Georgia

Five Reasons Why I’m Loving Expat Life in Tbilisi, Georgia

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How’d You End Up Living in Georgia?

Well shit, it’s been more than a while between drinks, hasn’t it?

The last time I set fingers to keyboard on this little corner of the internet, it was early 2020, COVID was not yet a glimmer in a bat’s eye, and Richelle and I were settling into the first of three months living in Tbilisi, Georgia.

Somehow, it’s now late 2022 and we’re still here! How on earth did that happen?

In case you haven’t guessed, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic put paid to the best laid plans of many, us included. Not only were we essentially trapped on foreign soil for a year, but my own country wouldn’t reopen its borders until late 2021. 

Not that we were complaining. What had started as a holiday destination had evolved into a place we were stuck and, quickly, into a place we now call home. 

Over the course of that almost-three-years, we’ve both undergone career changes, we’ve adopted two cats, had our (delayed) second wedding, made new friends, seen amazing places, and I even came out as bisexual.

To say that our life in Georgia has been eventful would be an understatement, but why are we still here? Borders have reopened, COVID-19 has simmered down, and the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has caused a huge cost of living spike here, so why did we just sign on to spend year #4 living in Tbilisi?

Let me tell you why I think Tbilisi, Georgia is one of the best places for expats, digital nomads, and immigrants to make their home.

Life is good in Georgia! Relaxing in a hammock in Adjara with a fruit platter and a good book.

1. Having a Home

In many ways, expat life in Georgia happened to us by accident. 

We’d been planning to spend a few months here, return to the US for our second wedding, and then base ourselves in Costa Rica or Mexico until the weddings of some of Richelle’s sorority sisters later in the year.

Then COVID happened, borders slammed shut, flights got expensive, and Tbilisi life was kind of… thrust upon us.

They say a rolling stone gathers no moss, and deprived of our momentum, we’ve certainly accumulated our share of well-loved detritus in the intervening years. Early in our time here, we fostered an injured old cat who was on death’s door. Two and a half years on, she’s healthier than ever, and we somehow managed to adopt a kitten along the way.

With lockdown forcing us to remain indoors, we began to accumulate stuff: a Nintendo Switch, an Oculus VR headset, new PCs, a hammock, bookshelves and the books to fill them, an air fryer…

Somewhere along the way, our apartment on Chavchavadze in the city’s bougie Vake district became a home. A paintings on the wall, wall-mounted flat screen, “I might need a bigger bookshelf” kind of home.

But Why Tbilisi?

All of the accoutrements aside, what makes Georgia the place we can do this, rather than Portugal or Vietnam or Costa Rica?

There are two major factors that make Tbilisi an excellent place to put down roots: its visa policy and its tax policy. Both of these are incredibly conducive to a comfortable, long-term stay, and they’re really only the tip of the iceberg once you factor in additional stuff like access to health insurance, affordable property prices, and the option to get a limited form of residency.

On the visa front, Georgia offers a fantastic one year visa-free window upon arrival for a whopping 93 countries. This isn’t just a one and done thing, either, as it is automatically renewed when you depart the country and re-enter.

While some make use of the proximity of Armenia or Azerbaijan to do an old-fashioned visa run, we’ve simply used the imminent expiration of one visa-free window to make a trip back to Australia or the United States to see family. Hell, next month, we’ll renew our visa-free window as a by-product of our anniversary trip to Crete.

On the taxes front, Georgia offers an insanely generous tax rate of 1% for registered independent entrepreneurs. There are specifics that I won’t get into here, but compared to paying 24% to a government that does nothing for me (looking at you, Australia), I’m much happier paying 1% towards a country that took care of me during the COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information on both visa policy and taxes, I’d suggest having a chat with my good friends, Tom & Janar, at ExpatHub.

Three people stand on a scenic lookout in Tbilisi. They are all wearing colourful clothing for Tbilisi Pride.
Attending Tbilisi Pride in 2022 with Richelle and our friend, Kelly

2. The Expat/Immigrant Scene

Speaking of good friends, Richelle and I have been loving Tbilisi’s expat scene.

