RushMyTravelVisa » Ethiopian visa http://www.rushmytravelvisa.com/blog Just another WordPress weblog Mon, 18 Jul 2011 03:24:55 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Ethiopian Visa Requirements to Visit the Konso Cultural Landscape http://www.rushmytravelvisa.com/blog/2011/07/ethiopian-visa-requirements-to-visit-the-konso-cultural-landscape/ http://www.rushmytravelvisa.com/blog/2011/07/ethiopian-visa-requirements-to-visit-the-konso-cultural-landscape/#comments Mon, 18 Jul 2011 03:24:55 +0000 admin http://www.rushmytravelvisa.com/blog/?p=1369 This month’s featured UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the newest additions to the list. Ethiopia’s Konso Cultural Landscape was just designated as a World Heritage Site this year. The Konso Cultural Landscape is the ancestral homeland of the Konso people, a group of farmers and herders living in South Central Ethiopia.

According to UNESCO, the site “constitutes a spectacular example of a living cultural tradition stretching back 21 generations (more than 400 years) adapted to its dry hostile environment. The landscape demonstrates the shared values, social cohesion and engineering knowledge of its communities.”

In addition to showcasing the Konso people’s traditional lifestyle, the Cultural Landscape also contains funeral monuments called wagas. These wooden statues are carved in the likeness of the deceased as well as his family and the person or animal he died fighting. UNESCO says that this funeral tradition is “on the verge of disappearing,” so see them while you can.

To visit Ethiopia, you will need a visa. US citizens flying in to Bole International Airport may apply for an Ethiopian visa on arrival, but be aware that this may complicate your entry into the country. In fact, the Department of State says that tourists arriving without visas may be “significantly delayed.”

If the prospect of being “significantly delayed” in a foreign country after a long flight makes you want to tear your hair out, stop and take a breath. There is another way: you can apply for your Ethiopian visa in advance before you leave the country.

Also, please note that if you’re entering Ethiopia by land, you have to apply for a visa ahead of time.

To get an Ethiopian visa, you need the following documents:

  • 1 completed Ethiopian visa application form
  • 1 passport-sized photo of yourself
  • A copy of your round-trip itinerary
  • Your US passport

RushMyTravelVisa makes getting an Ethiopian visa before your trip easy and quick. We know you have more important things to do, like packing, so we walk you through the application process to reduce the chance of errors. Then, we deliver your paperwork to the appropriate Ethiopian Embassy or Consulate for the fastest possible service.

Apply for your Ethiopian visa today!

]]> http://www.rushmytravelvisa.com/blog/2011/07/ethiopian-visa-requirements-to-visit-the-konso-cultural-landscape/feed/ 0 An Ethiopian Visa: Your Ticket to Adventure http://www.rushmytravelvisa.com/blog/2011/04/an-ethiopian-visa-your-ticket-to-adventure/ http://www.rushmytravelvisa.com/blog/2011/04/an-ethiopian-visa-your-ticket-to-adventure/#comments Sat, 02 Apr 2011 15:55:40 +0000 admin http://www.rushmytravelvisa.com/blog/?p=1299 Are you looking for an adventure travel destination that’s way off the beaten path? Gadling recommends taking a trip to Ethiopia’s Somali region.

Though there aren’t many visitors and amenities are scarce, if you’re not averse to “roughing”it there are a lot of attractions. Alibilal Cave is covered with prehistoric cave paintings of African wildlife like giraffe and gazelle. Meanwhile, a nearby national park gives you the opportunity to see these animals in person, plus lions and elephants. Even better, the region is overflowing with hot springs to relax in.

But the people are quite possibly the best part of the trip. Gadling’s Sean McLachlan writes:

“The culture here preserves itself by oral traditions. Sitting with a clan elder and listening to his stories can be a one-of-a-kind experience. The Somali region is the easiest place to experience Somali culture, being cheaper than Somaliland and far safer than Somalia.“

If you want to visit the region while it’s still relatively undiscovered, you’ll need a passport and an Ethiopian visa. Americans entering the country via Bole International Airport are eligible for to apply for an Ethiopian visa on arrival, but you shouldn’t expect the process to be easy or smooth. According to the Department of State, travelers sometimes experience difficulty during the visa-on-arrival process and end up “significantly delayed.” So, if you’re thinking of applying for a visa when you arrive, the question you need to ask yourself is this: Do you feel lucky, punk? If you’d rather not chance it, just apply for your visa in advance.

