As a country with an old civilization and unique culture, Ethiopia is really an unknown gem. Right from Lalibela’s famous eleven rock hewn churches dating back to the 12th century to the present-day stunning views of the majestic Simien mountains, Ethiopia has something for any traveller. Whether one is wandering in an old town of Axum or enjoying traditional Ethiopian food there is a tale to be heard for every corner of this fascinating country. But wait; there is one slight hitch: But before you can start this most interesting endeavour, there are a few hurdles that you have to jump in the form of visas.
It is important for anyone planning to visit Ethiopia to understand how to obtain his/her Visa to Ethiopia. Depending on the type of travel that an individual desires to achieve, there are many types of visas such as the tourist visa, the business visa, thus it is advisable for an individual to choose the correct one. In this guide you will discover all the information regarding your Ethiopian visa and therefore embark on the journey of a lifetime without a hitch.
Types of Ethiopia Visa
Tourist Visa
Ethiopian Tourist Visa: This is particularly suitable for anybody who plans to travel to Ethiopia with the intention of making his/her taste of the different aspects in the historical and the natural regions of the country. This visa allows the travellers to engage in any personal business, leisure, tourism or cultural visitation in the country. For instance, if you would like to enjoy the culturally rich activities of the country do business, visit historical sites like Axum, or go for mountain climbing in the Simien Mountain this visa provides the type of flexibility that makes the trip meaningful. Normally the Tourist Visa can be granted for the stay up to 30 days, but if you want to stay more, you can always apply for visa renewal.
Business Visa
For business people who wish to engage in business related activities in the country the business Visa is advised. This visa is ideal for meeting, conference, and any other business-related events and is ideal for those wishing to establish or expand their business in that country. With this visa you can negotiate in trade, attend a workshop or meet your partners in this country. This way you will be sure that your application will not be missing anything such as an invitation letter from your Ethiopian business partner to ease the approval of the visa. Business Visa comes in various forms and the visitor is allowed to stay in the country for thirty to ninety days.
Transit Visa
If your plan is to pass through Ethiopia to another country then the Transit Visa is best for you. This visa is for people who will only be in the country for a short time and in most cases less than 72 hours as they wait for their connecting flights. It allows you to undertake a tour of a part of Ethiopia whether in transit or to ensure that one’s stay is legal under immigration law. When applying for a Transit Visa then it is helpful to provide a valid onward journey say an air ticket to the country to enhance his/her entry. This visa allows you to get a little taste of Ethiopia as the opportunity is very limited.
How to Apply for Your Ethiopia Visa
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
The following are some of the documents you should ensure you compile before starting the process of applying for your Ethiopian visa. In general, to obtain a visa you would need a passport, which must be valid for at least 6 months after the date of the intended departure from the country and has free space for visa stamps. Passport size photographs of the applicant which must be taken within a short time are usually in specific sizes specified by the Ethiopian government. Also, you will have to prove that you have arrangements to travel, for instance, by presenting a flight ticket, and have somewhere to stay, for instance, by presenting booked hotel bookings. The last thing to remember is to have a filled in visa application form ready for any time turning in these papers will be easier.
Step 2: Select Your Application Type
When you have your documents ready you can then decide on how you are going to apply for the Ethiopian visa of your choice. The simplest and most comfortable way is to fill in the application on the official website of the Ethiopian e-Visa. It is a convenient solution because it helps to complete the application without leaving home, which is especially important for travellers. However, if you would like a more individual approach, or if you have questions, you may apply in person at the nearest Ethiopian embassy or consulate. Please remember that applying in person may take more of your time, so you better organize your schedule in advance to encounter no problems.
Step 3: Complete the Application Form
This is true whether one is applying for the visa online or physically it is therefore important to fill the visa application form correctly for the application to be approved. This form will request your basic individual data like your name, your nationality, and your travel schedule. Be very cautious while filling the form and make sure all information that you fill are accurate and updated. Be very careful when filling in the form as simple mistakes can lead to rejection of the application or delay in processing. If this step is done properly, it will be a good groundwork for the rest of your application process.
Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee
The last thing that an applicant needs to do after completing the application form is to pay the fees for visa which tend to be charged in relation to the type of visa that an applicant is applying for. The current fees for such services however cannot be determined from this write up but it is advisable to check on the official website of the government of Ethiopia or from the embassy or consulate. When it comes to payment methods, this depends on whether you applied online or physically and hence you are supposed to follow the instruction that was given when applying. But remember that if you get this wrong, you will have your visa application delayed or rejected so do this step early.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
Having filled in the application form and gathering all the documents, it is time to submit an application. In case you applied through the online application, the form and other documents are entered at the e-Visa portal where you can upload your documents. If the submission of the documents is face to face, applicants should proceed to the nearest Embassy of Ethiopia or consulate. If you applied online after submission, you will be receiving the approval of your visa through email so you can print it for your travel. It is always important to wait for any mail that may be concerning the status of your application and be ready for any follow up questions.
Conclusion:
Hence, it is clear that anyone who wants to get an Ethiopia Visa does not have to struggle because he or she has all the information required. To gather the necessary papers, choose the right type of visa and go through all the steps with good precision, it is possible to get a visa and start an amazing journey to this country. If you are a history lover of Ethiopia or interested in its peculiar culture or wonderful views, having your visa will make your trip incredible.
So, before you get on the road, allow me to stress that getting a visa is all about planning and attention to details. But one should not be surprised by the constant changes of the requirements and fees that are present in one’s country, and which are to be obtained from the official governmental websites only. After getting your Ethiopia Visa you will be ready to plunge into the world of wonderful destinations that the country has to offer, from historical places, bazaars, and beautiful nature. Welcome the spirit of the holiday and get ready to have a great time exploring Ethiopia.
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