Don’t get us wrong, we had some terrific friends in Hoi An, and I’ll forever miss my friends from living in Nanjing, but both cities suffered from having a largely transient population of backpackers and one year teachers, respectively.

Georgia’s excellent visa policy, tax rates, and general quality of life means that it is possible for people to really put down roots here. We have multiple friends who own their own homes here, with one pair of awesome friends even starting their own bar: the Tipsy Bee.

We know countless business owners selling everything from homemade bagels and hot sauces to microbrew beer and Georgian wine tours.

All of this means that there is an active, long-term social scene in the city. We’re inundated each week with invitations to day trips, trivia nights, and dinners, most of which my introverted ass has no choice but to turn down.

The carved stone head of a Georgian poet sits in a mountainous meadow.
The ominous Stone Heads of Sno.

3. Cost of Living

While the recent conflict in Ukraine has meant a flood of Russians trying to avoid getting embroiled in the conflict, and this has translated into a sharp rise in the cost of living (especially apartments), Tbilisi remains a far more affordable option for us than Sydney or Seattle.

While things such as rent are slowly reaching levels closer to what we’d be paying in the US, other areas remain far more affordable than life in either of our home countries. Dining out ranges from $20 – $40 USD for the two of us, but we can easily cook at home for considerably less. While not every ingredient we’d be used to back home is readily available here, it is relatively easy to order from US or UK Amazon and have whatever you need within a week.

Utilities are cheap (our summer electricity bill, with three air conditioners running 24/7, comes to $60 USD a month), we’re able to afford both a cleaner and an assistant, and we’ve been able to put money aside for creature comforts like a VR headset, new desktop PCs for both of us, a treadmill, bookshelves (and the books to fill them), an air fryer, and even a hammock out on our balcony.

Travel around the country is incredibly affordable, especially if you avail yourself of public transport or have a vehicle. For those (like me) who don’t drive, GoTrip has drivers for between $60 – $100 USD for the day, dependent on the distance driven.

All told, we’re enjoying a much better quality of life than we could back home. While it isn’t as cheap as Vietnam or Tanzania were, there really is no comparing the two as far as access to modern conveniences. Georgia wins this by a mile.

A spoonful of cheesy mashed potato being served from a tin bowl
Delicious, cheesy mashed potatoes are a Mestia specialty.

4. The Food & Wine

I’m not gonna lie, Georgia is going to be hell for your waistline. This is a country where the most famous dishes are made with cheese, bread, and meat. When you couple this down with cheap, amazing wine for as little as $4 a litre, you’ve got a recipe for weight gain.

Hell, when we landed in Tbilisi back in 2020, immigration gifted us each with a small bottle of Saperavi whose label specifically told us to invest in larger pants. COVID lockdowns definitely played a part, but our time in Georgia has seen be pack on an additional 7kgs/15lbs that I am now working off.

That isn’t to say that Georgian food is universally unhealthy, as there are plenty of lighter, vegetarian-friendly options. The cheese-filled khinkali, smoky lobiani, succulent mtsvadi, sweet churchkhela, heavenly khachapuri, and the wine are just too damned tempting!

What About Western Food?

For me, no matter how good a country’s food is, I need variety. We had this in Beijing, but it was sorely lacking in Arusha and Hoi An.

You’ll be pleased to know that most international cuisines are represented in cosmopolitan Tbilisi, be it a juicy burger, delicious Italian, authentic Hunan cuisine, or Mexican. While the more niche cuisines are underrepresented (we’ve only found one decent Korean restaurant, for example) and sushi is inexplicably cream-cheese-filled, there’s still enough variety to ensure we’re never bored on a night out.

As I mentioned earlier, you can also order from US or UK Amazon through services like KiwiPost and have your mail within a week, should you need something specific like Tim Tams or Old Bay.

The mountain monastery of Vardzia carved into the cliffs
The beautiful Vardzia Monastery complex has been one of my favourite discoveries in Georgia.

5. Travel Opportunities

While COVID-19 and the resulting lockdowns made European travel difficult, one of the main draws of living in Tbilisi was the ease of access to Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East. 

With the pandemic dying down thanks to vaccines, we’re finally able to avail ourselves of Tbilisi’s central location and affordable flights, and we’re off to Greece for our first European trip.

