VIVENDO SALENDO

Report of the Journey in Kurdistan (Iraq), through the following locations: Lalish, Alqosh, Dahuk, Amadiya, Aqurah, Soran, Rawanduz, Mount Korek, Bekhal, Shaqlawa, Sulaymaniyya, Halabja, Ahmedawa, Ahmad Awa Waterfall, Erbil.

Flight of the Pegasus Airlines Company from Orio al Serio to Erbil (Iraq), with a stopover at Sabina Gokcen airport in Istanbul (Turkey). Return ticket price, including taxes, with hand luggage only: Euro 550 (very high price as I traveled during the Christmas holidays).

So once you have reached the Sabina Gokcen Airport in Istanbul (Turkey), you must undergo a security check before arriving in the transit area.

Iraqi Kurdistan time zone: + 2h compared to Italy (+1 when summer time is in force in Italy).

Entry visa: only for Iraqi Kurdistan, it is not necessary for tourism up to a stay of 30 days. You can ask for confirmation from the efficient Honorary Consulate of Iraqi Kurdistan in Rome by writing an email to the following address italy@gov.krd. They will get back to you in a few hours. Keep in mind that if you intend to visit the rest of Iraq as well, you must have a visa (very difficult to obtain), before leaving by asking for it at the Iraqi Embassy in Rome.

Language: the official languages are Arabic and Kurdish; English is generally known in large cities.

Muslim religion. There are also minorities of other religions (Sabeans, Yazidis).

Currency: Iraqi dinar. Sometimes the dollar is accepted.

Keep in mind that in Iraqi Kurdistan, there are numerous checkpoints, where sometimes your passport is checked, but the police are always nice to tourists and therefore there are no problems in this regard.

During my stay in Iraqi Kurdistan, the locals were very friendly.

The roads in Iraqi Kurdistan are in good condition and road signs are in both Arabic and English.

Once you arrive, at the Erbil International Airport, located about 6 km north-west of the center of the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan, you must go to the border staff desk, where they take a photograph of you, take your fingerprints and without asking the reason for your stay and where you are staying, they quickly affix 2 entry stamps to the country.

There is an exchange office in the Airport Terminal, but having arrived at 3.00 at night it was closed.

I tried to ask the bartender if he changed my money but without success.

I tried to withdraw money with my Mastercard credit card, in the 2 ATMs present but without success.

From the Airport Terminal you must necessarily take the free shuttle, to reach the Meeting Hall after about 2 km, where there are bathrooms, a bar, but not the money exchange office.

I tried to ask the bartender if he changed my money but without success.

The taxi driver instead changed my currency at the following exchange rate 1 Euro = 1,250.00 IQD.

From the Meeting Hall of Erbil International Airport, I took a taxi at 5.00 am, at a price of 30,000 IQD, to reach the garage, located in the north of Erbil, where shared taxis leave for Dahuk.

Having arrived there at 5.30 am, there were only 2 passengers besides me willing to go to Dahuk and therefore I was offered to pay 15,000 IQD, instead of 10,000 IQD, to leave immediately. I accepted.

Half an hour after departure we stopped 10 minutes at a mosque for the dawn prayer.

Once in Al Shikhan, I got off and took a taxi, which for 60 USD, took me to visit Lalish, Lady protector of crops Monastery in Alqosh and Dahuk City.

Lalish is the site of the tomb of Sheikh Adi, a leading figure of the Yazidi faith. Keep in mind that everyone (including tourists) in Lalish has to walk without shoes, on the rocky roads and paths, even in winter when the cold is bitter.

Admission to the Lady protector of crops Monastery in Alqosh is free.

In Dahuk, I visited the beautiful artificial lake of Bendava Dihokè and its dam, the nearby Dahuk Valley Waterfall, the Bazaar and the Azadi Park, from which in its upper part you can enjoy a splendid view over the whole city, surrounded by beautiful mountains. . The park was closed but I told the caretaker that I was Italian and then he let me in.

From Azadi Park, located 2 km south of the center, I took a taxi to reach the latter for the price of 2,000 IQD.

In Dahuk, in 11 Aylol Road, near the Bazaar, there are money changers that apply the following exchange rate: 1 Euro = 1,320.00 IQD, 1 USD = 1,250.00 IQD,

From the collective taxi garage, located 200 meters away. to the southwest of the Bazaar, there are collective taxis that leave when full (4 seats), in the direction of Amadiya for the price of 8,000 IQD.

I waited about 1 hour before leaving. It was 12.30 and there was only one passenger besides me but the taxi driver left anyway and charged me the same rate. He also stopped twice, to allow me to photograph the splendid City of Amadiya from afar, perched on a rocky spur. The trip lasted an abundant hour and a half.

Amadya, I walked around it. I saw the Ancient Gate and then a Lady allowed me to go to the terrace to take wonderful photos.

Since it was already 3.30 pm there were no collective taxis going from Amadya to Dahuk, which are usually parked near the large statue in the city center, I had to pay 20,000 IQD, to the same taxi driver who had brought me here, to return to Dahuk.

In Dahuk, I slept at Hotel Bircin, located in Cinema Road, on the corner with Cadeya Kawey, in the center, 50 meters away. from the Bazaar, at the price of 25,000 IQD per night, for a room with air conditioning, heating, private bathroom, fully functional WIFI, television. The reception staff do not speak English.

In the morning at 6.30 I went on foot, covering about 300 meters. to the collective taxi garage, located 200 meters away. south - west of the Bazaar, but no collective taxi leaves until 8.00.

From Dahuk, during the day there are some collective taxis to Aqrah, which leave when full (4 passengers), but in my case it was just me and so I was proposed to take the collective taxi to Erbil and get off at Rovia and then take another means to Aqrah. I accepted the price of 8,000 IQD. The ride lasted an abundant hour.

When I arrived in Rovia, in a few minutes I found a car headed for Aqrah. I didn't quite understand if it was a collective taxi or if it was a kind gentleman who gave me a lift. The only sure thing is that I was the only passenger in that car and that I paid 2,000 IQDs to get to the southern outskirts of Aqrah and another 1,000 IQDs to get downtown.

Aqrah, is a splendid city, located in the middle of the mountains.

The best 360 ° view can be obtained by walking up in a few minutes to Sare Gri, where there is the inscription "Aqrah", the benches that offer an excellent view, the Cultural Movement, the Waar Cafè, the Henermend Statue and the Flag of Iraqi Kurdistam.

Then once in the center you can visit the Bazaar and venture into the beautiful alleys of Aqrah.

From the center of Aqrah, I took one of the many taxis, to reach the southern suburbs, for the price of 1,000 IQD.

From there I took a shared taxi to Soran. I was the only passenger. The ride lasted a generous 1 hour and cost me 10,000 IQDs.

In Soran, I got off near City Center Square (which is the most central point of the City), where I took a taxi to Rawanduz, costing 5,000 IQD. The ride lasted 10 minutes.

In Rawanduz, I let myself be dropped off, on the southern outskirts, shortly after the Hourse Monument and from there in a few minutes I walked to the edge of the Canyon. From here the view is sublime.

Then I went back to the main road and walked uphill through the whole City of Rawanduz until I reached the Wardash Monument and the Haji Abdullah Mosque.

From there I took a taxi for the price of 3,000 IQD to reach the cable car to Mount Korek.

The cable car costs 10,000 IQD round trip and takes about 15 minutes to reach Mount Korek, where there are bars, restaurants, various equipment for winter sports. From here you can enjoy a sublime view of the valley and the surrounding mountains.

Then I took the cable car again to go back down to the parking lot adjacent to it, where there is also the "The Ark of Noah" bar in the shape of a boat.

