Also popularly known as the Land of Origins, Ethiopia is now just a heartbeat away from Doha as the Ethiopian Immigration and Nationality Affairs Main Department, in collaboration with Ethiopian Airlines, has recently introduced Electronic Visa (E-Visa) service to all nationalities in Qatar, Qatar Tribune reported.

With the new visa regime, all one has to do is process the visa online on a single web page where one applies, pays and secures entry visa. After this, one gets authorised via email to secure his/her passport stamped with visa upon arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.

Ethiopian Airlines Area Manager in Qatar Tehetena Zelleke said that the service was launched in June, although many people are not aware of it. "Single entry Visa with validity of up to 30 days is $52 while single entry with a validity of up to 90 days is $72. All nationalities are eligible," she continued.

Ethiopia, a treasure trove of history and culture, has become easier to get to with our new e-visa service. The new service brings you closer to authentic travel experiences and enables you to travel to Ethiopia," Zelleke said.

"It is easier now as people do not have to go to the embassy to apply for the visa. The processing of the visa under normal circumstances takes only three days," she said.

Here are three important things to keep in mind if you're interested to apply for an Ethiopian E-Visa:

• E-Visa application fees are not refundable.

• Currently, they are allowing travelers with E-Visa to enter Ethiopia via Addis Ababa Bole International Airport—the main point of entry. Entry via other ports is not allowed.

• The validity of an Ethiopian E-Visa starts from the date you intend to enter Ethiopia not from date of issue.

Back in 2015, Ethiopia was named as the world's best destination for tourists by the European Council on Tourism and Trade. The country is home to nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Semien National Park, Lake Tana, Blue Nile, Gheralta Mountains, Danakil Desert and the lush Omo Valley.

Ethiopia's wildlife riches are also diverse, from typical African savannah animals in the south to unique indigenous creatures like the gelada baboon and Ethiopian wolf.

While Ethiopian Airlines has direct flights to/from more than 110 destinations across five continents, Qatar Airways on the other hand operates non-direct flights to Addis Ababa on a daily basis. Overall duration of travel is from 10-11 hours.

Currently, Ethiopians are on the 16th spot as the most populous expat community in Qatar with approximately 22,000 of them residing in the country.

Are you planning to visit the African continent soon? Why not consider travelling to its East side and immerse yourself in the exotic beauty of Ethiopia? If you like this article, don't forget to share it with your friends—it keeps us going!

(Images courtesy of IStock Photos)

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Sonkie

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