To bring a vehicle into Uganda, one must obtain a temporary import permit (available at the border) or, depending on the vehicle’s country of origin, a Carnet de Passage. If the driver is not the vehicle owner, they must have a letter of authorisation from the owner for the use of the vehicle in Uganda. You will be required to obtain 3rd party insurance unless you already have a Comesa Yellow Card insurance. 3rd party insurance for a Landcruiser is about US$20- for one year.

Some border ‘scams’ played out and targeted travellers with their vehicles crossing from Kenya to Uganda through Malaba and Busia. The scam involves a Uganda Revenue Authority officer, a Clearing Agent and an Inland Car Depot Manager. It is usual to be confronted by a sea of Clearing Agents wanting to help/assist you with importation formalities for the vehicle to cross the border. The Clearing Agent advises you a bond will have to be paid to import the car, and the car will be put into an ICD outside of Kampala until insurance against the bond is taken out. The vehicle is escorted to the ICD until the insurance is paid.

This exercise is not necessary should you be travelling with a Carnet de Passage. For those with a Carnet, this is your bond/surety, and a local bond is not necessary if it is not your intention to permanently import the vehicle. Temporary Import Permits are available for and can be obtained for US$20- at the border for cars from countries that Uganda has a reciprocal arrangement with. This includes all neighbouring territories.

Should it not be your intention to import the vehicle permanently, you do not require the services of a Clearing Agent, and you would be well advised to refuse their assistance and clear the car yourself.

Vehicles from neighbouring territories have no problems obtaining a Temporary Import Permit at any of the land borders with Uganda. Cars with South African number plates are advised to travel with a Carnet when coming to Uganda. Kenya no longer permits SA registered vehicles to enter Kenya without a Carnet. The only way SA registered vehicles can arrive in Uganda by avoiding Kenya is via the Mutukulu border with Tanzania or via Rwanda.

The is an office of the Automobile Association in Kampala on the road behind the Equitorial Hotel off Kampala Road who may be able to advise if you find yourself having to secure a bond against the temporary importation of a vehicle