India, Vietnam and Zambia just made getting tourist visas easier for UK citizens

It may now be possible to enjoy your time at the airport immigration desk

The backwaters of Kerala, India. Visitors to India can now stay for longer. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

A number of long-haul destinations have made it easier for UK citizens to pick up tourist visas, making booking a visit that much easier. From slashed prices in Uganda to card payments in Zambia, find out how these countries are trying to make tourist trips smoother.

Koka lake, Ethiopia, surrounded by fields of teff (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Ethiopia

As a tourist you need a visa to visit Ethiopia and it is only valid for travellers entering the country via Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. In June, the UK joined 37 other countries who are now able to obtain an e-visa to enter the country. You can also get a visa on arrival at Addis airport, which costs $50 for a month or $75 for three months (euros, US dollars and Ethiopian birr are all accepted).

Jodhpur market, located in the Old City (Getty Images)

India

From April this year, the length of stays allowed on e-visas ($60) to India doubled from 30 to 60 days and as of June tourists have been able to obtain double-entry visas, so you can leave the country during your stay and re-enter during the visa time period. All UK passport holders need a visa and you must check that your passport is machine readable before you leave for the subcontinent, as foreign nationals who arrive at an Indian port with non-machine readable passports will be denied entry.

The Victoria Nile river, Uganda (Getty Images)

Uganda

Last year Uganda announced it would be slashing the price of a visa by half – from $100 to $50 – in a bid to boost tourism. It also introduced its e-visa scheme at this time. If you prefer to stay offline, you can still apply for a visa through the Ugandan High Commission by post or person. Visas are valid for stays of up to 90 days but the length of your stay will be decided by an immigration officer when you arrive in the country.

Rice field on terraces at MuCangChai, Vietnam (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Vietnam

British passport holders are permitted to visit Vietnam for up to 15 days until the end of June 2018. If you would like to stay for longer you must apply for a visa. You can get an e-visa for $25 for visits of up to 30 days but this limits you to certain entry and exit points which you must specify on your application. If your travel plans are more flexible you need to apply for a single or multiple entry visa from the Vietnamese Embassy.

Wildlife on the Zambezi river, Zambia (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Zambia

British passport holders need a visa to enter Zambia, which should be obtained from the Zambian High Commission in London before departure. It is possible to get single and double entry visas on arrival for $50 or $80 at all ports but you are advised to have the correct amount of cash. However, if you arrive at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lasaka you can now make payment for single and double entry visas via credit or debit card at the Zambian Immigration desks. Tourists are allowed to visit for a maximum of 90 days a year.