Uganda to South Sudan Border Crossing Guide: Tips, Routes, Prices & What to Expect

If you’re planning to travel from Uganda to South Sudan in 2025, whether you’re a South Sudanese returning home or a curious traveler from Uganda looking to explore your northern neighbor, this comprehensive border crossing guide has you covered. It includes the latest updates on immigration rules, towns to stop over, local dishes, safety advice, traffic and road conditions, language barriers, and everything you need to make your journey smoother and safer.

Why Travel from Uganda to South Sudan?

South Sudan, despite its history of conflict, is slowly opening up to regional travelers, particularly Ugandans. Shared borders, trade ties, and cultural exchanges between the two countries make this route active and essential. Whether you’re crossing for business, humanitarian work, family reasons, or pure curiosity, knowing what to expect can save you time, money, and stress.

Border Crossing Basics in 2025: Uganda to South Sudan

✅ Border Points

The main land border crossings between Uganda and South Sudan are:

1. Elegu – Nimule (most used and safest for travelers)

   • Located near Gulu in Northern Uganda.

   • Connects to Juba, the capital of South Sudan.

   • Open daily: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM (confirmed as of June 2025).

2. Oraba – Kaya (less used, mainly for trade)

   • Located near Arua, the West Nile sub-region.

   • Generally safe, but check local conditions before using.

Travel tip: Elegu–Nimule is the recommended crossing due to better infrastructure and easier access to public transport heading to Juba.

Do You Need a Visa?

As of 2025, South Sudan passport holders do not need a visa to enter Uganda, according to the East African Community (EAC) arrangements. You only need a valid passport to cross. If you’re a Ugandan citizen, you also do not need a visa for short stays in South Sudan, but you must carry:

• A valid passport or East African e-passport

• A yellow fever vaccination certificate

• Proof of purpose of visit (optional, but useful if questioned)

Tourist visa holders in Uganda: If you’ve stayed more than 90 days, check your visa status before attempting to exit. Overstaying may result in fines or complications when re-entering Uganda later.

Recommended Route from Kampala to Juba

Here’s a reliable route many travelers follow:

• Kampala → Gulu → Elegu Border → Nimule → Juba

This route is the most secure and direct. It takes you through northern Uganda, with a chance to explore cultural towns like Gulu along the way.

🚌 Public Transport Options

• Buses and shared taxis leave Kampala for Gulu daily (around UGX 35,000–50,000).

• From Gulu, minibuses go to Elegu (UGX 20,000–30,000).

• After crossing to Nimule, shared taxis and buses connect to Juba (SSP 1,500–2,500).

Where to Stay Overnight (Safety & Comfort)

If you’re not rushing, break the journey with a night stop. Here are the best places to rest before entering South Sudan:

1. Jinja – (Kampala side)

• A good first stop if you’re coming from Kenya or southern Uganda.

• Stay in the Walukuba or Njeru area for cheaper guesthouses.

• Budget: UGX 50,000–80,000 per night.

2. Muyenga (Kampala suburb) – Urban safety

• Quieter and more secure than downtown Kampala.

• Midrange guesthouses or hostels cost around UGX 70,000–120,000.

3. Gulu – Best overnight stop before the border

• Plenty of NGO guesthouses, cheap hostels, and hotels.

• Prices range from UGX 30,000–100,000.

• Safe to walk during the day, take a boda boda (motorbike) at night.

Popular Local Foods to Try on the Road

Uganda is a food-lover’s paradise for street snacks and local dishes. Here’s what to try:

Avoid: Street French fries—they’re often poorly made, and reused cooking oil can cause stomach issues.

Security Situation & Police Conduct

👮‍♂️ Police

• Uganda police are generally non-violent but notoriously corrupt.

• If you break minor traffic rules or don’t have an ID, expect to be asked for a “facilitation” bribe.

• Do not argue; instead, remain polite and show your documents.

🚧 Safety Tips

• Do not travel at night beyond Gulu.

• Use registered transport options—avoid illegal taxis or unregistered boda bodas.

• Avoid flashy jewelry or large visible sums of cash.

Traffic Conditions in Uganda (2025 Update)

• Kampala traffic is hectic, especially between 4 PM and 8 PM.

• Roads from Kampala to Gulu are paved and in decent condition.

• Expect roadblocks between towns—carry your documents and remain calm.

• Traffic in Gulu is light and manageable.

Language Barriers

• Uganda is multilingual, but English is widely spoken, especially in towns.

• Luganda and Acholi are common in Kampala and Gulu, respectively.

• South Sudan uses English officially, but Juba Arabic is more common among locals.

You don’t need to speak the local language fluently. Basic phrases in Luganda, like “webale” (thank you) or “ssebo” (sir), are appreciated.

Cost of Basic Services in Uganda (2025)

Prices fluctuate due to inflation and fuel costs. Carry small cash notes for easier transactions.

What to Look Out for While Travelling

• Roads with potholes after Luwero and near Kitgum.

• Unmarked police checkpoints—keep ID and stay calm.

• Petty theft in busy bus parks.

• Fake SIM sellers—only buy from official vendors.

Interesting Places to Visit Before Crossing the Border

If time permits, take a few hours or a day to explore these spots:

🏞️ Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary (on Kampala–Gulu highway)

• Home to Uganda’s only wild rhinos.

• Guided walking safaris available (UGX 90,000–120,000).

• Worth a stopover near Nakasongola.

🌆 Gulu Town

• Cultural center of Northern Uganda.

• Visit Gulu Market, try local beer, or attend community events.

⛰️ Murchison Falls National Park (requires detour from the main road)

• Powerful waterfalls and safari game drives.

• Expensive but unforgettable if you have time.

Tips for a Smooth Crossing into South Sudan

• Arrive at the border by 9:00 AM to avoid queues and midday heat.

• Have physical copies of your passport and yellow fever card.

• Bring South Sudanese Pounds (SSP) or USD if heading to Juba.

• If entering Nimule, avoid unauthorized money changers at the gate.

Frequently Asked Questions (2025 Update)

❓ I’m South Sudanese, in Uganda on a tourist visa. Do I need to renew it before exiting?

If your stay exceeded 90 days, you may need to regularize your status before departure. Visit the Uganda Immigration Office in Kampala or Gulu to confirm. However, most border agents allow exit without penalty for South Sudanese citizens unless they’ve committed a violation.

❓ How long does it take from Kampala to Juba?

• Day 1: Kampala to Gulu – 6 to 8 hours

• Day 2: Gulu to Elegu – 3 hours

• Day 2: Elegu to Juba – 6 to 7 hours (depending on border wait time and traffic)

Total: ~15–18 hours minimum travel time over two days.

❓ What’s the best day to cross the border?

Weekdays, especially Tuesdays or Wednesdays, are best to avoid weekend rush and Monday delays.

❓ Do I need COVID-19 test or vaccination proof in 2025?

As of mid-2025, no COVID-19 test or vaccine proof is required to cross Uganda–South Sudan land borders. However, yellow fever vaccination is still mandatory.

 Make the Most of Your Journey

Crossing from Uganda into South Sudan isn’t just a physical journey—it’s a cultural and human experience. Whether you’re sipping hot katogo in Gulu, riding through dusty highways, or standing in line at Nimule with travelers from across Africa, every step is a story.

Stay alert, stay kind, and travel with purpose.

Have questions or tips to share with fellow travelers? Drop a comment or connect with us at TuneTravels. Safe travels from Uganda to South Sudan!