THE East African Community comprising of Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Burundi is finalising plans for a single-destination visa for tourists to the region, scheduled to be effective 4Q2014.
East Africa’s tourism industry has been struggling with an expensive image, where visa fees for a family of four can cost US$1,000 if visiting all five member countries.
Such added costs are seen as a hurdle to promoting cross-region safari packages, and while Kenya currently permits re-entry after obtaining an initial visa when visiting other countries like Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi or Tanzania, none of the other countries are offering the same option.
Secretary general of the East African Community, Richard Sezibera, said: “This is one among a wide range of measures being undertaken jointly to attract visitors and investors to the region. We are fast-tracking the transposition of national laws that contradict the Common Market spirit.
“We are upgrading the current 8,100km railway network, in addition to extending it to other parts of East Africa. An additional 5,000km is expected in the near future.”
Uganda’s tourism minister, Maria Mutagamba, highlighted: “We need more airlines and airports. The majority of our visitors are ecotourists, yet it takes six hours to drive from Kampala to Bwindi or Kidepo (national park).”
Until now, a tourist would have to pay US$150-200 in visa fees. This will initially be cut to just one visa fee, valid for three countries, Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda.
Trade sources estimate a common 90-day visa at U$100 for all three countries irrespective of number of entries and exits across the borders. Burundi and Tanzania are expected to join the alliance soon.
Rica Rwigamba, in-charge for tourism and conservation, Rwanda Development Board, said: “It is easier to market the block as a single destination. It means having features like the Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda, Maasai Mara in Kenya and Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, among others, all on one menu.”
Phyillis Kandie, cabinet secretary, commerce and tourism, East African Affairs, Kenya, said: “Tourism contributes 12 per cent to the country’s GDP and nine per cent to total employment. We are resolved to enhance products and service delivery to ensure arrivals double by 2017.”