From here I walked downhill for about 1.5 km on a paved road, until reaching the village of Bekhal, where there is the beautiful waterfalls, a market and a hotel. There is a great view of the Canyon from the road bridge, but walking northwest on the paved road for several hundred meters you can still get some great views of Kenyon.

From there, in a few minutes I found a car headed for Shaqlawa. I didn't quite understand if it was a collective taxi or if it was a kind gentleman who gave me a lift. The only sure thing is that I was the only passenger in that car and that I paid 5,000 IQDs to get to Mirawa, 5km north-east of Shaqlawa and another 2,000 IQDs to get downtown.

In Shaqlawa, I slept at the 4-star Hotel Basmat Al Safeer, located in the center, Tel: 07504551751, 07704551751, at the price of 25,000 IQD per night, for a room with non-functioning air conditioning and heating, private bathroom, WIFI fully functional, television and abundant breakfast. The reception staff speak very little English.

Shaqlawa, I walked around it.

If from Shaqlawa, you want to reach Sulaymaniyya, you must go to the collective taxi garage, located at the intersection with the Ring Road at 300 meters. from Hotel Basmat Al Safeer, where I took a taxi, to Hizop for the price of 18,000 IQD. The ride lasted 45 minutes. I was the only passenger.

Numerous collective taxis and minibuses pass through Hizop to Sulaymaniyya.

I took a minibus for IQD 5,000, which took about 1.5 hours to reach Sulaymaniyy.

Because of a Lord who gave me misleading information, I went down to the extreme western outskirts of Sulaymaniyya.

From there I had to take a collective taxi for the price of 3,000 IQD, to reach the Amna Suraka Museum, located in Badirkhan 19 Street, open from 9.00 to 12.00 and from 13.00 to 17.00. Admission is free.

There are the tanks used in the War against Saddam Hussein, the Prisons and a touching Museum that tells the atrocities suffered by the Kurdish people during the regime of Saddam Hussein.

You can take as many photographs as you want.

On Salim Street, there is also the Slemani Museum, but at the time of my visit it was closed.

From there I took a taxi, costing 3,000 IQD, to reach Chavy Land, located on the northern outskirts of Sulaymaniyya,

Chavy Land is an amusement park with numerous attractions, such as the Ferris wheel, roller coasters, a museum, a pond, etc. Admission to the same costs 5,000 IQD, including the return ticket for the cable car. Monte Azmar, located within the park itself. Logically, the cost to use the various attractions is paid separately.

The cable car takes less than 10 minutes to reach the top of Mount Azmar, where there is a restaurant from which you can enjoy an excellent view of the city of Sulaymaniyya.

Once back in Chavy Land, I took a taxi for the price of 4,000 IQD, to reach Azadi Park., Where there are 2 ponds, bars and restaurants.

From there on foot I continued to the Bazaar and then to a square, where there are several monuments

There are money changers nearby but they close before 5.30pm (at least in winter).

To find any money changers open after that hour, you need to go to Salim Street.

I exchanged al Khafaf on Salim Street, at the following exchange rate: 1 Euro = 1,300.00 IQD.

in Salim Street, there are several statues that lend themselves to being photographed.

In Sulaymaniyya, I slept at Hotel Khanzad, located on Salim Street, almost opposite the Slemani Museum, Tel: 07701553747, 07501562704, for the price of 25,000 IQD per night, for a double with air conditioning and heating, private bathroom, WIFI fully functional, television, 2 bottles of water and a hearty breakfast. The reception staff speaks English.

From the Khanzad Hotel, to reach the Sharazoor Bus Terminal, located on the southern outskirts of Sulaymaniyya, a good 2 km from the center, I took a taxi for the price of 3,000 IQD.

From Sharazoor Bus Terminal, they depart when full Collective taxis and minibuses to Halabja. Please note that there are 2 different destinations for Halabja: Shahid and Taza. If you want to go see the Monument of Martyrs dei take the one for Halabja Taza. I only waited 10 minutes for the collective taxi to fill up. I paid for the ride for 6,000 IQDs and it lasted about 1 hour.

In Halabja I went down to the Monument of Martyrs located in the north - west suburbs, open every day from 9.00 to 12.00 and from 13.00 to 17.00.

The visit to the same is free.

It is possible to take photographs anywhere, except in the last room.

Adjacent to it is the Heritage Museum, which was closed at the time of my visit.

From the Monument of Martyrsm, I took a taxi costing 2,000 IQD, to reach the center of Halabja, where I visited the Bazaar, the exterior of the Pasha Mosque and a lovely park.

From there I took a taxi at a cost of 10,000 IQD, to reach the Zalm Village Mosque, where the paved road ends, about 5 km beyond Ahmedawa.

From there I continued on foot on a road that was partly unpaved and partly asphalted, heading north, for about 1 km, until I reached the bridge over the Zallim River. Just before it, I turned left and started climbing the stairs in the middle of the Baazar, for about 15 minutes until I came to the beautiful Ahmad Awa Waterfall. You don't pay anything to look at the waterfall.

Once back in Valle at the end of the stairs I asked for a ride first to a motorbike and then to a car to reach the collective taxi and minibus garage, located on the western outskirts of the city of Khurmal.

From there I took a Sulaymaniyy minibus for 3,000 IQD, which leaves when full. In my case I only had to wait 10 minutes before leaving. Duration of the ride: about 1 hour.

Having communicated to the driver that I wanted to reach Erbil, he left me in Sulaymaniyya near the Sharazoor Bus Terminal, where I took a minibus for the price of 500 IQD, which runs through the outskirts of Erbil from south - east to north - west, passing on the ring road adjacent to the Baghdad Garage.

From the Baghdad Garage, located on the western outskirts of Sulaymaniyya, numerous minibuses and collective taxis leave for Erbil all day when they are full.

While it is true that minibuses cost only 10,000 IQDs, it is also true that they take a long time to fill up and then to leave and are much slower than collective taxis.

For the reasons explained above I opted for a shared taxi which took only 15 minutes to fill up. The ride lasted less than 3 hours. The price of the same is 15,000 IQD.

My concern is that the aforementioned taxi passed through the northern suburbs of Kirkuk and therefore outside the borders of Kurdistan and therefore I could have had problems with the Iraqi Police as in that part of the country I had to have a Visa, which I did not possess. .

Fortunately, however, the taxi traveled the much more tortuous internal route, in the middle of the mountains passing through Dukan and Koya.

On the way to a check point I had to get out of the taxi and go to the dedicated desk to register. No problem. It took me less than 2 minutes.

In Erbil, the collective taxi finished its journey near the Mawlana Khalid NaqShbandi Mosque near Hafta Bazaar, in the eastern suburbs.

From here I took a taxi to Erbil Main Square, adjacent to the Citadel for the price of 3,000 IQD.

Erbil's Main Square with its many fountains that work in the evening is truly a sight.

In Erbil, I slept at the Zheen Hotel, located just west of the Qaysari Bazaar, at the beginning of the abandoned Arab Quarter, at the price of 15,000 IQD per night, for a double without air conditioning and without heating, bathroom in the room with a Turkish bath, Well-functioning WIFI, television. The reception staff speak very little English.

The next morning I visited the Abandoned Arab Quarter on foot. Then I went to the Citadel, a World Heritage Site, open every day from 9.00 to 17.00, with free admission. In front of the Grand Gate you can enjoy an exceptional view of the Main Square below.

Inside the Citadel I visited the Kurdish Textile Museum at the price of 1,000 IQD and the Stones & Gems Museum. Priced at 1,500 IQD.

Then I crossed the whole Citadel until reaching the Ahmadi Gate, where you can enjoy a beautiful view over the north of Erbil.