In the past two years, with international travel limited, we’ve instead traveled extensively around Europe. Whether it was a wine tour, a trip to the Black Sea to soak in the sun, touring historic sites in Tbilisi and across the country, venturing through the depths of the cave city of Vardzia, or a simple weekend away in wine country, we’ve explored the width and breadth of Georgia, but still have so much to see!

One of the best part about expat/immigrant life is being able to explore not only your base, but also the countries that surround it. We’re excited to have places like Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey, Egypt, Armenia etc. right on our doorstep.

And, as history has shown is necessary, we never travel without travel insurance.

Loving Life in Tbilisi

As you might be able to tell, we’re absolutely loving expat life in Tbilisi. Indeed, we’re in very real danger of having to change it from “expat life” to “immigrant life”, as we can definitely see this gorgeous, hospitable, amazing country becoming our forever home.

Assuming Putin doesn’t fuck it up for everyone…

I could come up with a million more reasons why we’re loving Georgia as our expat base, but these are the five that really make it feel like home to me. If you’d like to know more about life in Georgia, don’t hesitate to post a comment!

Guest Post

Why do Australians Enjoy Travelling to Turkey?

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Are you wondering why Australians enjoy traveling to turkey? Turkey is an example of a rare jewel. The most popular tourist attractions in Turkey appeal to visitors with a wide range of interests, particularly those who are searching for an enlightening journey. A magnificent coastline, picturesque towns, and an unrivaled cultural heritage are all part of its appeal.

But before planning your vacation to Turkey, you should know about the visa details to enter Turkey.

Do Australians need a visa for Turkey?

Yes, Australians need to get a visa to go to Turkey. Visitors should apply for a visa before visiting the country even for brief visits to Turkey. However, the majority of Australian tourists and business travelers may apply for a Turkish visa online, as long as they satisfy all of the necessary conditions.

Australian passport holders who get an authorized Turkish eVisa will be able to remain in Turkey for up to 90 days. It is a permit that allows for numerous entries. Learn more about applying for a Turkish visa and all the requirements.

 

5 Reasons why Australians enjoy traveling to Turkey

It features a stunning coastline surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, ancient ruins to match Greece and Italy’s, wonderful cuisine, and friendly residents. Here are the following reasons:

 

1. The People

People from Turkey have a reputation for being among the kindest and most genuinely welcoming on the planet. If you walk into any store, you will almost certainly be offered free samples, tea, and conversation, with absolutely no pressure to purchase anything.

If you go to East Turkey, you will be astounded by the kindness and generosity of the people who live there. Because there are so few foreign visitors in this area, most people will not be able to communicate in English, but they will still want to chat with you.

 

2. The Beaches

Turkey’s location on the Mediterranean Sea, east of Greece, should come as no surprise to anyone looking for a relaxing beach vacation in the sun. In particular, the country’s southern coastline, which has been dubbed the Turquoise Coast, is home to not just beautiful beaches surrounded by calm turquoise seas excellent for swimming but also historical ruins and a variety of activities ranging from trekking to diving.

Here, the Blue Lagoon beach spreads out to form a natural lagoon with gorgeous crystal clear water where you may need to paddleboard or kayak or just relax on the beach. Try paragliding over the Blue Lagoon to get a true sense of how beautiful it is. This is one of the most popular things to do in Oludeniz, and the view of the Blue Lagoon and surrounding area from the air is just magnificent, as is the experience of flying over it.

If you’re searching for a charming beach town to spend some time in, Kas (pronounced “Kash”) is the place to go. It is located around halfway down the Turquoise Coast and has a laid-back attitude, with cobblestoned streets lined with vibrant cafés, excellent seaside restaurants, and a few unique pubs to enjoy. Do not miss out on taking a boat ride to view the underground city of Kekova while you are in Kas. Apart from seeing the Sunken City region, you’ll also get the opportunity to swim on several gorgeous beaches and roam through the ancient hamlet of Simena, which is famous for its byzantine castle and handmade ice cream.

