rayna tours visit visa

UAE Tourist Application Online & Get Approval in 24* Hours

Note: For Abu Dhabi Application 100 AED Extra Required

Documents Required for UAE Application

Visitor's Document:

Here is the list of scanned documents that you need to send along with your application:

• Front and last pages of passport
• Passport size photograph
• If you have visited Dubai or UAE before, you would have scan the page with the exit stamp
• Confirmed return flight tickets
• Covid-19 Insurance Rates are for below 50years group (RaynaTours will Charge an Additional amount for Insurance as per age groups below 70y, below 75y and below 80y).
• For visa applications in Abu Dhabi/Sharjah, there's an extra fee of 170 AED for the 30-day visa and 190 AED for the 60-day visa.

Guarantor's Document:

Here are the documents that you need to submit if you have a guarantor in the UAE:

• Copy of guarantor's passport and resident Application, with 3 months validity for both
• A security cheque of AED 5500 for every Application; this cheque would not be used unless the visitor absconds.
• Bank statement of last month from the same bank account as the cheque, for proof.Here are the documents that you need to submit if you do not have a guarantor in the UAE
• Visitors (except families) have to put in a security deposit of AED 5500 with us. This deposit is fully refundable and would be returned to you once you send a scanned copy of your passport page that has the UAE exit stamp.
• Family visitors do not have to provide a deposit. On the other hand, they can make airline, tour or hotel booking with us.
• Family visitors may not need to put any deposit instead, they can make the Hotel / Airline / Tour booking with us with best-guaranteed prices.
• Certain visitors (except for families) are required to pay an amount of AED 5500 towards the Security Deposit. Though this amount is fully refundable, please inform Al that we will reimburse you the money only after you send us the scanned copy of your passport page with the UAE Exit stamp. This step is vital to make sure that you’re not overstaying and already left the country.

UAE Application

Getting a valid Application is the key component of travel planning. For a UAE trip, your ability to travel to the country depends on whether you have a valid UAE Application or not. A UAE feels like an overwhelming travel formality for most travellers, but it is required to enter the UAE. However, depending on your nationality, you may or may not require a UAE Application. Citizens of certain countries do not need a Application to enter the UAE;others can obtain on-arrival UAE Application services, while the rest must obtain a pre-approved UAE Application for their UAE journey.

Furthermore, there are various kinds of UAE Application that one has to be aware of depending on the duration and purpose of their trip to the UAE. You can get a 14-day, 30-day, or 60-day Application depending on your travel intention. While all of this appears to be exceedingly complicated, the entire approach can be progressively simplified with the correct Application assistance provider.

You can apply for a UAE Application online with the assistance of a UAE Application specialist, who will guide you through the procedure step-by-step.

How to apply for UAE Application?

Make your UAE Application process easy and simple by following these points. 

First and foremost, check the following -

• Your passport should be valid for at least 6 more months after you arrive in the UAE.
• Select a Application type according to your travel plan.
• Be sure you have the resources necessary to pay for your stay in Dubai.
• Get in touch with a person who can act as your sponsor for a Application to the UAE.

Once you have these sorted, next step would be to apply for UAE Application online. Fill up a simple Application form correctly and completely and submit it with the Application fees. Next,  gather the documents supporting your UAE application. These include:

• Passport copies, 
• Colour passport size photographs
• Bank statements and salary slips
• Confirmed flight tickets
• Travel and health insurance. 

Your UAE sponsor will complete the rest of the process on your behalf after receiving these documents.

Confused about how to obtain a sponsor for your UAE Application or which Application to apply for? Get in touch with us to apply for your UAE Application. You will receive all-around assistance from our team of professionals with years of experience. We can assist you with the application process, submit the paperwork on your behalf, and expeditiously complete the entire procedure. All you need to do is get in touch with us, and we will walk you through each stage of the UAE application procedure.

Why choose Rayna Tours for your UAE Application?

You only need to contact us, fill out the online UAE application, send us a scanned copy of your documents, and pay the Application fee. The rest of the process will be managed for you by our proficient team. Rayna Tours has solutions for all types of UAE Application, whether it be a short-term UAE tourist or a long-term visit Application. You are in excellent hands to receive the finest guidance on UAE Application, get your Application concerns addressed, and have the best support at each stage of your UAE Application thanks to our knowledgeable team.

Ok To Board Information

Visitors from India, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh and other Asian countries have to get an Ok to Board Status before travelling to UAE. In short, having a valid Application is not enough to travel to the UAE. On the other hand, you would have electronically update your Application and get an Ok to Board from your airline. If you fail to do so, you would not be allowed to board your flight from your home country itself.