Leaving the Citadel from Ahmadi Gate, I continued downhill until I found a beautiful square with fountains, from which I walked in a north - east direction until I first reached the large statue in Shekh Mahmoudi haffed int, then to the Monument located in Khairulla Abdulkareem int , then to the Khanzad Garden and finally to the Jalil Khayat Mosque, located in front of the Royal Mall.

At the time of my visit, Jalil Khayat Mosque was closed but already admiring it from the outside was a great satisfaction.

From the Jalil Khayat Mosque, I took a taxi for IQD 4,000 to get to Minare Park, which is free to enter.

The same was deserted. Inside you can see the Choly Minaret, Minaret Gallery, a gigantic statue, a walkway full of statues, a Hot Air Balloon, the model of Choly Minaret and the Citadel, Seyd Gaylan and finally the funicular that connects this park with that of Shanadar, which at the time of my visit it was closed.

Then I crossed the street and went to Shanadar Park, much larger than the previous one, inside which there are many statues, Shanidar Gallery and a beautiful pond.

Then I walked for several tens of meters before reaching the beautiful Gilkand park, whose main entrance is located in front of the University of Kurdistan.

After visiting the beautiful park mentioned above, I walked for about 800 meters. in a south-easterly direction, the first dir reaches the Erbil Civilization Museum (closed at the time of my visit), located in Kirkuk Street, a few tens of meters from the Quartz Hotel.

From there I walked for about 400 meters, in a north - east direction until I reached Iskan Street which is the Street of Street Food.

I then walked for almost 1km. in a north-west direction, before reaching the Main Square of Erbil, in the center of which, at the time of my visit, there was a beautiful Christmas tree.

To the east of it is the clock tower and the Khanaqa Mosque, to the west stands the Khanaqa Mosque, while to the north the Citadel stands out.

Also north of the square below the Citadel is Chaixanay Machko, which is the oldest bar in Erbil.

From there I took a taxi for the price of 3,000 IQD to reach the east entrance of the gigantic Sami Abdulrahman Park, located right in front of the Kurdistan Parliament.

Inside the Sami Abdulrahman Park, you can find which there are 2 ponds, several fountains, several monuments, Martyr's Monument, mini electric cars and a train.

After crossing it all, walking for about 2 km, I left the west gate, located right in front of the English Village.

From there I walked south - west for about 400 meters. before reaching the Italian Village.

Then I went to the adjacent English Village, which is highly guarded by the police.

Then from there I walked for about 1.5 km, before reaching the Empire Business Tower, the district where all the skyscrapers of Erbil are located. Well-maintained area perfect for taking great photographs.

From there I took a taxi for the price of 4,000 IQD, to reach the Qaysari Bazaar, adjacent to the Main Square and the citadel.

In the arcades of the aforementioned Bazaar it is possible to find improvised money changers. I changed money here at the following exchange rate: 13,500.00 IQD = 10 USD

From there I took a taxi for the price of 5,000 IQD to the Catholic neighborhood of Ankawa, located 6km north of Erbil Center.

Here I visited St. Joseph's Cathedral, Ankawa Park, the Murals, Saint George Church, Syriac Heritage Museum and Mart Shmoni Church. The churches in Ankawa are guarded both night and day.

From there I took a taxi to the International Airport, located 5 km southwest of Ankawa for the price of 5,000 IQD (I had to bargain heavily to get this price).

Before arriving at the Meeting Hall of Erbil International Airport, you must undergo police control with dogs trained for this purpose. On this occasion you have to get out of the car, open the trunk and pull all the suitcases out of the car.

Once you arrive at the Meeting Hall, you must go through security before taking the free shuttle that takes you to the terminal itself.

Then once you have checked in, you need to go to the border staff desk, where you can easily get the exit stamp from the country.

Then you have to go through the security check before reaching the gate.

Flight of the Pegasus Company from Erbil (Iraq) to Orio al Serio, with a technical stop in Ankara (Turkey) and with a stopover at Sabina Gokcen airport in Istanbul (Turkey). Return ticket price, including taxes, with hand luggage only: Euro 550 (very high price as I traveled during the Christmas holidays).

Once you have reached the Sabina Gokcen Airport in Istanbul (Turkey), you must undergo a security check before arriving in the transit area.

My complete travel report with map, photographs and videos is available at this link:

https://vivendosalendo.blogspot.com/2020/02/viaggio-in-kurdistan-iraq-attraverso-le.html

How to get Eritrea Tourist Visa

Entry visa: required, to be requested at the Embassy of Eritrea in Rome or, as in my case, at the Consulate (Via Temperanza, 4-6 - 20127 Milan - Tel. +39.02.28999520

Fax: +39.02.28999550, e-mail: info@cogemi.com). The same is open from Monday to Thursday from 9.00 to 11.00.

Keep in mind that the kind and efficient employee of the Consulate always answers both the phone and email.

The procedure for obtaining a tourist visa for Eritrea is as follows:

It is necessary to go to the Consulate and hand in a passport photo, the original passport, 2 completed forms, available at the Consulate (in which you will have to put the name and address of the hotel where you intend to stay) and a photocopy of the card. 'Identity. Then after about half an hour you will be called by the assistant who will ask you some questions about the reason for your visit. Then he will return your original passport and you will have to leave him a telephone contact.

Subsequently, the Milan Consulate will request the Visa Authorization from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Asmara in Eritrea which will be given to you in about ten working days.

Once the aforementioned authorization has been obtained, the staff of the Milan Consulate will call you to notify you and you (or whoever is on your behalf) will have to go to the Consulate, with the urinal of the Passport and 50 Euros in cash and you will have to deliver everything to the assistant that in about half an hour will put the visa on your passport valid for 3 months from the date of issue that allows you to stay in the country for 1 month. You will also be given a 50 Euro payment receipt.

Keep in mind that the visa for Eritrea can only be applied for in the applicant's country of residence and therefore for me only in Italy.

My complete travel report with map, photographs and videos is available at this link:

https://vivendosalendo.blogspot.com/2020/02/viaggio-in-eritrea-attraverso-le.html

How to get TAJIKISTAN TOURIST VISA.

As regards the tourist visa, some changes and facilities have been introduced.

In particular::

- for citizens of the European Union it is now possible to obtain a tourist visa directly at the airport upon arrival in the country.

- for tourist visas of less than 30 days, registration with the competent Department of the Tajik Ministry of the Interior is no longer required. The obligation for other types of visas remains and must be carried out within three days of arrival in the country.

It is logical that most tourists arrive by land as flights to Tajikistan are quite expensive and it is preferable to land in neighboring countries such as Kyrgyzstan, where the low cost Turkish company offers excellent fares and among other things, the the only country in central Asia where a visa is not required.

So for those arriving by land it is mandatory to have a visa in advance.

For those who do not travel in a hurry like me it is logical to get it in one of the neighboring countries thus saving a lot of money.

For those like me who want to get it before leaving, you need to contact one of the three embassies between that of Belgium, Germany and Austria:

ADDRESS OF THE EMBASSY IN VIETNAM: Universitatstr. 8 / 1a, 1090 Vienna, Austria, Telephone: (+ 43-1) 409-82-66, Fax: (+ 43-1) 409-82-66-14, E-mail: info@tajikembassy.at

So since I was already doing the Turkmenistan visa, with the following travel agency in Vienna:

Visum4you

Mag. Andreas Schlichtner

Geschäftsführer Visum4you

T: 0043 1 974 39 82 - 11

M: 0043 (0) 699 170 709 75

F: 0043 1 974 39 82 - 90

E-Mail: a.schlichtner@visum4you.at // office@visum4you.at

Web: www.visum4you.at

FN 331079 g

ATU65090518

I also had the one for Tajikistan valid for 7 days with prices and timing that can be seen from the following e_mail:

EMAIL N. 1 AGENZIA VISUM4YOU DI VIENNA

Da: office@visum4you.at

A: "monteorsaro@libero.it"<monteorsaro@libero.it>

Ogg: AW:

Dear Riccardo,

we can help.

