.jpg)
In a bid to draw more visitors to the region, the East African single tourist visa was launched in Washington D.C by the ambassadors of Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda to US. Ambassador Mathilde Mukantabana of Rwanda, together with her counterparts, Jean Kamau and Oliver Wonekha of Kenya and Uganda, respectively, launched the visa at the embassy of Rwanda. Officials attended the launch from the US Department of State and visa agencies in Washington DC. Others present included members of the US business community and civil society organisations.
The visa forms the three partner states a single tourist destination and places East Africa among the top tourist destinations in the world. It also signifies continuous efforts and cooperation among the partner states.
This year in February, the East Africa single tourist visa was launched by the heads of state of Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. The visa costs $100 and valid for 90 days and is paid at the point of entry in a member country or foreign missions. The issuing country will take $40, including $10 for administrative cost, whereas the other two members will share $60.
A single tourist visa holder will have the freedom to move around the three countries without paying more fees. Ever since its introduction, according to tour agents the document has eased movement of tourists by reducing bureaucratic tendencies.
Rwanda’s top foreign exchange earner is its tourism sector, fetching Rwf178 billion in 2013. This year the sector has recorded investments worth $32.8 million, according to Rwanda Development Board.