Special Notes

• Your passport should have minimum 6 months validity.
• The passport should be a printed one and not handwritten.
• The documents should be scanned properly. Blurred copies would not be accepted.
• If you do not book hotel or air ticket with Rayna Tours, you would be charged around AED 50 to AED 100 (as per the type of application) for the application process.
• If we have not mentioned your Application requirements above, you can ask your doubts or queries at [email protected]

1.  Is it mandatory for me to obtain a Application to enter Dubai as well as UAE?

Dubai is a part of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and with a UAE Application, you can visit all the seven Emirates of UAE. Citizens of all countries have to get a UAE Application, except for those belonging to GCC nations: Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain and Kuwait.

2.  Do infants and kids require Application to enter UAE?

Everyone, irrespective of age, has to get a UAE Application. Infants and kids of all non-UAE citizens have to get a UAE Application before flying to the country.

3.  Which countries are eligible for Application on arrival in Dubai?

Citizens of the following countries do not require to apply for a Application beforehand; they are eligible for Application on arrival: Some of the North American, European and Far East countries, including USA< UK< Portugal, Malaysia, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Iceland, Germany, France, Belgium, Austria and Australia. However, the list of Application-waiver countries is likely to change. Hence, always check with the local embassy or a reliable Application service provider before you start planning for your Dubai or UAE holiday.

4.  How should I apply for a Dubai Application from another country?

You can apply for the Dubai Application online. On the other hand, a friend or relative of yours in the UAE can apply for a Application on your behalf.

5.  What are the different types of Application that I can apply for in the UAE?

Different types of UAE Applications are available which include visit Application, tourist Application, transit Application, business Application, etc. You can apply for one of them according to the purpose and duration of your visit.

6.  What are the benefits of applying for Application through Rayna Tours?

Rayna Tours has years of experience in the Application process field, and hence offers quick and easy Application process. With us, you do not require a local sponsor. Moreover, you can get your UAE Application with minimal documentation. Rayna Tours does not ask for a cash deposit. In addition, we provide you with a paper Application, making it possible for you to enter UAE without any issues. While the regular Application process takes anywhere around 3-4 days, we also offer emergency Application process where we would be able to get your UAE Application within a shorter period of time.

7.  What are the documents required to apply for electronic UAE Application?

Scanned copy of your passport (with minimum 6 months validity) and passport-size coloured photos are the two main requirements for electronic UAE Application. Kindly check out our documents section to know all the details.

8.  How many days before my intended Application to Dubai must I apply for Application?

Although it does not take more than 3-4 days for the UAE Application process, it is always best to apply for the Application well in advance. This would help you to make your travel plans without any worries about Application.

• [email protected]
• +971 42 087 543

International Application Assistance Services from Dubai

Call Us : +971 42 087 543

Need a Consultation?

We are application consultant or agent which will guide you through the entire process to obtain your application smoothly.

Apply for Tourist / Friend/Family /Business , Student Dependent & Skilled Worker Application

Apply for B1/B2, F1, H1, H4, L1, Application

Apply for Tourist / Friend/Family /Business Application

Apply for Tourist / SuperApplication/Family /Business Application

Apply for Tourist / Family /Business Application

Apply for Tourist, Business, Family, Escort Application

Apply for Tourist / Family /Business/STR Application

One of the most Eminent Application Consultant in Dubai.

Tourist/Family/Friends Application

Business Application

Student, Work & Dependent Application

Email Us :  [email protected]

Call Us :   +971 42 087 543

Whatsapp Us :   +971561794005

Countries of Operations

Offices worldwide

Years of Experience

Application Processed

How to apply for an international Application from Dubai?

Contact our specialist Application team at Rayna Tours. They will help you to pick the right Application package depending on the purpose and duration of your business or leisure travel in your chosen destination. For more details, you can directly speak to our team at +971 42 087 543 or alternatively send us an email to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on +971561794005.

What is a Short-Stay Schengen Application?

A short-stay Schengen Application allows its holder to travel anywhere across the Schengen zone (that comprises 26 European countries) for business or tourism purpose. This is because all these countries don�t have any border control or check within the zone.

The countries includes Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

While you can freely travel above places with your Schengen Application, it is vital that you apply for your Application through the Consulate or Embassy of the country that you primarily intend to visit. Once approved, your Application lets you stay for up to 90 days in the Schengen area during the 180-day period.

Is my entry into the respective country is guaranteed upon the issuance and approval of my international Application?