If you’re entering through another airport or crossing into the country by land, you must apply for your visa in advance.

To get an Ethiopian visa, you need the following documents:

  • 1 completed Ethiopian visa application form
  • 1 passport-sized photo of yourself
  • A copy of your round-trip itinerary
  • Your US passport

RushMyTravelVisa can make the process easy and quick. Our visa specialists will research your itinerary to make sure you know exactly what the visa requirements are for each stage of your journey. Then, we’ll walk you through the paperwork and expedite your application for the fastest possible processing.

Apply for your Ethiopian visa today!

    ]]>     http://www.rushmytravelvisa.com/blog/2011/04/an-ethiopian-visa-your-ticket-to-adventure/feed/ 0     Get an Ethiopian Visa to Visit the City of Harar http://www.rushmytravelvisa.com/blog/2011/03/get-an-ethiopian-visa-to-visit-the-city-of-harar/ http://www.rushmytravelvisa.com/blog/2011/03/get-an-ethiopian-visa-to-visit-the-city-of-harar/#comments Fri, 04 Mar 2011 19:15:16 +0000 admin http://www.rushmytravelvisa.com/blog/?p=1227 Harar, Ethiopia is ancient city that dates back to at least the 11th century AD. Historically, the city has long been famous for arts like weaving, basketry and bookbinding. It’s also famous for its delicious coffee, which is considered to be some of the best, if not the very best, in the world. Although there’s no hard proof, some believe that Harar is the birthplace of the energizing beverage, without which some of us simply could not function. Thank you, Harar!

    Harar is considered to be the fourth holiest city in Islam, and the city’s walls enclose as many as 110 mosques, some of which are almost as old as the city itself. There’s a lot to see here, and the city’s inhabitants are generally friendly and welcoming to tourists.

    One spectacle that you won’t see anywhere else is the practice of feeding raw meat to the clans of hyena that live in the surrounding forests. At dusk, “hyena men” feed the beasts in front of crowds of curious spectators, calling them out of the darkness and offering them strips of meat from his own mouth. This tradition may not be around forever, though; according to this BBC article, there were only two hyena men left in 2002.

    In addition, a small herd of feral horses lives outside of the city walls, on flat-topped Mount Kondudo. This is the oldest known feral horse herd in Africa, and it is threatened with extinction as locals try to tame and sell the colts and take the grazing land for their own livestock. Conservation groups are trying to save the herd, and tourism is an important part of their plan for doing so since it provides locals an incentive to leave the horses alone.

    There’s also a museum inside the city dedicated to French poet Arthur Rimbaud, who lived in Harar from 1884 until shortly before his death in 1891.

    To visit Harar, you’ll need an Ethiopian visa. You can take your chances and try to get one on arrival, but the State Department warns against doing so because the visa on arrival process sometimes goes awry. Best to get one before you leave the US and save yourself the hassle!

    For more details on getting your visa, see Ethiopian Visa Requirements for Tourists.

    RushMyTravelVisa makes getting an Ethiopian visa easy and quick. Your visa specialist will walk you through the paperwork, and then we’ll expedite your application for the fastest possible processing.

    Apply for your Ethiopian visa today!

    ]]>     http://www.rushmytravelvisa.com/blog/2011/03/get-an-ethiopian-visa-to-visit-the-city-of-harar/feed/ 0     Travel Visas for the Tour d’Afrique http://www.rushmytravelvisa.com/blog/2011/02/travel-visas-for-the-tour-dafrique/ http://www.rushmytravelvisa.com/blog/2011/02/travel-visas-for-the-tour-dafrique/#comments Thu, 10 Feb 2011 02:00:10 +0000 admin http://www.rushmytravelvisa.com/blog/?p=1187 The Tour de France? That’s nothing! Try riding across the entire African continent on a bicycle! Since 2003, a hardy bunch of cyclists has been doing just that, as part of the Tour d’Afrique. The Tour d’Afrique crosses the entire African continent, from Egypt to South Africa, approximately 7,500 miles. While some participants are there to race, many others are just there for the experience and travel at their own pace, so people of all ages are welcome as long as you are in good shape and like to ride.