Tadschiksitan takes 2 weeks or 1 week express. Do you need the PAMIR Highway? We need 1 form, 1 photo, 1 personal letter.

Tadschikistan € 120 with pamir and plus 50% for express

Tadschikistan € 80 with out pamir and plus 50% for express

Our fee: € 60,00 net per visa

Bank fee: € 9,00 net

DHL: € 45,00 net

We accept only payments in advance.

Mag. Andreas Schlichtner

Geschäftsführer Visum4you

T: 0043 1 974 39 82 - 11

M: 0043 (0) 699 170 709 75

F: 0043 1 974 39 82 - 90

E-Mail: a.schlichtner@visum4you.at // office@visum4you.at

Web: www.visum4you.at

FN 331079 g

ATU65090518

FOLLOWING OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION TAKEN FROM THE SITE OF THE TAGIKA EMBASSY IN VIENNA:

FROM THE SITE: http://tajikembassy.at/index/visa_issues/0-25

ADDRESS OF THE EMBASSY IN VIETNAM: Universitatstr. 8 / 1a, 1090 Vienna, Austria, Telephone: (+ 43-1) 409-82-66, Fax: (+ 43-1) 409-82-66-14, E-mail: info@tajikembassy.at

VISA ISSUES

Requirements for visa issuance

Documents to be submitted for Tajik entry visa:

• Support letter (letter of invitation, letter of Company, etc) should be submitted in accordance with category of visa, which is going to be applied. See above-mentioned category visas;

• Fully completed and signed visa application form (one per person);

Visa application form (in English Language)

Visa application form ( in Russian Language)

• One passport size photo;

• Valid passport of at least no less than 6 months validity from the moment of intended visa's termination and with at least two free blank pages;

• Copy of the passport (main page);

• Payments Fee: No cash payments are accepted.

Payments for the Consular Services can be made by the following ways:

• by Bank transfer directly to the Embassy account (UniCredit Bank Austria AG, blz 12000; KontoNr. 09554787301);

• by payment in any branch of UniCredit Bank Austria AG;

• by Bank Cards upon submission of documents at the Embassy*

Note:

• When paying by Cards charges are applied*

• In case of processing express visa from 24 to 48 hours, applicant must pay double price irrespective of the category of visa.

• In case of applying to visa issuance by post, applicant must send paid self-addressed return envelope with actual post stamp or organize the pick up by themselves. The Embassy is not responsible for any damage or lost of content of envelope that could be occur in course of return post-delivery.

• Applicant or his/her representative are responsible to check the validity of issued visa before undertaking the trip to Tajikistan. In case of appearance of incorrect or missing data rather than indicated in filled application form, he must timely inform the Consular Section and request a proper amendment.

Visa term Single Double Multiple

ORDINARY, BUSINESS AND OTHER VISA FEE IN EURO

One week € 40 € 50

Two weeks € 60 € 70

One month € 80 € 100

Two month € 90 € 110

Three month € 95 € 115

Six month € 110 € 140

TOURIST VISA FEE

Up to 45 days* € 80 € 90

Up to 45 days** € 20 € 30

TRANSIT VISA FEE

Up to 72 hrs. € 30 € 40

EDUCATIONAL VISA FEE

Studens Studying in Tajikistan € 50

Interns – up to three months € 80

PhD`s – up to three months € 100

Scientific, research in Tajikistan € 100

VISA FEE FOR FORMER CITIZENS OF THE REPUBLIC OF TAJIKISTAN

One week € 20

One month € 30

Two month € 40

Three month € 50

Reference:

• * - requires submission original travel invitation issued by certified Tajik National Tourist Companies or Visa support from Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan;

• ** - ordinary tourist visa fee

Kuhistoni Badakhshon Autonomous Province of Tajikistan (VMKB) is the frontier territory of Tajikistan and has special permission entry (has its entry permission stamp, which is put in valid passport separately if it is applied to), which is valid to visit Khorugh, Darvoz, Vanj, Rushon, Ishkoshim and Murghob districts. Foreign citizens traveling to VMKB must underline his/her visit to VMKB in the same application form which is for visa issuance (in the point of 21 "purpose of trip")

Category visas

• For obtaining Diplomatic visa - It is needed to submit Verbal Note of one of the following authorities - foreign affaires authorities, diplomatic representatives of foreign countries, international organizations or representatives of international organizations on request of the visa issuance, with the point of target and term of visit. It can be issued up to three months;

• For obtaining Official (Service) visa - It is needed to submit Verbal Note of one of the following authorities - foreign affaires authorities, diplomatic representatives of foreign countries, international organizations or representatives of international organizations, letter of state authorities of arrival country for consular service of Tajikistan, letter of invitation of ministries and institutions of Tajikistan on request of the visa issuance, with the point of target and term of visit. It can be issued up to three months;

• For obtaining Investment visa - It is needed to submit letter of large foreign companies or letter of State Committee of Tajikistan on investments and state property. It is necessary that the rate amount of investment must be not less than US $ 500 000. It can be issued up to six months;

• For obtaining Business visa - It is needed to submit letter of Company or representatives of foreign commercial organizations on request of the visa issuance, with the point of target and term of visit. It can be issued up to six months;

• For obtaining Labor visa - It is needed to submit Letter of inviting organization or citizen of Tajikistan on request of the visa issuance, with the point of target and term of visit, copy of contract on fulfill of services. In the case of invitation from citizen of Tajikistan on fulfillment of job, additionally it is demanded the notice from authorities of internal affaires on the place of fulfillment of services. It can be issued up to three months;

• For obtaining Tourist visa - It is needed to submit the letter of relevant licensed tourist company of country of destination on visa issuance with indication of the purpose of entry, itinerary and term of stay in the territory of the Republic of Tajikistan. It is needed to submit the Letter of relevant licensed tourist company of the country origin with indication of the purpose of entry, itinerary and term of stay in the Republic of Tajikistan. In the case of Individual tourist visa application - It is needed to submit the Letter of request signed by applicant, addressed to Consular Section with description of tourist itinerary, copies of proof travel documents and contact person's information etc. It can be issued up to 45 days. Holder of tourist visa is free from registration as a foreigner under internal affaires branches (OVIR) if his stay does not exceed 30 days;

• For obtaining Educational visa - It is needed to submit letter of educational, scientific institution or individual request of applicant for apply to educational institution or letter of sending organization for internship, exchange programs, educational training or language courses. It can be issued up to six months;

• For obtaining Private Visa - It is needed to submit notice of Migration service of Ministry of internal affaires of the Republic of Tajikistan. In exceptional cases, the private visa can be issued on the base of letter of citizen (reference of foreign citizen, who has permanent residence in abroad and is in official marriage with citizen of Tajikistan) without demands of notice of Migration service of Ministry of internal affaires of the Republic of Tajikistan, as well as in the case of funeral (serious illness) of relatives and friends on the bases of international telegrams confirmed by doctor. It can be issued up to three months;

• For obtaining Driver visa - It is needed to submit letter of organization on request of the visa issuance, with the point of target and term relevant for transportation realization, license of international carriage, in the case of cargo transportation special permission for transportation of large-sized cargo and copy of insurance police for vehicle. It can be issued for period not exceeding license term but not more than six months. Driver visa is valid strictly for concrete route to destination;