Your entry into a country is not guaranteed despite the approval of your Application. It is at the discretion of the Department of Security Customs and Border Protection Immigration Inspector whether or not your entry will be approved.

How long does it take for the processing of an international Application?

It greatly depends on the Application and immigration policy of the place you are planning to visit. To ensure the fast approval of your Application, it is vital that you provide us all relevant documents and further comply with the processes involved in it.

What is the validity period of a short-stay Application?

Your travel destination, Application type and purpose of your travel, among other factors, determine the validity of your short-stay Application.

What is the difference between E-Application and Sticker Application?

As the name indicates, E-Application indicates the electronic Application where its application procedures take place virtually. On the other hand, a sticker Application is the conventional type of Application that comes stamped on your passport.

When should I apply for my international Application?

Depending on the place you are visiting, it may take a few days to a month or more for the processing and approval of your Application. So, to avoid last minute hassles and tension, it is adApplicationble to start your Application application procedures well in advance of your travel date.

What are the payment modes for my application fee?

You can make your Application fee payment effortlessly and safely through cash, cards, cards, demand draft, and bank transfers.

Is travel insurance mandatory for my international travel?

Along with the right Application, most countries across the world now mandate its travelers to have a travel insurance policy. In fact, it is highly recommended to possess a valid insurance for your international travel.

Rayna Tours

• See all photos

Dubai Frame Admission Ticket As Per Option Selected

Full Day Abu Dhabi City Tour With Grand Mosque, BAPS Mandir

Desert Safari In Dubai With Dune Bashing Ride, BBQ Dinner

The View At The Palm Jumeirah In Dubai

Dubai Marina Dhow Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Rayna Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

How to Apply for an Australia Visa?

Last Updated: February 26, 2019

Australia visa,

The australian visa process, australia visit visa.

• Be sure to gather all the required documents in support of your visa application in order to avoid processing delays. The Australian visa application is almost entirely done online these days.
• Call Rayna Tours and give them all your details. The Rayna Australian Visa Specialists will ask you a number of questions, so be prepared to answer them honestly.
• Your information will be noted and the documents filed away, and after this point, you’re pretty much done until you’re called to present your biometrics at the VFS center in Wafi Mall.

Australia Visa – List of Documents 

• A valid passport (valid for at least 6 months after you return from Australia). Give Rayna your original passport along with scanned copies.
• The birth certificate that clearly mentions your actual date of birth and your full name just as it appears in your passport.
• Bank statements for three months. If you don’t have enough funds in your bank, borrow the money. Be sure that the funds in your savings account are a realistic reflection of how much you’re likely to save.
• Previous and current visas in your passport, including any visas to the UAE. If you have visas to other countries, you need to include those scans to your attachment.
• Letter of invitation from your Australian sponsor stating your reason for visiting the country. The reason could be anything at all – weddings, tourist activities, meeting friends and so on, depending on the visa type you’ve chosen. For example, if you’ve chosen Business Visa, then your reason for travel should be travel and the letter should reflect that.
• Payslips for the past 3 months, showing your full payment including taxation details.
• Passport pages that show the stamps that your passport has earned over time
• Round trip ticket; this is not mandatory since the visa status will not be known for a while. However, if you’re requested to provide a ticket, you’ll have to, so best purchase a ticket.
• Two passport photos, taken against a white background, with your face clearly in the front.
• A No Objection Letter from your employers, stating that they do not object to your travel at this time

Note: Once this is done, sit back, and wait for your approval notice to arrive via email. The approval notice is your actual Visa. You won’t be getting a separate visa stamped on to your passport. Your approval notice will arrive by email in about 15 business days. The actual processing time will depend on the satisfactory nature of your documents, and your response rate to questions and requests if any. Then again, the Consulate General’s office will have to do their required checks on the information you have provided so there might be delays if they run into roadblocks there.

Reasons Why Australian Visa Get Rejected

Knowing about the common reasons that the Australian visa application gets rejected would ensure that you do not make them while applying for one.

• Wrong Visa Type: Australia offers more than 140 visas and if you have applied for a wrong type of visa, the chances of it being rejected are more.
• Inconsistent or Incorrect Information: If there are factual or typing discrepancies between the information in the application and the documents submitted, your visa application would be rejected.
• Unable to Meet Health Requirements: People who test positive for ailments like cancer, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, tuberculosis, heart and mental diseases are unlikely to receive an Australian visa.
• Questionable Character: Visa application of people with some kind of criminal record would be rejected by the Australian embassy.
• Lack of Funds: Financial instability or lack of appropriate funds in the bank account is one of the most common reasons for rejection of the Australian visa application.
• Previous Visa Conditions: If you have overstayed the last time you visited Australia, the chances of getting a visa this time are pretty less.