    The Tour d’Afrique takes a good four months to complete, and like most epic-level travel experiences, it’s not cheap. The full tour will set you back €8,900, not including your bike, supplies for your bike, food on rest days, flights or visas. Fortunately, you can also sign on to just do a specific part of the tour.

    As far as travel visas are concerned, the requirements vary depending on which country you’re looking at. Here’s a breakdown:

    • Egypt: If you’re flying in, you can get a 30-day tourist visa when you arrive at the airport, or apply in advance if you’d like. If you’re entering by land, you’ll need one in advance.
    • Sudan: US citizens should apply for a visa in advance at a Sudanese embassy or consulate.
    • Ethiopia: If you’re riding in, you’ll definitely need to apply for your visa in advance. Theoretically, if you’re flying in, you can get a visa on arrival, but the US Department of State recommends against it as airport officials sometimes refuse to issue them. So, be a good Boy/Girl Scout and “be prepared!” See Ethiopian Visa Requirements for Tourists for more details.
    • Kenya: US citizens need to apply in advance to enter by land. If flying in, you should be able to get a visa on arrival but be prepared to wait for the privilege. See Kenyan Visa Requirements for Tourists for details.
    • Malawi: US citizens can get a visa on arrival with a passport, an itinerary and proof that you have enough money in the bank account to support yourself.
    • Zambia: You can obtain a single-entry visa on arrival. If for whatever reason you’d prefer a multiple entry visa, you need to apply in advance. See Zambia Visa Requirements for additional details.
    • Botswana: No visa is required, just make sure your passport will be good for at least 6 months after the date you enter.
    • Namibia: Visas on arrival are available as long your passport is valid for at least 6 months after the day you enter. Also make sure you have at least 5 unstamped pages in the back.
    • South Africa: No visa is required for stays of 90 days or less, but you do need at least 2 blank pages in the back of your passport. You should also bring proof that you’ve been vaccinated for yellow fever.

    RushMyTravelVisa can help you get the visas you need for this or any other trip. We’ll research your itinerary, walk you through the application process and expedite your applications with the appropriate embassies for the fastest possible processing.

    Apply for your travel visas with us today!

    ]]>     http://www.rushmytravelvisa.com/blog/2011/02/travel-visas-for-the-tour-dafrique/feed/ 0     Get an Ethiopian Visa to Get Up-Close-and-Personal with a Volcano http://www.rushmytravelvisa.com/blog/2011/01/get-an-ethiopian-visa-to-get-up-close-and-personal-with-a-volcano/ http://www.rushmytravelvisa.com/blog/2011/01/get-an-ethiopian-visa-to-get-up-close-and-personal-with-a-volcano/#comments Sat, 15 Jan 2011 14:53:42 +0000 admin http://www.rushmytravelvisa.com/blog/?p=1118 Last week, I highlighted Ethiopia for its amazing adventure travel potential. This week, I found an awesome (if expensive) vacation package that proves the point: Volcano Discovery’s Ethiopian volcano tours. Their “Desert, Salt and Volcanoes” tour takes you into the Danakil Desert, a place that National Geographic once referred to as “the Cruelest Place on Earth.”

    In the desert, you’ll visit salt mines, including an active volcano buried under a thick layer of salt. You’ll also climb to the top of the active Erta Ale volcano and spend three days and nights observing the volcano and the fiery lakes of lava in its crater.

    This 14-day expedition costs a mighty 3,760 Euro, but you’ll be rewarded with the trip of a lifetime and the ability to forever boast that you stood in front of a volcano.

    If that’s a little too rich for your blood, there’s a shorter expedition called “Fire and Salt in the Desert” that’s only 9 days long for 2190 Euro.