Kas is home to a multitude of stunning beaches, with Kaputas Beach being one of the most picturesque. This is one of Turkey’s most stunning beaches, nestled between two cliffs and surrounded by turquoise water that sparkles in the sun. It’s a perfect place to spend your weekend.

 

3. The Climate

Turkey may not be recognized for its natural beauty. Still, a journey to the country’s northernmost region, near the Black Sea, will reveal lush green hills, lakes, and rivers that will delight any nature enthusiast.

The Ayder plateau may be found along the Black Sea, near the little town of Rize, and it is worth seeing. This region, which has been likened to the Swiss Alps by many, offers a different experience from the rest of Turkey, making it the ideal destination for anyone seeking leisure amid breathtaking natural settings.

Trabzon, as well as the adjoining settlement of Uzungol, is located only a few miles up the coast from Rize. This charming tiny hamlet on the shore of a lake surrounded by mountains will make you believe you’re in Switzerland rather than Turkey, and the scenery is breathtaking.

The little lakeside village of Egirdir, with its hilly background, is also an excellent choice for people seeking peace in a natural environment while still having access to a variety of hiking trails in the surrounding area.

If you’re looking for tall mountains, the Eastern Taurus mountain range, which includes Mount Nemrut, is the place to go. Unfortunately, it’s not the most convenient location to visit, and you’ll need to arrange your transportation to get here. Still, the peak, which contains the tomb of King Antiochus I of Commagene as well as two terraces of massive stone figures, is well worth the effort to get here.

 

4. The Food

Where should we begin when it comes to food? Turkish cuisine, especially Turkish kebabs, is well-known and appreciated across the globe. However, although kebabs are unquestionably one of the finest things to eat in Turkey, Turkish cuisine offers much more than that. Pides to gozleme to manti to kumpir, Turkish cuisine is incredibly diverse, and all of it is incredibly delicious.

No matter where you go in Turkey, you must indulge in a typical Turkish breakfast at least once while there.

 

5. The Unique Landscapes

There are certain landscapes in Turkey that are absolutely one-of-a-kind and unmatched.

Cappadocia is one example of this. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience. To appreciate the beauty of these awe-inspiring landscapes, you must see them for yourself.

Walking about, you’ll be amazed by the natural beauty all around you, and witnessing hundreds of hot air balloons take off at daybreak is an experience you won’t soon forget. Cappadocia is not only one of the world’s most renowned hot air balloon destinations, but it is also one of the most affordable. In addition, the view of the region from above is spectacular. You can also read about the Hidden Treasures of Turkey.

 

 

In last, now you know why Australians love to travel to Turkey! You may find all of Turkey’s treasures here. This budget-friendly destination abounds with gorgeous beaches, mountains, shopping, and mouthwatering cuisine. In other words, whether you’re searching for a quick city break in Istanbul, a relaxing beach vacation on the southern coast, or a location to stay and experience it all, Turkey might be a perfect choice.

 

Guest Post

Visiting India from Australia – Travel Guide

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Visit the land of the Kings, color, culture, and much more

India is everything and more all at once, and it is not even close to being finished. An explosion of vibrant saris, lumbering cattle, marigold flowers, and flashes of sunshine can be seen all over the place here. But, before you leave, do you have your visa?

Australians, like most nationalities, will require to apply for a visa to enter India. Find out what visa you need in advance, it is really easy and accessible to apply for.

A continual cacophony of blaring horns, high-speed Hindi, and the cawing of hundreds of crows fill the air throughout the building. This aroma concoction mix incense, spices, ahem, and other human scents.

The 1.2 billion-strong people of Mother India continue to amaze and educate all who step foot on her territory.

 

Begin with the basics

How long will it take you to make your first trip? If you have got a spare lifetime, you can use it. It would be best if you spent at least a month in each location to get the most out of your trip. The enchantment of India may enthrall you for two weeks easily.

Spend at least two nights in any city you visit. As a general rule, the longer you stay, the more opportunities to meet locals and get their insider knowledge.

It is impossible to see all India offers in a short period, whether it is two weeks, two months, or even two years. As a first-timer in Darjeeling, keep to the north, where you’ll be able to create your own Darjeeling Limited adventure.

Whether you’re worried about experiencing sensory overload or want to relax and take it all in, getting a guide is a good idea.