• For obtaining Crew of aircrafts visa - It is needed to submit copy of flight crew ID card and letter of Airline Company or its representative in Tajikistan. It can be issued up to three months;

• For obtaining Foreign mass media visa - It is needed to submit Verbal Note of foreign affaires authorities of country arrival of mass media staff or letter of representative of foreign Mass Media on request of the visa issuance, with the point of target and term of visit. It can be issued up to three months;

• For obtaining Visa for spouse of citizen of the Republic of Tajikistan - It is needed to submit letter from spouse of citizen of the Republic of Tajikistan on request of visa issuance with the point of detail information on proposed activity of spouse's foreign citizen in Tajikistan, copy of marriage certificate recognized by Republic of Tajikistan, the existence of means for payment of travel tickets and accommodation in Tajikistan till managing the job. It can be issued up to three months;

• For obtaining Sportsmen and art group visa - It is needed to submit Verbal Note or letter of state organization of arrival country of foreign sportsmen or art group on request of the visa issuance or letter from state organization of the Republic of Tajikistan deals with sport and culture issues with the point of target and term of visit. It can be issued for term of event;

• For obtaining Missionary visa - It is needed to submit Verbal Note of foreign affaires of country where religion organization is registered and together with the letter from religious organization intending to work in Tajikistan. It can be issued up to four months;

• For obtaining Humanitarian visa - It is needed to submit Verbal Note of foreign affaires authorities or letter of state organization deals with delivery of humanitarian assistance to the Republic of Tajikistan. It can be issued for term of assistance and free of charge, but not more than six months;

• For obtaining Commercial visa - It is needed to submit letter from commercial organization (administration), where foreign citizen takes up with commercial activity, copy of reference from tax authority consequently from commercial activity's venue on debts absence for taxes during commercial activity and copy of patent, if he is individual employer. It can be issued up to three months;

• For obtaining Permanent residence visa - It is needed to submit a letter of applicant on request of the visa issuance, with the point of detail information on proposed activity in Tajikistan, the existence of means for travel ticket payment and accommodation in Tajikistan till being managed for job, on opportunity of the transaction to Tajikistan pension's payment if applicant gets such payment and the notice from the authorities of internal affaires. It can be issued up to three months.

Procedure of visa's extension and visa restoration

• Requirements and points: The validity term of visa can be extended only by Consular Department of MFA of Tajikistan on the base of primary (previous) visa and submition relevant documents;

• Foreign citizen must apply for extension of visa 20 working days before the expiration visa's term validity. In case of expiration visa's term validity on the applicant's blame, he is involved to administrative liability in accordance with legal-normative acts of Tajikistan;

• The extension of visa's term validity is allowed with holding of the same category visa;

• The extension of visa's term validity is considered for 10 working days from the date of document's submission;

• In case of technical damage of foreign citizen's visa, which is impossible for further use or loss, visa must be restored after check and fact acknowledgement of its issuance;

• The restoration of visa is realized by Consular Department of Ministry of Foreign Affairsof Tajikistan or by consular sections of Embassies of Tajikistan in abroad on the base of written letter of foreign citizen or letter from organization under which invitation, foreign citizen is arrived or is intended to arrive to Tajikistan;

• In a case if foreign citizen having valid visa obtains new national passport, but previous passport is cancelled, the visa can be restored in a new passport on the base of written letter of that foreign citizen.

Rules of stay and limitations for foreigners in Tajikistan

Registration of foreign citizens temporarily arrived in Tajikistan:

• Temporary arrived foreign citizens live in the territory of Tajikistan in accordance with their valid international passports;

• Upon arrival international passports must be submitted for registration to relevant authorities (authorities of internal affaires - (OVIR)) during 3 days, except holidays and weekends. Holders of tourist visa are free from registration. Registration is realized on the base of written letter of host organizations (inviting side), foreign permanent representatives in Tajikistan or letters of private persons. Registration of foreign citizens arrived to Tajikistan with private cases (private visas) is realized on the base of their actual visa.

The following persons are free from registration of their international passports:

• heads of states and governments of foreign countries, members of parliamentary and governmental delegations, technical personal of these delegations, members of families of mentioned persons;

• holders of UN passports;

• foreign citizens not reached 16 years old;

• members of foreign military crew aircraft arrived to Tajikistan;

• members of civil crew aircrafts of international airlines in case if they are situated in the air port;

• members of crew auto crafts realizing transportation of cargo and passengers and enter to and exit from Tajikistan in accordance with route destination;

Hotel registration of foreign citizens arriving for service, commercial or social cases (visas, aims), treatment or rest as tourists. In case of arrival of foreign citizens for treatment directly in hospital or sanatorium, they must be registered under authorities of internal affairs (OVIR)

OVIR, Ministry of Interior registration of foreign citizens arriving in Tajikistan for study, internship, job in accordance with intergovernmental agreement, as well as for service cases of social organizations and private person's invitations. Foreign citizens arrived in Tajikistan for term of more than 3 months for job, study, permanent residence or for other cases are medically testified during 10 days after arrival. Private and service vehicle of foreign citizens entering the territory of Tajikistan must be registered.

Issuance of permanent residence permission for foreign citizens

• foreign citizens would permanently live in Tajikistan if they receive permission for permanent residence issued by authorities of internal affaires (OVIR);

• letter of request on issuance of permission for permanent residence in Tajikistan is to submitted by temporary arrived foreigners directly to relevant authorities of internal affairs up to place of residence in Tajikistan;

• Permission for permanent residence is issued by authorities of foreign affaires of Tajikistan up to place of residence of foreign citizens, reached 16 years old for the term no more than 5 years and foreigner reached 45 years old for the whole term of passport validity;

• letter on extension of permission for permanent residence term or new permanent residence permission must be submitted by foreign citizens to authorities of internal affairs up to place of residence not later than 10 days before expiration of date of permanent residence permission;

• foreign citizens arrive in Tajikistan for the term more than 6 months have to receive permanent residence permission from authorities of internal affaires;

• permanent residence permission can not be extended without extension of visa;

Foreign citizens temporarily living in Tajikistan and wishing to change the place of residence or temporarily move to another place must receive permission from authorities of internal affaires.

Issuance of Tajik Visa at the Airport of Dushanbe

• General requirements for visa obtaining at the airport of Dushanbe are the same as it mentioned in the Webpage of Embassy of Tajikistan to Austria.

• In the airport of Dushanbe all visa categories are issued up to 45 days.

REPORT TRAVEL TO MALAYSIA, BRUNEI, TIMOR LESTE, INDONESIA AND KUWAIT.

From the Lampugnano Bus Station in Milan, reachable by the red subway line, I take the Megabus company bus at 6.30 pm for Rome at the price of Euro 5.00, which can only be purchased online. There are several departures every day.

The aforementioned bus also stops in Genoa and Pisa and arrives at the Triburtina bus station in Rome at 5.30 am.

A few minutes walk away is the Triburtina metro station. The single ride with the metro costs 1.5 euros.

There are several options to reach Fiumicino Airport from Rome, but the cheapest of all is to go by subway to Eur Magliana Station, where outside the same part an urban bus every 30 minutes approximately from 5.55 to 21.05, which takes about 45 minutes to reach the Airport. It also passes through Fiumicino City. The ticket price is 2.30 euros and can be purchased in the bar adjacent to the station.

MALAYSIA

Punctual as never before, my plane from Paris of the Kuwait Airways Company leaves at 12.55 in the direction of Kuwait International Airport (multi-route ticket price including taxes from Rome to Kuala Lumpur and from Jakarta to Rome with a stopover in Kuwait: Euro 543.81).

The plane is full.