Australia Visa – Process Time and Fees

The processing time and fees of an Australian visa would depend on various factors. Things like the type of visa, promptness of submitting the application form and other documents, etc. would influence how fast you receive the visa for Australia. It can take anywhere between 48 hours to 33 days to get an Australian visitor visa (subclass 600) tourist stream. The prices for an Australian tourist visa are as follows:

• Visa eVisitor (651): Free (3 months validity)
• Tourist Visa Visitor (600): (12 months validity)

Note: Australia visa Dubai application fee is non-refundable in case of rejection. Also, remember to enclose all requested documents and be very prompt in getting fresh documentation if requested. Delays place a negative mark against your visa application, which might get more delayed or even rejected due to delays from your side.

All About Australia

• Best Time to Visit Australia

The best time to visit Australia would depend on the place you want to visit. As Australia is located in the Southern Hemisphere, it experiences summer from December to February and winter from June to August. The months between December and February are ideal because the weather is pleasant and perfect for visiting the beaches. However, it is better to avoid the outback during the summer, as the temperature is extremely high, unbearable and dangerous as well. Autumn (March to May) and Spring (September to November) are also great times to visit the place. Winter in Australia is extremely chilly and prone to rainfall as well. However, if you want to enjoy the snow and skiing in the Australian Alps, this is a great time to go.

• Where to Stay in Australia

The places you visit in Australia would entirely depend on your interests. Some of the most interesting places to visit in this country include Sydney, Cairns, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Blue Mountains, Canberra, Adelaide, Perth, and Darwin. Wherever you go in Australia, you would be able to find hotels or accommodation as per your requirements and budget. If you are looking for budget-friendly options, you must opt for Airb&b or family-run B& Bs. It would always be better to make reservations online before you visit the place.

• Traveling Tips to Australia
• Do not forget to slather your skin with sunscreen when in Australia, especially if you are going to spend your day at the beach. The sun is harsh here and hence you need to protect your skin well.
• Keep yourself hydrated while in the country. You can use reusable bottles and refill them directly from the tap.
• Australia is a big country and you would have to travel for 3-4 hours by flight to reach from one city to the other. You cannot see the entire country unless you are ready to spend 6 months to 1 year here.
• The best way to travel from one city to another is by flight. Road trips can take several days to weeks and can be a bit boring too.
• Tipping is not mandatory in Australia, although you may leave a 10% tip in high-end restaurants and hotels.
• The notion that you would find kangaroos and koalas everywhere is untrue. You would have to visit a national park to see them.
• You are not allowed to take things like vegetables, fruits, meat, plants, drugs, feathers, seeds, etc. to Australia.

You’re all set to visit one of the most fabulous countries in the world. You’ll have the chance to visit the Great Barrier Reef, enjoy the foodie scene in Melbourne and Sydney and explore the great outback. Australia is an adventure and a half; it’s not a country to just visit and depart from; it’s a country that needs to be appreciated deeply, so plan on staying for a good length of time. You’ll be back again in the outback, that’s for sure! Australia gets to the best of us with its people, culture, animals and the sheer effrontery of its landscape.

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Rezmin is passionate about traveling and curating content about history, traditions and other intriguing aspects that make a place attractive. In her spare time, she enjoys reading fictional books sprinkled with inspiration, humor and enthusiasm.

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Rayna Tours   Reviews

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Reviews 4.9.

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Rayna tours the best of the best!

It was a thrilling experience riding 4 x 4 vehicle on the sand dunes,grateful to our pilot and tour guide Mr.Samad Afridi who provided us with a safety briefing,he is skilled driver who navigates the sand expertly with amazing maneuvers, twists and turns that left our mouth wide open. The belly dance belly dance and the other shows was also amazing not forgetting the food and drinks was appetizing to the mouth. Definitely I'll choose Rayna again and again.

Date of experience : May 27, 2024

private tour from Dubai to Abu…

We had a private tour from Dubai to Abu Dhabi to see the local sights. Our guide (Dawood Khan) for the day was amazing! We got lots of local knowledge as well as a brilliant education about the history of Dubai. Dawood made us feel very comfortable, he took very good care of us and nothing was too much trouble. We highly recommend and will 110% be using this company again on our next visit.