 

Things to remember

If you want to fly from Australia to Delhi, Mumbai, or Chennai, these are the cities you should go to. Around September and March will be the best time to go on a cheap flight is because prices are likely to rise between May and July. A few flights from Melbourne to Sydney can cost as little as USD 700 one way from September to December.

Tap water is terrible even if it’s been cleaned. Even if it’s processed, there are still things that can get through. You would not want to endanger it yourself. Make sure you don’t drink iced tea or eat fruit drinks and salads made from fresh fruit and street food that looks good.

Even if you’re healthy and fit, you will become a fool to go to India without a good health plan. Ensure you have all of your vaccinations updated, bundle a complete medical kit, and don’t forget to bring a lot of hand sanitizer to keep your hands clean.

An oral vaccine called Dukoral can help you avoid having diarrhea while traveling. It would be best if you got this from your physician a few weeks before you leave. As you plan your trip, think about how many English-speaking hospitals there are along the way and the location of the Australian embassy there.

 

Laws are different

-Remember that taking pictures of airport terminals and army areas is against the law.

-States have different drinking ages, which range from 18 to 25. However, some states don’t let people drink, so they don’t allow it.

-The killing or seriously injuring of a cow on purpose is a crime across the country. In some states, eating or owning beef can be a crime, too.

-Some of the laws in Australia apply to people who are from Australia. For further information, please go to the website of your government.

-Australians who commit heinous acts while on vacation may be prosecuted in their home country.

 

Itinerary

If you visit the “Golden Triangle” area of India, you won’t find a place with as many awe-inspiring buildings. It will take approximately a week to complete the circuit. If you have extra time, you can go south and visit the tiger sanctuary at Ranthambore, which is about 30 miles away.

Begin at Shah Jahan’s Red Fort. Located in the beautiful Mughal Old City, navigate your way south through the medieval buildings in the southern suburbs. This is an excellent place to start.

Agra: Take a boat across the Yamuna River in the early morning to see the Taj Mahal at sunrise. Then, spend the remainder of the day seeing the city’s other

Mughal wonders, like the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort.

To see the architecture of Fatehpur Sikri at its most ethereal in the illumination of dusk and dawn, stay the night at a boarding house below the city.

Bicycle safaris through Keoladeo National Park are a great way to get away from the loudness and traffic of India’s northern cities. The dirt roads and banks that pass this brimming bird reserve are a great way to get away from the noise and traffic.

Jaipur: Ride an elephant to the ochre-walled monument of Amber Fort. Then spend the day in the fabrics and gemstone markets of the Rajasthani capital, which are a riot of color.

Going back to Delhi, Shekhawati is a great place to stop. The painted places (walled villas) in the commercial centers of this once-rich area make it a great place to stop on your way back home.

Australia, Guest Post, New Zealand

Does Traveling to New Zealand from Australia Require a Visa?

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New Zealand, the setting for the acclaimed “Lord of the Rings” films, is a location of magnificent middle-earth beauty that inspired the films. Falling water, deep fjords, hot water springs, scalding geysers, untamed wilds, clean beaches, and dazzling glaciers are only the beginning of Iceland’s breath-taking narrative. 

However, many individuals will want more than simply a plane ticket and a passport to go to New Zealand these days. Therefore, it is quite beneficial to learn about visa requirements in advance.

You may not be expected to submit for and be issued a Visitor Visa before traveling to New Zealand for a short trip, depending on where you are coming from. However, you will be required to have an Electronic Travel Authority (‘ETA’) if you are going for a more extended period.

A valid ETA is required before traveling to New Zealand for all inhabitants of the 60 New Visa countries as well as all cruise passengers at the current time. Ones made using mobile apps cost NZD 9.00, while requests made through web browsers cost NZD 12.00.

ETA holders will not be authorized to stay in New Zealand for more than two years at a time, even though the country has a two-year residency requirement. The maximum number of days that you may spend in a single visit will vary depending on the nation of citizenship.

But if you are wondering that, does traveling to New Zealand from Australia require a visa?