Therefore, I arrive at 19.00 at Kuwait International Airport, where it is very cold due to the air conditioning. There is only 1 hour of time zone, compared to Italy when summer time is in the latter. I remain inside the transit area.

With almost an hour delay my plane of the Kuwait Airways Company leaves from Kuwait International Airport at 24.45 in the direction of KLIA Airport in Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, (price of multi-route ticket including taxes from Rome to Kuala Lumpur and from Jakarta in Rome with a stopover in Kuwait: Euro 543.81).

I therefore arrive at 2.10 pm at Kuala Lumpur KLIA Airport, located in Sepang, 75 km south of the capital.

Customs formalities are simple and a visa is not required for a tourist stay up to 3 months. You don't need to fill out any forms.

From KLIA Sepang Airport (Malaysia), there are three options for reaching KL Central:

1. Klia Express train, cost MYR 35, journey time 28 minutes, which operates from 5 am to 1 am;

2. KL Transit train, cost MYR 35, travel time 35 minutes: along the way it makes three stops;

3. Bus Airport Coach, cost MYR 10, one way, 18 RM, round trip, travel time about 1 hour (to find it go to level 1 of the airport, follow the signs for xi Bus, cross the road and enter the Bus station ).

Getting around in Kuala Lumpur is not easy as the buses are complicated to use and then the three public transport systems by rail (KL MONORAIL, LRT and KTM) are poorly connected to each other. However, from Kl Central it is possible to take one of them by making the ticket at the machines. The fare depends on where you intend to go and the automatic machine will automatically calculate the cost of the ticket.

If you need to take a plane of the low cost airline Air Asia, you must go to KLIA 2 Airport in Sepang (Malaysia), and to do so there are several options starting from to Kl Central:

1. Klia Express train, cost MYR 35, travel time 35 minutes, which operates from 5 am to 1 am;

2. KL Transit train, cost MYR 35, travel time 40 minutes: along the way it makes three stops;

3. Sky Bus, cost MYR 10, one way, travel time approximately 1 hour.

4. Aerobus, cost MYR 10, one way, travel time approximately 1 hour.

At KLIA 2 Airport in Sepang (Malaysia), it is possible to sleep at the Capsule Hotel, but I sleep on the bench.

BRUNEI

Punctual as never before, it leaves from KLIA 2 Airport in Sepang (Malaysia) at 6.45 A.M. my Air Asia Company Airplane in the direction of Brunei International Airport, (one-way ticket price including taxes MYR 117).

Of course, on the plane they don't offer you anything to eat and drink.

I therefore arrive at 9.05 am at Brunei International Airport.

To enter Brunei, you need to fill out three forms:

1. Arrival Card;

2. Incoming Passenger Card;

3. Health Declaration Card;

To reach the Bus Terminal located in Jln Cator, in the heart of the capital of Brunei Bandar Seri Begawan, one step away from the Waterfront, from Brunei International Airport, located 8 km north of the aforementioned center, you need to take one of the following buses: 23, 24, 36 and 38, at the cost of 1 BND. Tickets can be purchased on the bus.

From the Bus Terminal you have to walk for about 500 meters. in Jln Sungai Kianggeh, heading north before finding on the right the cheapest hostel in the capital, the Pusat Belia, located in the complex of the same name where there is also a restaurant, a gym and a swimming pool. It can be identified thanks to the obvious cylindrical staircase. The 28 rooms are divided by gender. The reception is only open from 8.00 to 12.00 and from 14.00 to 16.30. Outside these hours there are problems. The cost for one night is 10 BND, in the dormitory. Breakfast is not included.

The center of Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei can be explored on foot.

If you want to visit the largest villages in the world on stilts with the motor boat, walk to the Waterfront of Bandar Seri Begawan, which is in a nutshell the riverside of Sungai Brunei, where the boats will approach you to offer you a 'excursion of half an hour or one hour by boat. By bargaining hard, you can reach a price of 10 BND for the aforementioned service. The boatman will take you inside the Villages and will also show you the great Sultan's Palace from the outside of course.

To visit on foot the Kampung Ayer composed of 28 Villages, on the northern bank of the River, carefully walk the long unstable walkways that are located southwest of the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, walking on the joists so as not to end up in the water.

To visit the Jame'Asr Bolkiah Mosque instead, which is the largest mosque in Brunei, located 3 km northwest of the center of Bandar Seri Begawan, take bus 1 from the Bus Terminal and ask the driver to make you get off near the mosque. Cost of 1 BND. Tickets can be purchased on the bus.

To go to Bangar, the Capital of the Brunei Enclave, the fastest solution is to take a speedboat from the small port in the Bandar Seri Begawan Waterfront, which leaves when full (you have to wait 1 hour at most) and takes about 45 minutes to reach Bangar along the Sungai Temburong in the middle of the Jungle. Cost of 6 BND. The ticket can be purchased at the ticket office of the small terminal.

MALAYSIA

To reach Kota Kinabalu, the capital of the state of Sabah, Malaysia, you can take the Sipitang Company bus which leaves every day at 8.00 from the Waterfront, near the intersection of Jln Mc Arthur and Jln Sungai Kianggeh. The ticket can be purchased on the internet or the same morning before boarding the bus. The cost is MYR 100. The journey takes about 8 and a half hours, as it is necessary to pass 8 checkpoints (obtaining 8 stamps), as it is necessary to cross, in addition to the enclave of Brunei, the automated states of Malaysia, Sarawak and Sabah.

In Kota Kinabalu, the bus drops you off near City Park, right in the center.

In Kota Kinabalu I slept at the Stay-In Lodge Hostel, located in the center, in front of the Clock Tower, on Jalan Gaya Street at number 121. I booked from home through Hostelword, paying for a bed in the dormitory MYR 20 per night , including breakfast.

On Jalan Gaya Street, there are tons of budget accommodations.

The next morning I walked to Jesselton Port, located in the north of Kota Kinabalu. Here there are numerous shipping companies that offer day trips to 1 or more of the 5 islands that are part of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, located a few tens of minutes from the city. I relied on the Sunny Rainbow company which at a cost of 45 MYR 20, allowed me to see three islands: Sapi Island, Manukan sland and Mamutik Island, departing at 10.00 in the morning and returning at 15.00.

Once on the first island of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, it is necessary to pay the fee of MYR 10 at the Desk for entry to the Park.

KKIA Kota Kinabalu International Airport is located in Tanjung Aru, 7km south of the city center.

It consists of 2 distant and not connected terminals. Most airlines start from number 1, but Air Asia company starts from number 2.

To reach it, take the Airport Bus departing every hour from 7.30 to 19.00 from Monday to Sunday, from a very evident stop located near Padang Merdeka Bus Terminal, in Jln Padang.

Tickets can be purchased before boarding the bus at the dedicated desk at the price of MYR 5, one way. The journey takes less than half an hour. The bus first arrives at terminal 2 and then at 1.

TIMOR LESTE

Punctual as never before, my Air Asia Company Airplane leaves from KKIA Terminal 2 in Kota Kinabalu (Malaysia) at 18.30 in the direction of Denpasar Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali, (one-way ticket price including taxes MYR 304).

Of course, on the plane they don't offer you anything to eat and drink.

I therefore arrive at 9.00 pm at Denpasar Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali (Indonesia).

To enter Indonesia, you need to fill out 1 form.

For Italian citizens, for tourism reasons up to 30 days it is not necessary to obtain a visa to enter Indonesia and therefore it is not necessary to pay any money. Then ignore the VISA Desk and go directly to the border post where you may be asked to show them your return flight ticket.

If, like me, you spend the night in the airport because you have a plane to another international destination the next morning, you must have a transit visa and therefore you must pay. I didn't know it and the officials at the time of leaving the country created some problems for me but in the end they turned a blind eye and I didn't pay anything.