Date of experience : May 28, 2024

Kamran Khan and Waqas Khan

Kamran Khan and Waqas Khan Both kamran and Waqas were both very polite and courteous throughout the tour We were kept informed of were we were going and given information about the area and the history We were given water on the bus and stopped for lunch The highlight of the tour was the grand mosque which was perfectly timed for sunset An amazing end to the day filled with history culture and laughs along the way

Superb experience with Azam Khan

Superb experience with Azam Khan. We are a party of 4. He pick us up on time and we had a nice chat on the way to the dessert. His driving skill is amazing during the dessert bashing. We stopped for desert photo shooting and Azam help to took some pictures. I think he is in the wrong line of biz, he took a few amazing photo for us during sunset .. like a pro photographer ... Then we had an excellent bbq dinner and traditional dancing show ... Azam Khan and Rayna Tours are highly recommend if you want to explore Dubai ...

Reply from Rayna Tours

Dear Valuable Guest, Thank you for taking the time to share your valuable feedback. We take pride in giving delightful service to our customers and are overjoyed to receive your compliments and appreciation. We look forward to serving you in the future as well. With Warm regards, Guest Experience Team Rayna Destination Management

AMAZING DESERT TOUR THANKS TO SARMAD AFRIDI

What made our expirience great was our expirienced and amazing driver, The one and only Mr. Sarmad Afridi, who drove through the desert dunes like a champ. Sarmad knows his way through the desert like he was born there. On top of that, he has a friendly demeanor and always assited us with any request we made. Secondly, the camp was amazing. From the food to the dancers to the fire man, all were amazing. The food was very delicious and the buffet very clean with a wide variety of food to choose from. Your toilets are clean and Raya Staff are always there to assist you with anything you may need. I highly recommend Rayna Tours for a wonderful and unforgettable desert tour always.

Salid Sahil's desert safari provided…

Salid Sahil's desert safari provided the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation for our business retreat. His professionalism and attention to detail ensured everything ran smoothly, allowing us to unwind and bond as a team amidst the stunning desert landscape. Great time spend with Salid in Desert safari!

We had an amazing with Driver Salamat and Tour guide Freddy!

We had an amazing experience with Driver Salamat and our Tour Guide Freddy.He was very passionate about the culture of dubai and very patient when we visited the sook market.They both deserve a raise!

Exploring Abu Dhabi with Akhtar was a…

Exploring Abu Dhabi with Akhtar was a romantic escape for us. From sunset cruises along the Corniche to intimate dinners overlooking the city skyline, Akhtar's attention to detail made our trip truly special. Highly recommend for couples seeking a romantic getaway.

As a solo traveler

As a solo traveler, exploring Abu Dhabi with Akhtar was a fantastic experience. His insights into the city's culture and history made me feel connected, and his friendly demeanor put me at ease. Thank you Akhtar !

Date of experience : May 24, 2024

Our Abu Dhabi tour with Akhtar was an…

Our Abu Dhabi tour with Akhtar was an absolute blast! From the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to thrilling desert safaris, Akhtar kept us entertained and informed throughout. Definitely recommend for a fun-filled adventure with friends.

Date of experience : May 23, 2024

I recently went on a tour in Abu Dhabi…

I recently went on a tour in Abu Dhabi with my friends, and our guide, Akhtar, made it unforgettable. He was incredibly knowledgeable and friendly, showing us hidden gems and popular spots with equal enthusiasm. We had a blast exploring the city, thanks to Akhtar!

Date of experience : May 25, 2024

I had an amazing Dubai tour

I had an amazing Dubai tour, and a big part of that was thanks to my transfer driver, Adeel Sarwar. He was friendly, punctual, and made the whole experience smooth and enjoyable. Highly recommend!

Had a great experience with Rayna Tours, we was picked up from our hotel from our amazing guide and chauffeur Ali shah who was very friendly and provided us with lots of information! Highly recommend Rayna Tours you won’t be disappointed!

Dear Sir/Madam, At the outset, we would like to thank you for choosing Rayna Destination Management as your service provider and are glad to learn that we were able to meet your expectations in service delivery. We are happy to hear also that our staffs were able to delight you so well. Rest assured your compliments to them will be shared as this will certainly motivate them to keep up the good work. We hope to be of service again to you and your family in the near future. With Warm regards, Guest Experience Team Rayna Destination Management

Hammad Anwar great tour guide

Hammad Anwar was a great and well organized tour guide. We were freely able to choose our tour destinations thanks to him being very flexible and incredibly helpful by recommending the best local highlights. We enjoyed every minute of our journey, great experience - definitely would recommend him!