New Zealand Passport Holders Information

Under the bilateral Trans-Tasman travel agreement, holders of Australian passports who go to New Zealand do not need to obtain a visa.

As a result of this arrangement, Australians are assumed to have obtained resident status in New Zealand upon arrival. As a result, individuals get permitted to visit, reside, and work in New Zealand without the need for a visa.

Australian citizens who are legal citizens of New Zealand do not require a visa to go to Australia in the same manner. In exchange, Australian permanent residents are permitted to go to New Zealand without a visa, irrespective of race. However, they must first apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).

Yes, you heard it right now. You can explore the beautiful destination of New Zealand without a passport.

If you are traveling to New Zealand from Australia and are not an Australian citizen, whether or not you need a visa depends on several variables.

The fact that you got issued an Australian visa is not sufficient justification for removing the visa regulations for New Zealand.

Depending on the visitor’s nationality and residency status, as well as the duration and purpose of their journey to New Zealand, the following fees may apply.

There are several visa providers out there, but getting your NZeTA with Natvisa.com is a popular option.

Will my Australian tourist visa be valid for travel to New Zealand?

Traveling across New Zealand is a snap from a strategic standpoint. It is common to go on self-drive holidays, and the country’s different lodgings vary from modest homestays inns and environment-friendly stays to some of the world’s most luxury hotels. Visitors entering New Zealand on a tourist visa do not need a visa if they hold a valid permanent residence permit in Australia.

However, Australian people with a foreign passport have been required to pre-register an eTA before visiting New Zealand at the beginning of October 2019. Their exemption from paying the corresponding tourist charge is, on the other hand, a relief.

Whether they are transit passengers on their way to a third-country destination or visitors to New Zealand for tourism or business, registering with the NZeTA is a requirement for everyone. This means that they’ll need to apply for a digital permit before departing Australia for New Zealand, irrespective of whether they have a valid Australian visa at the time of leaving Australia.

Now you know that you need to apply for NZeTA before traveling to New Zealand if you are dependent on a tourist visa. So, let’s check out how you can apply for this document.

Is it possible for me to apply for an NZeTA if I am a permanent resident of Australia?

Foreign nationals with permanent residence in Australia must apply for an NZeTA visa waiver before traveling to New Zealand, and the process is straightforward and may be completed online.

Travelers must fill out the form with their basic personal information, passport information, and itinerary information.

It is important to have the following documents to submit an NZeTA registration as an Australian legal citizen:

  • To enter New Zealand, a passport with a minimum validity of at least 2 months from the anticipated date of arrival is required.
  • a recent picture in passport format
  • To pay the eTA processing charge, you must use a valid credit or debit card.
  • An up-to-date email address to which you would want to receive the authorized NZeTA
  • After entering all of the relevant information on the application form, the traveler will be required to answer a few questions on health and security issues before submitting their application.

In most cases, an NZeTA request is accepted swiftly, and once authorized, it is electronically connected to the same passport that you used to complete the online passport application process. Once in New Zealand, the traveler will need to display the eTA-linked passport at an immigration control checkpoint to gain entry.

We hope that your question- Does traveling to New Zealand from Australia require a visa has solved your problem so that you can enjoy your vacation in New Zealand without any hurdles. If you have any doubts, you can comment below, and we will get back to you. Happy Holidays!

Africa, Guest Post

Do Australians Need a Visa for Kenya?

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To go to Kenya from Australia, you must first get a visa from the Kenyan government. If you are an Australian citizen seeking a visa to visit Kenya, the following information will assist you in learning how to apply for a Kenyan visa.

Do Australians Need a Visa for Kenya?

To enter Kenya, bearers of Australian passports are needed to get a visa from the Kenyan government.

Since 2015, Australian passport holders have been allowed to apply for a Kenyan electronic visa. It was created as a means of expediting the visa application process for Australians going to Kenya on official business.

It was because of the system’s ease and efficiency that the Kenyan government decided to withdraw the visa on arrival service and replace it with the eVisa system. As a result, by 2021, tourists and business travelers from Australia will be required to apply for their Kenya visas online.

Australians who want to stay in Kenya for a long amount of time to live, work or study are needed to apply for the appropriate kind of visa at the Kenyan embassy or consulate in their country of residence.