Punctual as never before my Sriwijayaair Company Airplane departs from Denpasar Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali (Indonesia) at 9.55 am in the direction of Dili International Airport in Timor Leste, (round trip ticket price including taxes IDR 2,950,000).

The aforementioned route is also covered by the Citilink Company with similar timetables. The trip takes less than 2 hours.

On the plane they offer you lunch.

To enter Timor Leste, you need to fill in 2 forms.

For Italian citizens, for tourism reasons up to 60 days it is not necessary to obtain a visa to enter Timor Leste and therefore it is not necessary to pay any money. Then ignore the VISA Desk and go directly to the border post where you may be asked to show them your return flight ticket.

The currency of Timor Leste is the US dollar.

Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport is located just 6 km west of the center of Dili, the capital of Timor Leste. A taxi to the city center costs around 10 USD, but having booked 2 nights at the Dili Beach Hotel, they picked me up.

The Dili Beach Hotel, booked through Hostelword, located in Pantai Kelapa, Beach Road, facing the ocean, 1 km west of the center of Dili, capital of Timor Leste, costs 20 $ per day in a mixed dormitory, including swimming pool and breakfast.

In Dili I know an Indonesian Entrepreneur who lends me his bicycle with which I visit Timor Leste.

At Dili Airport, before crossing the border and leaving Timor Leste, it is necessary to pay the $ 10 fee.

INDONESIA

Punctual as never before, my Sriwijayaair Company Airplane leaves Timor Leste's President Nicolau Lobato International Airport at 1.30pm in the direction of Denpasar Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali (Indonesia), (return ticket price including taxes IDR 2,950. 000).

The aforementioned route is also covered by the Citilink Company with similar timetables. The trip takes less than 2 hours.

On the plane they offer you lunch.

To enter Indonesia, you need to fill out 1 form.

The currency exchange carried out at the Bali Airport is very unfavorable: 1 Euro = 15.600 IDR, while in Kuta and other locations on the island you can get a change of 1 Euro = 16.700 IDR.

To reach Kuta from Denpasar Ngurah Rai International Airport, the cheapest solution is to take the blue bus of the Trans Sarbagita Company, outside the Arrivals Hall, which leaves you on the south-eastern outskirts of the city not far from the interchange between Jl Ngurah Rai Bypass and Jl Sunset. To reach Jl Legian it is necessary to walk for almost 1 km. The price of the ticket is 2,500 IDR and the same is obtained from the ticket counter when you go up.

In Kuta I sleep at the Funky Monkey, located in Jalan Legian Gang Bedugul 10a, in the center, booked through the Hostelword website, at the price of 130,000 IDR, in a mixed dormitory, including use of the kitchen and swimming pool.

The rental of a bicycle (mountain bike or women's bike) including the lock, costs IDR 20,000 per day in Kuta from the Perama Travel Agency, located in Jl Legian, a few tens of meters north of the intersection with Gang Bedugul.

By bicycle I reach the Pura Taman Ayun Temple in Mengwi amid millions of scooters, protected by UNESCO. Entrance fee for foreigners: 16,000 IDR, entrance fee for Indonesians: 10,000 IDR.

To enter the Jatiluwih Rice Fields, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you have to pay 10,000 IDR.

To return to Bali International Airport, I took a metered taxi from Kuta and the journey of about 15 minutes cost me IDR 50,000, including the IDR 5,000 to pay to enter the airport area.

With a 50-minute delay my Garuda Indonesia Airline departs from Denpasar Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali (Indonesia) at 6.50 am in the direction of Labuanbajo, on Flores Island (one-way ticket price including taxes IDR 768,600).

The journey takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

On the plane they offer you breakfast.

To reach the Port of Labuanbajo, from the airport only 2 km away, the cheapest solution is to get a ride on a moped at the price of 20,000 IDR.

To see the Komodo Dragons from Labuanbajo, the cheapest option is to go to nearby Rinca Island, 2 hours away by boat. Renting it for one day costs 750,000 IDR. To reach this price it is necessary to negotiate strongly.

I paid 259,000 IDR for the one-hour excursion to Rinca Island to see the Komodo Dragons, including a compulsory guide which costs 80,000 IDR (since we were 2, I divided this fee in half). There are also much longer excursions for which you have to pay a little extra for the guide.

To reach Sape on Sumbawa Island from Labuanbajo, there are several ferries, the last of which departs at 16.30. The journey takes almost 7 hours and the ticket costs 60,000 IDR.

The Losmen Mutiara Hotel, located just outside the port area of Sape, offers single rooms with a minimum price of 60,000 IDR.

From Sape there are several minibuses every day that leave 500 meters. about away from the Port. The first leaves around 5.00 in the morning when it is full. The same takes about 2 hours. The fare is 30,000 IDR. The attendant comes by to take the money after departure.

At Terminal Dara there are several buses every day that reach Sumbawa Besar, taking almost 8 hours. The fare is IDR 80,000. The attendant passes by to take the money after departure.

At 8.00 pm near the Sumer Payung Bus Terminal on the western outskirts of Sumbawa Besar, I take a minibus to Mataram, the capital of the island of Lombok. The trip takes over 5 hours. The cost of the ticket is 140,000 IDR, including the price of the ferry from Poto Tano on Sumbawa Island to Labuhan on Lombok Island.

Arrive in Mataram at 2.00 am. The minibus leaves me in the west of the city in Jl Pejanggik and I walk over 1 km to reach and find the Ratu Guesthouse, located in Jl A A Gede Ngurah 45, but it is closed. Then I fall back on the Hotel Victor 1, located Jl Abimanyu 1, which offers a room, including breakfast at the price of 120,000 IDR per day.

To reach Bali, from Mataram, the capital of the island of Lombok, it is necessary to go to the Port of Lembar and to do so I took a Bemo which offered to take me for 20,000 IDR, but in the end a scam was detected as driver and one of the passengers agreed to rob me and let the other passengers get off, the thief tried to put his hand in my pocket but I noticed and with an excuse I asked the driver to stop. Once I got off I asked for a free ride to a gentleman with a scooter who in about 20 minutes took me to the Port of Lembar.

From Lembar depart every hour, ferries to Padangbai (Bali). The trip takes less than 5 hours and costs 44,000 IDR. The ticket can be purchased at the desk located at the entrance to the Port.

I paid 75,000 IDR for the minibus from Padangbai (Bali) to Ubud (Bali) center. The journey takes about an hour and a half. There are several agencies that offer this service.

Ubud has a myriad of budget accommodations. I stayed at Nyoman Murjana Home Stay in the city center for the price of 180,000 IDR, including breakfast.

In the center, in Jl Hanoman, there are several exchange counters, the most favorable of which offers for 1 Euro: 16,000 IDR.

From Jl Raya Ubud, in front of the Central Market, there are many Bemos departing every day for the Batubulan Terminal in Denpasar. The journey takes about 30 minutes and for us tourists the ticket costs 25,000 IDR.

From the Batubulan Terminal in Denpasar, I took a Bemo to reach the Ubung Terminal in Denpasar. The journey takes about 15 minutes and for us tourists the ticket costs 15,000 IDR.

From the Ubung Bus Station, located on the northern outskirts of Denpasar, the capital of Bali, I take an Akas Company Bus to Solo (Java Island) at 9.00 A.M., with a change of Bus in Surabaya (Java Island). I buy the ticket 15 minutes before leaving at the aforementioned Bus Station for the price of 330,000 IDR. It also includes the ferry from between Gilimanuk (Bali) and Ketapang (Java) and lunch at a restaurant on the outskirts of Besuki, consumed at 16.00.