A very wonderful experience with Salmon and Majeed

A very wonderful experience with this company at a very very affordable price. The hotel wanted to charge me more but Salmon and Majeed came to my rescue. They were very polite, spoke well and were very knowledgeable about Dubai and the UAE in general. It was like a 2 in 1 package, I got to know the history of the UAE and it's 7 kingdoms and kings. The trip to the desert was very good, a wonderful experience and please try the quad bikes if you can. Salmon and Majeed also took us on a very wonderful desert bashing ride with some very exciting Fast and Furious like stunts - Not for the faint hearted. We had a wonderful camel ride and ate buffet syle under the arabian skies with an entertaining night show - Belly dancers and traditional Arabic music. We got back to the hotel on time . A wonderful experience and all in all very professional. Thank you Salmon and Majeed.

Dubai Desert Safari with Salid Sahil…

Dubai Desert Safari with Salid Sahil was the highlight of our trip with friends! Salid's jovial nature and expert driving skills kept us entertained throughout. The camel ride and desert sunset were icing on the cake. A must-do for friends!

Date of experience : May 26, 2024

I spent wonderful moments with Zafar…

I spent wonderful moments with Zafar from the picking up to drop off. He is very patient, nice , master very well his job. I had the feeling that he has more experience than other drivers. Zafar is very kind, the discussion with him was rich. He took his time to explain everything. Thanks to him

A romantic escape on the Dubai Desert…

A romantic escape on the Dubai Desert Safari with Salid Sahil was unforgettable! The sunset views were stunning, and Salid's attention to detail made the experience magical. Perfect for couples looking for a romantic getaway!

5* desert safari with a 5* driver Dawood Khan 👍

Fantastic afternoon out in the desert, on the premium safari, dune bashing in a 4x4, camel ride (Fairly short) but more than enough fun. Then out again in the 4x4 over some crazy dunes. Big shoutout to our driver Dawood Khan who picked us at the start of the day, some serious driving skills and turns out to be a top photographer. Then it was time for bbq and entertainment. Belly dancing and fire dancers are brilliant. Great afternoon out highly recommend.

Date of experience : May 22, 2024

Dear Sir/Madam, Thank you so much for your time out in reviewing your experience. We are so glad to learn that the company and service of our staff has far exceeded your expectations and thank you for your kind words of encouragement. We look forward to welcoming you back in the destination and be of service in the near future. With warm regards, Guest Experience Team Rayna Destination Management

Mr Abdullah

Mr. Abdullah reached on time to pick us from Dubai International Airport. The service was extraordinary. Thank you so much Rayna tours for your service

Israel to Introduce Mandatory Electronic Travel Authorization for Visa-Exempt Visitors

By Aryeh Stern

Starting June 1, Israel will require visitors from visa-exempt countries to obtain electronic travel authorization (ETA-IL) before entering the country. This new system mirrors those already in place in the United States, Canada, and Australia.

The rollout will begin with a pilot phase on June 1 for citizens of the United States and Germany. By July 1, 2024, the requirement will extend to other visa-exempt countries, including France. The system will be fully implemented for all visa-exempt travelers from August 1, 2024.

French tourists, along with other nationals who do not hold Israeli passports, will need to apply for this authorization online. The ETA-IL, once obtained, will be valid for two years or until the applicant’s passport expires, whichever comes first.

The Israeli immigration website states that the purpose of the authorization is to ensure there are no impediments for passengers boarding flights to Israel. If an application is denied, applicants will be directed to a service center for assistance in understanding the reasons for denial and receiving appropriate guidance.

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• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Nikolo-Ugreshskiy Monastery

2. Church of the Savior Transfiguration of Ugresh Monastery of St. Nicholas

3. Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin in the Ugresh Monastery of St. Nicholas

4. Temple of the Beheading of St. John the Baptist of Ugresh Monastery of St. Nicholas

5. Chapel of Phenomena Image of St. Nicholas in Nikolo-Ugreshskiy Monastery

6. Temple of the Mother of God of All Who Sorrow Ugresh Nicholas Monastery

7. Monument to Dmitriy Donskoi

8. Peter and Paul Church in Ugresh Monastery of St. Nicholas

9. Cathedral of St. Nicholas

10. Monument to Creators of Missile Shield of Russia

11. Church of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God

12. Sculpture Crying Boy

13. Chapel of the Passion of Nikolo-Ugreshskiy Monastery

14. Monument to Dzerzhinskiy

15. Dmitriy Donskoi's Temple

16. temple of holy spirit.

