland cross border in East Africa.
4. Combine Rwanda and Uganda on Primate Watching Experience on Self drive tour 
5. Guide to Self drive in East Africa – One way Car rental options 

Which countries within East Africa that Self drive is allowed?

East Africa is composed of five East African countries( Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi and Rwanda) which Self drive Uganda permits its cars to cross the border during your self drive holiday in Africa.

Which Official international Borders do allow Tourists Crossing.

• Namanga>>>>> Kenya + Tanzania
• Katuna >>>>>> Rwanda + Uganda
• Busia >>>>>>> Uganda + Kenya
• Malaba>>>>>> Kenya +Uganda
• Cyanika >>>>>> Uganda +Rwanda
• Rusomu >>>>>>Rwanda +Tanzania
• Mutukula >>>>>Uganda +Tanzania
• Esbania >>>>>>Kenya + Tanzania

Self Drive Uganda doesn’t allow Self drive adventures to Democratic republic of Congo and also take a note that Burundi Rwanda Border is closed, if your interested in traveling to Burundi , you have to go through Tanzania.

If your traveling to Congo – Get in touch with Car Rental Congo Sarl  which is the official partners for guided Adventures in Congo.

Frequently Asked Questions about border crossing in East Africa

Find the complete detailed guide from Self drive East Africa about the Frequently asked questions about the cross border rentals within East African Borders that include Rwanda, Uganda , Kenya & Tanzania for classic road trip within East Africa. 

Driving across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda by yourself is an unforgettable experience. However, crossing borders with a vehicle especially a rental requires proper preparation and the right documents. Below are the most common questions and answers to help you plan your East African cross-border adventure with ease.

1. Cross border permissions

Is it possible to drive a rental car from Tanzania into Kenya (Serengeti → Isebania → Masai Mara / Nairobi)?  Yes please, we offer a Uganda-registered vehicle, which is fully allowed to operate in both Tanzania and Kenya. This means you can cross the border and visit national parks in both countries without any problem.

Do I need permission to cross borders with a rental car? Yes. You must obtain written permission from your car rental company before crossing into another country. This letter authorizes you to use the vehicle beyond the country of registration. Without it, border officials will not allow the vehicle to cross.

Who provides cross-border permission? Your rental company issues an official cross-border authorization letter. It’s signed, stamped, and usually addressed to border customs officials.

How long does it take to get cross-border permission? If requested early, it usually takes 24–48 hours. You should inform your rental company months or days before your trip to allow time for document preparation and insurance processing.

Which countries can I get permission to visit? Most rental companies allow cross-border travel between:

• Kenya
• Tanzania
• Uganda
• Rwanda
• Burundi

Always confirm with Self drive East Africa which routes and borders are permitted.

What happens if I try to cross without permission? Customs will stop you and deny the vehicle exit. You could also be fined for attempting to move a vehicle across the border illegally. Always make sure you have official permission in hand before you travel.

2. Vehicle Registration and Park Entry

Are your vehicles registered in Tanzania, Kenya, or Uganda? We have vehicles registered in different countries, depending on where you plan to travel:

• Tanzania-registered vehicles – operate within Tanzania only.
• Kenya-registered vehicles – operate within Kenya only.
• Uganda-registered vehicles – These are the most flexible, as they are allowed to operate in several neighboring countries, including Kenya and Tanzania. Most of our fleet consists of Uganda-registered vehicles, which are ideal if you plan to cross borders during your trip.

Are Tanzanian-registered vehicles allowed to enter Kenyan national parks such as Masai Mara? Please note that Kenyan-registered vehicles are not allowed to enter Tanzania’s national parks, and similarly, Tanzanian vehicles cannot enter Kenya’s national parks.

What vehicle documents must I show at the border?

• A copy of the vehicle logbook (registration document)
• The cross-border authorization letter
• A valid COMESA insurance card
• Your passport and visa

Can I use a rental car with foreign plates in national parks? Yes. Vehicles with foreign number plates are allowed in all East African national parks as long as they have valid documents, pay entry fees and allowed to enter the park. You will be required to show your passport at the park gate.

Will Park entry fees differ for foreign-registered vehicles? Yes. Foreign-registered vehicles sometimes pay higher rates than locally registered ones. Park entry fees in East Africa often vary depending on a vehicle’s registration type and origin. For instance, a Uganda registered car pays standard foreign vehicle fees range from USD 25 – USD 50 when entering national parks in Rwanda or Kenya. In contrast, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda registered cars are charged USD 150 per day when visiting Uganda’s national parks.

Similarly, in Tanzania, park authorities apply different vehicle entrance fees based on registration: a commercially registered vehicle, whether East African or foreign and owned by a company, is charged USD 150 per day, while a non-commercial East African–registered vehicle in a private name pays the same rate as a Tanzanian-registered car 35,000 Tanzanian Shillings per day.

Can I prepay park fees before arrival? Yes, in most East African countries, you can prepay park entry fees before arrival, especially if you already have a confirmed vehicle registration number from your rental company. Prepayment is often done through official park authority websites or partner payment platforms. Having the vehicle registration number is important because it must be entered during the online payment process to generate a valid entry permit. This option is convenient for travellers who want to save time at the park gates, though you should always carry a printed or digital copy of the payment confirmation to present at the entrance. However, card payments are still accepted at many park gates.