    Of course, you’ll never make it to the volcano without an Ethiopian visa. Technically, you can get one on arrival at Bole International Airport. However, in practice, some US citizens have reported issues getting visas on arrival. After the long flight to Africa, the last thing you want is to get held up at the airport, right?

    The best way to avoid delays and frustration is to get your visa ahead of time, before you leave the United States. For more information about what you’ll need, see Ethiopian Visa Requirements for Tourists.

    RushMyTravelVisa makes the whole process much easier. We’ll walk you through the paperwork, step by step, to help you avoid common errors that could prevent your application from being processed in a timely fashion. Then, we’ll expedite your paperwork with the Ethiopian Embassy. Before you know it, you’ll be ready to take on the volcano!

    Apply for your Ethiopian visa today!

    ]]>     http://www.rushmytravelvisa.com/blog/2011/01/get-an-ethiopian-visa-to-get-up-close-and-personal-with-a-volcano/feed/ 0     2011 Destinations: Get an Ethiopian Visa for an African Adventure http://www.rushmytravelvisa.com/blog/2011/01/2011-destinations-get-an-ethiopian-visa-for-an-african-adventure/ http://www.rushmytravelvisa.com/blog/2011/01/2011-destinations-get-an-ethiopian-visa-for-an-african-adventure/#comments Sat, 08 Jan 2011 04:35:42 +0000 admin http://www.rushmytravelvisa.com/blog/?p=1106 Where are you going to go in 2011? If you’re looking for an adventure, why not visit Ethiopia? Gadling just named it one of the top adventure travel destinations of 2011. Here’s why:

    “The country is rich in history and culture and offers plenty of options for the active traveler as well. I recommend trekking the Simien Mountains, where you’ll encounter packs of rock climbing baboons en route to the medieval fortress of Gondar or make the journey to Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile.”

    That’s a great rundown of some of Ethiopia’s highlights! For more ideas on what to do in Ethiopia, see 5 Reasons to Get an Ethiopian Visa.

    If you’re an American citizen, you do need a visa to enter Ethiopia. Technically, you can get one when you arrive at the airport. However, the US Department of State “strongly advises” you to get one before you leave the country, saying “In some cases, U.S. tourist and business travelers have not been permitted to receive visas at Bole International Airport or have been significantly delayed.” Probably best to plan ahead and avoid that particular “adventure.”

    Also, keep in mind that visas on arrival are only available at Bole International Airport. If you’re crossing into Ethiopia by land from a neighboring country, you need to get your visa ahead of time.

    Here’s what you need to apply for an Ethiopian visa:

    • 1 completed Ethiopian visa application form
    • 1 passport-sized photo of yourself
    • A copy of your round-trip itinerary
    • Your US passport

    RushMyTravelVisa can help you apply for an Ethiopian visa in advance. We’ll review your itinerary to make sure you have all the documents you need for your journey. Then, we’ll guide you through the application process step-by-step, helping you to avoid common mistakes that could lead to your visa application being delayed. We’ll also expedite your Ethiopian visa with the embassy for the fastest possible processing.

    Need an Ethiopian visa? Let us help!

    ]]>     http://www.rushmytravelvisa.com/blog/2011/01/2011-destinations-get-an-ethiopian-visa-for-an-african-adventure/feed/ 1     5 Reasons to Get an Ethiopian Visa http://www.rushmytravelvisa.com/blog/2010/11/5-reasons-to-get-an-ethiopian-visa/ http://www.rushmytravelvisa.com/blog/2010/11/5-reasons-to-get-an-ethiopian-visa/#comments Mon, 29 Nov 2010 00:01:56 +0000 admin http://www.rushmytravelvisa.com/blog/?p=1018 The cradle of humanity and a biodiversity hot spot, Ethiopia is one of the most exciting African countries to visit. Need some inspiration for your next adventure? Here are 5 reasons to apply for an Ethiopian visa:

    Lalibela: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this town is justly famous for its many churches carved out of the surrounding mountains. It is considered one of Ethiopia’s holiest cities and was once the country’s capital.