17. Temple of Makariy Nevskiy

18. Palestinian wall of the Nikolo-Ugreshsky monastery

19. Chapel of Our Lady of the Perishing

20. Pamyatniki A. S. Pushkinu

21. Memorial of the Great Patriotic War

22. Monument to Veterans of Local Wars

23. Monument-bust to academician B.P. Zhukov

24. Monument to St. Nicholas

25. Tserkov' Pitmana Ugreshskoy

26. pamyatnik prepodobnomu antoniyu kiyevo-pecherskomu.

Why Traveling Around Africa Is Difficult for Africans

I was scrolling on social media when a post caught my eye. Green Ranger Safaris , a travel company I'd never heard of, was organizing a road trip through seven African countries. This trip would start in Nairobi, Kenya, then head down into Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Botswana. The pricing was reasonable, so I paid a deposit, brushing aside concerns about both spending weeks on end with a group of strangers and the slight chance that the trip might have been an excellently worded scam.

A few months later, in August, I was on a truck with those strangers. It was late in the evening, and we swept through the Kalahari Desert in northern Botswana, the sun in the sky a flaming orb, the only visible life on the sand of the desert being the shrubs, the wild horses, and the herds of elephants. Music swirled from the truck's speakers, a mishmash of popular Kenyan songs from the turn of the century and Nigerian megahits. The countries we were traveling to had been chosen mostly because they were all English-speaking and provided visa-free travel to Kenyans, so the border crossings were simple, with clearances for the trucks, stamps for our passports and, in Botswana, disinfectant for our shoes.

Talk among the passengers was already turning toward doing similar trips in other parts of Africa. One suggested starting in Namibia, sweeping down along the coast into South Africa, moving through the megacities there, then traveling to Lesotho and Eswatini before entering Mozambique. Another pitched a West Africa trip. It all sounded exciting. Everything was possible. But then another passenger brought up Niger, where a coup had just led to the country's closure of its borders. What would happen if a person took a West Africa road trip and then there was a coup? Would the passenger have to stay there and never go home? We laughed at the absurdity. But behind the laughter was real heartache. Because the reality is that any African traveler has thought about the difficulty of traveling as an African.

My mother was a traveler, and when she traveled for work, my brothers and I would travel in Kenya with her. Then, when I was older, the expanse of my travel grew larger: First I traveled around Kenya, then around East Africa. Now I have a desire to explore the continent, to explore versions of myself in other countries in Africa, home to some of the most humbling and impressive landscapes and vistas in the world: to the largest freestanding mountain on earth (Kilimanjaro); to the largest hot desert in the world (Sahara); to thundering waterfalls twice as wide and deep as Niagara (Victoria); to sparkling white-sand beaches; to UNESCO-listed nature reserves; to cities whose histories stretch back through millennia; and to award-winning wine regions. But I find myself marooned before the bank of difficulties other African travelers face.

A few months after my Green Ranger trip, I spoke to Anneli Douglas, an academic at the University of Pretoria in South Africa who has studied travel in Africa. She pointed out how much easier it is for Western visitors to get visas for Africa than it is for African travelers to visit their countries. "Sometimes, travelers have to travel long distances to apply for a visa, or there might not even be representation of the destination country in the home country, making it difficult to obtain a visa at all," she says. "Also, for Western countries, the cost to obtain a visa to Africa is much cheaper than what it is for Africans-considering the value of the local currency."

In places like Kenya, African destinations are rarely marketed to would-be travelers. Instead, there is a surfeit of packages offering holiday trips in destinations like Dubai, Bangkok, and Istanbul, because it is not only easier but also often cheaper to organize trips to these places than it is to organize trips within the continent. Even when visas are relatively easily attainable, travel from one African country to another is rife with difficulties. Sam Maundu, a Nairobi-based tour operator who runs Rosolo Safaris , which organizes trips around Africa, had no shortage of factors ready when I asked what these difficulties are: "Language barriers, visa restrictions, expensive flights, African destinations not targeting Africans to visit, long distances to be covered either by road or by flight since there are often no direct flights, security situations in some places, perception that there is nothing to see in other African countries, harassment by border officials."

One of the lingering effects of colonialism on the continent is that interaction between African countries tends to exist along mostly colonial lines: There are the former Portuguese colonies, the former British colonies, the former French colonies. Passport holders from Kenya, which was colonized by Britain, are mostly able to go to former British colonies visa-free or with visa-on-arrival status. This means that for a person planning a trip, it becomes easier to think of traveling to these countries. On our multiple-country road trip, the travelers were mostly holders of Kenyan and Ugandan passports (Uganda, another former British colony), and so the countries that the trucks went to were all-except for Namibia-former vestiges of the British Empire. This shared history meant also that because all these countries have English as an official language, it would be relatively easy for us travelers to communicate with people there.