What are the advantages of obtaining a Kenyan online visa for Australian citizens?

Australian nationals may apply for the Kenya eVisa, which is a single-entry visa that allows the bearer to remain in Kenya for a maximum of 90 consecutive days with the opportunity to extend that time by an extra 90 days if wanted (once in Kenya).

In addition, Australians going to Kenya on an eVisa will be able to use their visa immediately once it is issued.

Kenyan eVisas are issued fully online, making them faster and simpler to get than conventional visas. They also eliminate the need to visit a Kenyan ambassador in person to secure a visa for the country.

What documents are required by Australians to get a Kenya visa online?

Travelers from Australia will need a few essential materials to complete the eVisa Kenya application process successfully. These are some examples:

  • An Australian passport with an expiration date that is at least 6 months beyond the holder’s intended entrance date into Kenya is required to enter the country.
  • A current color photograph that meets the size and picture criteria for a passport.
  • Proof of travel arrangements (flight reservations, hotel reservations, travel itinerary, invitation letter, etc.)
  • A valid email address to which you may send the PDF travel document will be required.

If you are an Australian citizen heading to Kenya, you should double-check that your passport has two blank pages on which you may acquire entry/exit stamps when you cross the Kenyan border.

If you are planning to visit Kenya, then we have curated a small itinerary for you so that you can plan your vacations hassle-free.

5 Days in Kenya

This eastern African country, which borders the Indian Ocean on its eastern shore, is home to several lakes, stunning rift valleys, and mountainous terrain. While in Kenya, you may see deserts, woods, beaches, animal reserves, and even climb a mountain.

If you like having a good time and exploring new places, then Kenya is the ideal location for you since it provides a seemingly infinite supply of things to do and places to see. Among the numerous thrilling pursuits on offer are safaris in search of wild animals, mountain climbing and scuba diving, golf, hiking, and hot air ballooning. The Maasai Mara Wildebeest Migration is one of the world’s natural marvels and one of the most well-known ancient heritage sites in Kenya.

What to do?

Day 1: Arrival in Kenya

To go to your hotel in Nairobi, you’ll be picked up at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by our agent. Everything else is completely up to you for the rest of the day. You may go shopping or explore the region around you. Stay at the hotel for the night.

Day 2: Explore Lake Nakuru National Park in the Great Rift Valley

Check into the hotel included and then enjoyed an afternoon wildlife drive. The Greater Flamingos rush to the lakeshores, literally turning the lakeshores a vivid pink. White Pelicans, Egrets, Plovers, and Marabou Storks are just a few of the 400 bird species that call this area home. It is one of the few areas in Africa where the White Rhino and the Rothschild Giraffe may be seen. You can also go on a safari in Kenya. Stay overnight at Naivasha.

Day 3: Appealing drive to Masai Mara National Reserve

Spending the night in Naivasha lets you see the lake’s birdlife awaken in the morning. After breakfast, we will drive for the Masai Mara National Reserve, for the breathtaking wildebeest migration that happens there every year. It is home to the Big Five: the Lion, the Elephant, the Leopard, the Buffalo, and the Rhinoceros.

After the morning trip, have lunch at your Mara lodge/camp before heading out for an afternoon wildlife drive. Lesser zebra, Thomson’s, and Grant’s gazelles are also habitats of the parks. 

Day 4: Appreciating the Heavenly Surroundings

After breakfast, travel through the Masai Mara National Reserve in search of the many types of animals that call it home. The thrill of a live kill can be yours if you’re fortunate. After a great lunch at your lodge, go on exhilarating game drives to see the Big Five.

Day 5: Time to say Goodbye

We will check out of our hotel or camp after breakfast and travel back to Nairobi in around five and half hours. Make your way to this location in time for lunch. Following that, you will depart for the airport to make your return flight home.

 

Wrapping Up

To go to the United States, visitors from Australia must now apply for an eVisa online. This is a huge improvement over the previous visa on arrival procedure in terms of speed, ease, and convenience. In addition, it saves having to wait in line to fill out visa papers and present documents at the border. So, get your visas and explore this amazing destination full of adventures and mesmerizing views.