I arrive in Solo at 3.00 am and sleep on the ground in the Bus Station.

At Tirtonadi Bus Terminal in Solo, to take any bus you have to pay the 500 IDR fee.

To reach Candi Sukuh, you need to take a bus from Tirtonadi Bus Terminal in Solo to Tawangmangu to Karangpandan for IDR 10,000 (payable to the controller on the bus) and then a minibus to Kemuning for IDR 5,000 up to the crossroads for Candi Sukuh. From there you have to take an Ojek at a cost of IDR 10,000 to travel the last 2km uphill to the site.

Admission to Candi Sukuh costs 10,000 IDR. Opening hours: 7.00 - 16.30.

To reach the Manusia Purba Museum in Sangiran, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is necessary to take, from the Tirtonadi Bus Terminal in Solo, a bus directed to Purwodadi and ask to get off at the junction for Sangiran (cost 10,000 IDR), located 15 km from Solo. From here it is necessary to travel another 4 km, paying 30,000 IRD for an Ojek, round trip and 1 hour stop. Negotiate the price.

Admission to the Manusia Purba Museum in Sangiran costs 11,500 IDR. Opening hours: 8.00 - 16.00, from Tuesday to Sunday.

Back at the Tirtona of Solo Bus Terminal, I took a Becak (three-wheeled rickshaw), to reach Kraton Surakarta in downtown Solo for the price of 10,000 IDR.

Only you can walk around.

Reached on foot the Gilangan Terminal, located near the Railway Station, I take one of the many buses leaving for Yogyakarta, at the price of IDR 12,000 plus IDR 500 to use the Terminal.

From Gilangan Terminal, to go to Jl Malioboro, in the center of Yogyakarta, you have to take Bus 3B or 3A, at a cost of 3,600 IDR. The ticket is paid at the Desk located in the shelter before boarding.

The urban transport network in Yogyakarta is excellent, with very friendly young staff who speak English.

In Yogyakarta I sleep at the Tiffa Losmen Guesthouse, located in Gangi Il, a few hundred meters south of the Tugu Train Station, at the price of IDR 80,000 per night for a single room with bathroom, including breakfast.

In the aforementioned Guesthouse I rent a mountain bike at the price of IDR 30,000 per day.

To reach the Prambanan Temples, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, located 17 km northeast of Yogyakarta, I use a bicycle.

The cost of the ticket to the Temples of Prambanan, for foreigners is 225,000 IDR, in addition to 1,000 IDR, for parking the bicycle.

The Kraton, that is the immense Palace of the Sultans of Yogyakarta, is open every day from 8.00 to 13.30 from Saturday to Thursday and until 12.00 on Saturday. The entrance ticket costs 12,500 IDR plus 1,000 IDR for the camera. Every day from 10.00 to 12.00 there is a free dance show in the internal pavilion.

To reach the Borobudur Temple, by public transport it is necessary to take the Transjogya bus n. 3a to Ahamad Dahlan and get off at the Pku A Dahlan stop, where you need to take bus 2b to the terminus which is the Jombor Bus Terminal in Yogyakarta. The ticket price is 3.600 IDR. The journey takes almost an hour with a frequency of 15 minutes.

From Jombor Bus Terminal in Yogyakarta, buses leave every half hour for the Borobudur Bus Terminal, taking only an hour and a half. The ticket can be taken on the bus at a cost of 25,000 IDR.

To reach the Borobudur Temple from the Bus Station, you can walk about 1km or take an Ojek for IDR 10,000.

The cost of the ticket for the Borobudur Temple, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for foreigners, is IDR 250,000, with a free bottle of water.

From Giwangan Bus Station, located 5 km south-east of Yogyakarta city center and reachable by bus no. 3B and 3A, I take the last bus to Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, at 21.00 P.M. There are about 12 a day. I buy the ticket 1 hour before leaving at the aforementioned Bus Station at the price of 185,000 IDR.

My bus should take 12 hours to reach its destination but it is so slow and battered that it takes 20.

So I arrived only at 5.00 pm at the Kampung Rambutan Bus Station in the northern suburbs of Jakarta.

From the Kampung Rambutan Bus Station there is a Damri Company Bus, which leaves approximately every half hour for Soekarno Hatta International Airport, located in Tangerang, 35 km west of Jakarta city center. The journey in normal traffic conditions takes about an hour. Tickets can be purchased on the bus and costs IDR 40,000 plus IDR 1,000 tax imposed by the Kampung Rambutan Bus Station.

Punctual as never before, from Soekarno Hatta Airport, located in Tangerang, 35 km west of the center of Jakarta, at 11.05 pm my plane of the Kuwait Airways Company in the direction of Kuwait International Airport, (price of the multi-leg ticket, taxes included from Rome to Kuala Lumpur and from Jakarta to Rome with a stopover in Kuwait: Euro 543.81), with connection to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia where you have to wait on the plane, about 1 hour and 30 'to refuel and pick up the other passengers .

I therefore arrive at 6.00 a.m. at Kuwait International Airport, where it is very cold due to the air conditioning. There is only 1 hour of time zone, compared to Italy when summer time is in the latter.

For European citizens, the tourist visa for 90 days for Kuwait can be obtained free of charge at the airport, by going to the appropriate Visa counter, where it is necessary to make a copy of the passport for free and fill in the appropriate form. Keep in mind that the Authorities tend to refuse to issue visas for those who stay in the country for less than 8 hours and therefore in the case of a stopover between one plane and another.

From Kuwait International Airport, located 16 km south of the center of Kuwait City, there are bus no. 501 and 13 that shuttle every half hour between the airport and the city center. The journey takes about 40 minutes. The ticket is taken from the driver at a price of ¼ KWD.

A taxi into the center of Kuwait City costs 1 KWD.

A taxi ride from downtown Kuwait City to Kuwait International Airport, located 16km south of downtown Kuwait City costs 3 KWD.

Incredibly, at the aforementioned 2nd airport security check, the very strict border policemen made me throw away all 20 rechargeable batteries I had in my hand luggage, because they said they could not be taken on the mobile plane.

From Fiumicino Airport I take the Rome Airport Bus Company Bus to Rome Termini Station at a price of 6 Euros. Journey time: 50 minutes.

From the Triburtina Station in Rome, I take the Bus of the Bus Center Company to the Milan Rogoredo Railway Station at the price of Euro 39.00. Duration of the trip: 8 hours

My complete travel report with map, photographs and videos is available at this link:

http://vivendosalendo.blogspot.com/2017/04/viaggio-in-malesia-brunei-timor-leste.html

How to get Sierra Leone Tourist Visa.

Entry visa: required, to be requested at the diplomatic / consular offices of Sierra Leone in Italy or abroad. It is possible to apply for an entry visa online and thus obtain a visa upon arrival at Freetown airport, or at all land borders. For the procedures relating to registration and payment, consult the website: https://www.visitsierraleone.org/visiting-sierra-leone/getting-there/visa-application, where it is necessary to enter the travel data, upload passport scannings, round trip flight reservations and hotel reservations (online booking through classic sites such as booking.com is sufficient, even for the first night only). Then you have to pay 120 USD, by credit card. In this way, after about 2 or 3 days, the E-VISA is received, to be printed, together with the receipt of payment and to be presented at Freetown Airport or at all land borders, where the actual visa is obtained on the Passport. Keep in mind that on the E-VISA, even if you have declared that you want to enter Sierra Leone, by land, you will be written that the port of entry is Freetown Airport, but this is not a problem, but it is the practice. Then remember to print at least 3 copies of the E-visa and the receipt of payment, which could be requested at the numerous checkpoints in the country.