Samuel Agblorti is a lecturer at the Centre for Mixed Migration and Diaspora Studies of the University of Cape Coast in Ghana. I ask him about about a hypothetical trip from Cameroon to Senegal, across a region where multiple coups have happened in recent years. Safety concerns rising from these events had further entrenched visa restrictions across Africa. "Because our borders aren't very well protected, there is a fear that allowing too many visitors will make it unsafe," Agblorti tells me. But even getting those visitors has been a problem.

In 2016, the African Union announced plans for an AU passport to be rolled out by 2020. This passport would open travel across the continent, as more African citizens wouldn't need visas to travel to other African countries. However, more than seven years later, the passport hasn't been launched, stymied by a mixture of security concerns and protectionist attitudes among African states. (The AU remains silent on when and if the passport will be launched.) Still, Agblorti says such a passport would not necessarily be the panacea that its supporters think it would be as it wouldn't automatically lead to visa-free travel without individual states implementing it. He gave the example of regional blocs such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), whose membership comprises 15 West African states whose citizens hold ECOWAS passports. "Even within ECOWAS, there are protocols that member countries are supposed to adhere to, but some of them don't," he says. "You may have a common passport, but if the countries don't make extra commitments, then it doesn't matter."

Thus far, only a handful of African countries have committed to allowing African visitors to visit without a visa: Gambia, Benin, and Seychelles; Rwanda has announced plans to implement this. On a small scale, then, African visitors to these countries will experience the promise of the AU passport-if it does indeed come to fruition.

Most recently, in December 2023, rather than introduce the visa-free status its president had promised , Kenya announced that it would require an electronic travel authorization (ETA) , to increase revenue from visitors seeking to enter Kenya. Visa-free entry was scrapped for all but five other East African countries, and new travel requirements and fees were introduced for countries whose citizens had previously enjoyed visa-free travel into Kenya. To some, the doors of entry-rather than being flung open-were being closed even tighter.

Another issue is how expensive it is to travel in Africa. According to a 2013 World Bank report , airfare within Africa is roughly 50 percent more expensive than airfare in comparable locations worldwide. Flights from one African country to the other tend to be much more expensive than flights from Africa to Europe and Asia, despite logic that the shorter the distance, the cheaper the flight ought to be. This means, in effect, that a traveler from Kampala, Uganda, would find it more affordable, and therefore more attractive, to fly to Dubai than to Maputo, Mozambique, despite the latter being much closer than the UAE.

Tour operator Maundu told me that this makes it difficult for him to suggest to his clients travel packages that involve other African destinations: Often, it means the cost of the round-trip air tickets more than doubles the cost of the entire travel package. And there aren't always reliable road or rail options that offer alternative transport to travelers. Most leisure travelers can't move directly by rail from Kenya to South Africa (there is a luxury train network between Tanzania and South Africa that costs $19,000), while in most other regions of the continent, not only are there no multicountry rail options, but also existing bus networks rely on terrible roads.

The irregularity or non-availability of intra-regional air connections and of internal air transport also constrains access to internal destinations and prevents progress with multicountry tourism packages, Maundu says. Also, tax rates per passenger in Africa are more expensive than they are on other continents: The total tax per passenger is about $64, compared to $30.23 in Europe and $29.65 in the Middle East. This is exacerbated by the lack of a single unified aviation market, whose absence means that fares and tax rates swing with volatility across different parts of the continent.

Rather than negotiate with one central body, airlines operating in Africa deal with individual countries, which each usually have different rates and requirements for entry. In Europe, for instance, the establishment of the European Common Aviation Area (ECAA) in 2006 decreased airfares across Europe by making possible the rise of a fleet of low-cost airlines, and at the same time increased the volume of flights within European airports. In this vein, there have been attempts to establish a single aviation market in Africa. The most recent of these attempts is the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). Announced in 2018 , the SAATM so far has signed on 34 countries. However, like the AU passport before it, the SAATM has not been implemented, and so it remains nothing but an idea.

In the meantime, African travelers continue to dream. Travel plans continue to be made. Potential destinations continue to be talked about. At the end of our seven-country road trip, as we headed back to Kenya, we spoke again about organizing future trips together, our group of strangers now bonded as friends. Some people discussed taking a trip to Uganda over the next month. Others talked about heading across the Indian Ocean to Mauritius. In Lusaka, Zambia, where the first batch of travelers would leave us to fly back to Nairobi, weepy goodbyes were made. "We are family," one of them said.