It is now being considered by Indonesia to revise its unpopular visa-on-arrival program, which has resulted in an increase in travel expenses for visitors, particularly in Bali. It is possible that the strategy, which was designed to generate cash for sustainable tourism, could soon be abandoned for tourists coming from important nations.
Because of the enormous discussion that has been ignited among regular tourists, particularly in Bali, Indonesia is reevaluating its policy of requiring visitors to get a visa upon arrival. This decision comes at a time when negotiations are now taking place to eliminate the expensive visa costs in an effort to increase tourism.
Historical Context: Travel Without a Visa
During the time before the COVID-19 epidemic, Indonesia allowed tourists from its most important overseas markets, including Australia, to enter the country without a visa for a period of up to thirty days. These visa-free entrance requirements were a big selling point for Bali, which is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Indonesia.
Existing Requirements for Visas Upon Arrival
At the moment, travelers from 97 countries, including well-known locations such as China and Australia, are required to either pay for a visa upon arrival or apply for an electronic visa prior to entering Indonesia.
A visa-on-arrival is available for a fee of IDR 500,000, which is equivalent to around USD 33. It is valid for a period of thirty days, and a one-time extension is permitted for an additional thirty days.
There has been a lot of controversy around this policy ever since it was first implemented, with regular visitors to Bali expressing their worries about the rising expenses.
The charge has been a contributing factor in the increase in the expense of holidays on the island, which has been exacerbated by the Bali Tourism Tax Levy, which was adopted in February 2024 and costs IDR 150,000 per person.
Considerations to Do Away With Visa Fees
Early on in this year, Indonesia’s Minister for Tourism and Creative Economies, Sandiaga Uno, made a veiled reference to the possibility of doing away with the visa-on-arrival cost for the top 20 countries that are responsible for the greatest number of tourists.
This list covers South Korea, the United States of America, China, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Despite the fact that there were anticipations that adjustments would be made by October 2024, there have been no formal updates released.
On the list of twenty nations that are suggested to be granted visa-free travel to Indonesia are the following:
- Australia
- China (PRC)
- India
- South Korea
- France
- Germany
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- The Netherlands
- Japan
- Russia
- Taiwan
- New Zealand
- Italy
- Spain
- Two countries in the Middle East that are not defined
- United Arab Emirates
- United States of America
- United Kingdom
Disadvantages
The policy of requiring a visa upon arrival was first adopted with the purpose of generating cash for the promotion of sustainable tourism and discouraging types of visitors that authorities referred to as “low-quality.”
Comparing Bhutan’s elite tourism model, in which visitors pay more than two hundred dollars per day and are subject to rigorous visitation limits, is something that Minister Uno has done many times.
On the other hand, Indonesia is now in a difficult situation as a result of the expenses associated with visas upon arrival. The fees, according to critics, are not as exclusive nor as successful as the model used in Bhutan, which results in unhappiness among visitors and does not significantly improve the tourism business on the island.
Thailand Raises the Bar to a Higher Level
Increasing the length of time that visitors are allowed to remain in Thailand without needing a visa to sixty days is an example of Thailand’s forward-thinking approach to attract more tourists. By taking this action, Thailand is demonstrating its dedication to enhancing its tourism business by implementing rules that are welcoming to tourists.
The Way Forward: The Direction Is Still Being Discussed
It has been verified by Minister Uno that the decision is now on the President’s desk, and there is no timetable in place for its implementation. The purpose of this endeavor is to encourage ethical tourism while simultaneously attracting “qualified and sustainable tourist contributors.”
Get an e-Visa on Arrival
Submit an application for an electronic visa upon arrival (e-VOA). Tourists visiting Indonesia have the opportunity to apply for an electronic visa on arrival (e-VOA) online, which streamlines the application procedure and makes it more effective in terms of both time and effort. In order to apply for the e-VOA, the following is a step-by-step guide:
- Within 14 Days: To apply for an e-Visa, go to the official website and submit your application no sooner than 14 days before your planned arrival.
- Please fill out the form: Create an account, fill out the required information, and upload any documents that are required.
- It is possible to submit an application for up to five persons at the same time, making it ideal for families or groups.
- After reviewing your details and paying the IDR 500,000 charge online, you will then be able to submit your application.
- Receive and Print: Once your electronic VOA has been authorized, you may print it from your email.
Check out the Indonesian Immigration Department’s Instagram account or make use of their live chat option if you need assistance. There is a one-time extension available for an additional thirty days, and the e-VOA is valid for a period of thirty days.
For the purpose of enhancing its attractiveness as a leading tourism destination, Indonesia is reevaluating its policy of granting visas upon arrival. A probable elimination of visa fees is one of the ways in which the nation intends to increase the number of tourists of a high quality and improve its position in the global tourism rankings.