    Safaris: Ethiopia is one of the best places to take a safari tour and see African animals that most Americans never see outside of a zoo, like lions, zebras, baboons, ibex…the list goes on and on, really. The type of animals that you’re likely to see depends on which of Ethiopia’s parks or wildlife preserves you visit. Nechisar National Park features grasslands packed with zebras, gazelles, baboons, flamingos, storks, and crocodiles (just to name a few). In the mountains of Simien Mountains National Park, you’ll find wolves, more baboons and ibex. The national parks in the Lower Orno Valley are home to hippos, as well.

    Aksum: This city was once the capital of the mighty Aksum kingdom. Local legend has it that it is also the final resting place of the Ark of the Covenant and the birthplace of the Queen of Sheba. Visit Aksum to tour ancient churches and see ancient monuments called stelae.

    Lake Tana: Lake Tana is the largest lake in Ethiopia and is the source of the mighty Blue Nile. The ancient monasteries found on islands in the lake are well worth a visit.

    The Blue Nile: The Blue Nile begins at Lake Tana and eventually joins with the White Nile to form the River Nile in Egypt. The best spot to visit along the Blue Nile is the Blue Nile Falls, about 25 miles downstream from the river’s source in Lake Tana.

    To visit Ethiopia, American citizens do need Ethiopian visas. You might be able to get one on arrival in the airport. Then again, according to the Department of State, you might not. So, it’s best to get yours in advance; why take chances?

    To learn more about getting a visa, see Ethiopian Visa Requirements for Tourists. Remember, RushMyTravelVisa can help you navigate the visa process, walking you through the paperwork and expediting your application.

    For Ethiopian visa help, contact us today!

    ]]>     http://www.rushmytravelvisa.com/blog/2010/11/5-reasons-to-get-an-ethiopian-visa/feed/ 1     Ethiopian Visa Requirements to Visit the Mysterious Ruins of Tiya http://www.rushmytravelvisa.com/blog/2010/09/839/ http://www.rushmytravelvisa.com/blog/2010/09/839/#comments Sat, 04 Sep 2010 01:15:38 +0000 admin http://www.rushmytravelvisa.com/blog/2010/09/839/ In the wild grasslands of Southern Ethiopia, imposing stone monuments mark the site of an ancient burial ground, this week’s featured UNESCO World Heritage site. The monuments at Tiya in Ethiopia consist of 32 large slabs of stone called stelae. The stones are etched with swords and other symbols. Who built this place? Nobody knows-according to UNESCO, “They are the remains of an ancient Ethiopian culture whose age has not yet been precisely determined.”

    Other nearby sites of interest include Hera Shetan crater lake and a formation of naturally ordered stone blocks at nearby Agesoke.

    American citizens traveling to Ethiopia need passports and an Ethiopian visa. If you’re flying in through Bole International Airport, you may attempt to get an Ethiopian visa upon arrival. But consider yourself warned-the US Department of State notes that travelers sometimes have trouble getting a visa at the airport and are “significantly delayed.”

    Ethiopian visas are not available at any other airports in Ethiopia or at land border crossings. If you are entering Ethiopia by land or flying into a different airport, you must get your visa in advance. As you can see, you’d be better off getting it in advance anyway, even if you are planning to fly into Bole.

    To get an Ethiopian visa, you need the following documents:

    • 1 completed Ethiopian visa application form
    • 1 passport-sized photo of yourself
    • A copy of your round-trip itinerary
    • Your US passport

    A private visa expediting company like RushMyTravelVisa can streamline the visa process, providing easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions on the Ethiopian visa process and expediting your application for the fastest possible processing.

    Apply for your Ethiopian visa today!