3. Insurance coverage

Do you provide COMESA insurance or any other international insurance valid in both Tanzania and Kenya? Yes, for our Uganda-registered vehicles, we provide COMESA insurance, which is valid for travel in all East African Countries. This ensures full peace of mind while crossing borders.

Which countries accept the COMESA Yellow Card? For self-drive tourists, it’s valid in:

• Kenya
• Tanzania
• Uganda
• Rwanda
• Burundi

Always check that these countries are listed on your card before departure.

Why is COMESA required by the tourists? The COMESA Yellow Card is needed by tourists driving across East or Southern Africa because it serves as a single regional motor insurance policy recognized in all COMESA member countries. It allows travellers to legally drive across borders without buying separate third-party insurance in each country, saving time and money. The card provides third-party liability coverage in case of accidents, ensures smooth border crossings, and meets each country’s legal insurance requirements, making it an essential document for self-drive tourists exploring multiple African destinations.

4. Fees and Conditions

Are there any extra charges for cross-border travel? Yes, there are extra charges for cross-border travel. Yes. When you travel across borders, you need COMESA insurance, which allows the car to enter another country legally. The cost depends on the number of days you plan to travel and usually ranges from USD 50 to USD 100. This fee is separate from your car rental and covers regional third-party insurance for the vehicle.

Do I pay any fees at the border? Yes, when entering Tanzania, you will be required to pay a fibre fee, which depends on the number of days you will be staying in the country. This fee typically ranges from USD 20 to USD 50.

Do you charge a “one-way” or “drop-off” fee if I return the vehicle in a different location (e.g., Mugumu, Musoma, or near the border)? Yes, we do charge a one-way or drop-off fee if you return the vehicle to a different location from where it was picked up. The fee depends on the specific location, distance, and logistics involved.

Do I need to pay anything for the driver or passengers? No, only the vehicle incurs cross-border fees. Passengers only need their passports and visas.

Are there time restrictions on the cross-border permission in East Africa? Yes. Cross-border permissions and the Temporary Import Permit (TIP) are usually valid for a limited period, often 14 to 30 days, depending on the country. You must exit the country or renew the permit before it expires. Overstaying can result in fines or vehicle impoundment. Always check the validity dates on your documents and plan your trip accordingly.

5. Return Options

What are the closest possible drop-off points to the Kenya border if I start in Arusha and end my Tanzanian route after the Serengeti? Isebania Border.

Can I return the vehicle in another country? Yes, but this is called a one-way cross-border rental, and it attracts an additional drop-off fee. The rental company must coordinate with a partner in the return country.

Can I cross borders and return to the same location? Yes, and this is the most common option. You can drive through several countries and return the car to the same office or city you started from.

How much does a cross-border drop-off fee cost? It depends on the distance and country but typically ranges between USD 250–700. For example, returning a vehicle in Kigali (Rwanda) after starting in Nairobi (Kenya) will cost more than returning it in Kampala (Uganda).

What if I change my return plan during the trip? Contact your rental company immediately.
They can approve your new plan, adjust documents, and calculate any additional fees or logistics needed.

Can I extend my rental while in another country? Yes, but you must notify your rental company before your agreement expires. They can send updated documents by email for customs and insurance extensions.

6. Border Documentations

What documents should I present at the border for the car? 

• Passport
• Visa (or East African Tourist Visa)
• Cross-border authorization letter
• Vehicle registration copy (logbook)
• COMESA Yellow Card insurance
• Temporary Import Permit (TIP) (issued at customs)
• International Driver’s license

What is a Temporary Import Permit (TIP)? It’s a customs document allowing a foreign-registered vehicle to enter another country temporarily. It’s usually valid for up to 30 days and must be presented when leaving.

Can I get all documents at the border? Not all. The cross-border letter and COMESA insurance must be arranged in advance by your rental company. The TIP is issued by customs at the border during your crossing.

What if officials ask for documents I don’t have?

• Stay calm and contact your rental company immediately.
• They can email or call the customs officer to confirm details.
• Never offer bribes cooperation and patience work best.

Do I need to carry printed or digital copies?

• Always carry printed copies of all documents.
• Some border offices don’t accept digital copies on phones.
• Keep documents in a waterproof folder in your glove box.

How long does border clearance take? Usually between 30 minutes and 2 hours, depending on the border, traffic, and how organized your paperwork is. Early mornings are the best time to cross.

What are the most commonly used borders for self-drivers?

• Kenya–Tanzania: Namanga, Isebania
• Kenya–Uganda: Busia, Malaba
• Uganda–Rwanda: Katuna, Cyanika, Mirama Hills
• Tanzania–Rwanda: Rusumo

These are reliable, well-staffed, and frequently used by tourists.

What if I lose a document during the trip?

• Report it to the nearest police station and get a police report.
• Then contact your rental company to email replacements.
• Keep scanned copies stored online as backup before your trip.