Single Tourist Visa for Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya
Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya agreed to begin issuance of a single tourist visa, aimed at easing and promoting tourism among the three states. The resolution to issue a single visa to tourists came after delegates from the three countries held a two-day long meeting in Kigali on August 1 and 2.
They agreed to charge USD100 per tourist intending to visit the three countries. Each of the three states will claim USD30 from the Single Visa fees while the balance of USD10 will be set aside for technical operations. The fee would be paid at the point of entry into any of the three countries for up to 90 days.
Authorities have urged the private sector to grab the opportunity and invest in tourism, an industry that earned Rwanda only, over USD280 million in 2012. The country has targeted over USD315 million this year.
The arrangement will go into effect in January, 2014. A meeting to be held next month will discuss the design of the special visa.
Earlier last week, Rwanda announced that it will implement a Single Customs Territory with Uganda and Kenya where all customs on incoming goods to any of the three countries will be handled once at the port of entry, Mombasa.
(The Rwandan Focus)