    ]]>     http://www.rushmytravelvisa.com/blog/2010/09/839/feed/ 0     Get an Ethiopian Visa to Visit the Ancient City of Aksum http://www.rushmytravelvisa.com/blog/2010/06/get-an-ethiopian-visa-to-visit-the-ancient-city-of-aksum/ http://www.rushmytravelvisa.com/blog/2010/06/get-an-ethiopian-visa-to-visit-the-ancient-city-of-aksum/#comments Sun, 27 Jun 2010 04:25:01 +0000 admin http://www.rushmytravelvisa.com/blog/?p=712 Beginning around 400 BC, a new power emerged in Ethiopia, based in the city of Aksum. Over time, the new kingdom took over territory and valuable trade routes from the nearby Kingdom of Kush, eventually becoming one of the most important and powerful kingdoms in the entire world.

    The Kingdom of Aksum converted to Christianity early, and local legend states that the city was also the home of the biblical Queen of Sheba and the final resting place of the Ark of the Covenant.  The Axumites also developed their own language and their own style of architecture, including impressive obelisks.

    Today, Aksum is much smaller, but you can still see the remains of the old city. There are ancient castles, royal tombs and towering obelisks. The Obelisk of Axum was recently returned to Ethiopia from Italy and is on display again, along with other monuments in the Northern Stelae Park.

    You’ll need more than just a passport to see these ruins. You will also need an Ethiopian visa. It’s best to apply for your visa while you are still in the United States and have it in hand before you travel.  This is an absolute must if you will be entering Ethiopia by land or from any airport other than Bole International Airport. In theory, you can buy an Ethiopian tourist visa on arrival at Bole International Airport, but at least according to the Department of State, it’s not always that easy in practice.

    Here’s what you need to apply for an Ethiopian visa:

    • 1 completed Ethiopian visa application form
    • 1 passport-sized photo of yourself
    • A copy of your round-trip itinerary
    • Your US passport

    RushMyTravelVisa can help make sure your trip to Ethiopia is a success. We’ll research your itinerary to make sure you have the appropriate documentation for every step of your journey. Then, we’ll help you apply, providing personal assistance and delivering your application to the appropriate embassy or consulate for the fastest possible processing.

    Apply for your Ethiopian visa today!

    ]]>     http://www.rushmytravelvisa.com/blog/2010/06/get-an-ethiopian-visa-to-visit-the-ancient-city-of-aksum/feed/ 0     Ethiopian Visa Requirements for Tourists http://www.rushmytravelvisa.com/blog/2010/03/ethiopian-visa-requirements-for-tourists/ http://www.rushmytravelvisa.com/blog/2010/03/ethiopian-visa-requirements-for-tourists/#comments Fri, 26 Mar 2010 04:39:58 +0000 admin http://www.rushmytravelvisa.com/blog/?p=492 Ethiopia offers a variety of advantages to tourists, including a friendly, welcoming culture, a fascinating history and a host of unforgettable destinations.  Oh, and did I mention that they have some of the best coffee in the world? Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee, and the country’s cafe culture rivals that of Europe.

    If you are going sight-seeing in Ethiopia  consider hiring a driver to take you around the countryside. According to Gadling.com, this is the best way to experience the beauty of the landscape and the warmth of the local people.

    Enjoy your trip, but make sure that you have all of the appropriate documents in hand before you leave.  American citizens traveling to Ethiopia need more than just passports.  You will also need an Ethiopian visa, even if you are just going as a tourist.

    Make sure you have your Ethiopian visa in hand before you leave the US. In theory, visas are available on arrival at the airport. However, according to the US Department of State , in practice travelers who arrive at the airport sans visa are often turned away.

    Here’s what you need to apply for an Ethiopian visa:

    • 1 completed Ethiopian visa application  form
    • 1 passport-sized photo of yourself
    • A copy of your round-trip itinerary
    • Your US passport

    A private visa expediting company like RushMyTravelVisa.com can streamline the Ethiopian visa application process and help you cut down on processing time.  When you work with us, you get the assistance of a professional visa specialist.

    We’ll research your itinerary to make sure you know exactly which visas are needed, provide you with clear instructions that make completing the paperwork a snap, and deliver your visa application to the appropriate embassy or consulate for the fastest processing possible.

    Apply for your Ethiopian visa with us today!

    ]]>     http://www.rushmytravelvisa.com/blog/2010/03/ethiopian-visa-requirements-for-tourists/feed/ 5