Indonesia plans to drop the ‘visa on arrival’ program for Australians, and with it the $50 per person fee, to encourage tourism and boost the local economy.
The move would see Bali and the rest of the country return to a largely visa-free travel model introduced in 2016 but abandoned as part of Indonesia’s post-pandemic recovery plan.
Under current rules, travellers from Australia and 23 other countries must apply for a visa on arrival – such as when they land at Bali’s Denpasar airport – and pay a $50 fee for the 30-day visa.
Indonesia’s Tourism and Creative Economies Minister Sandiaga Uno last Thursday said officials were proposing travellers from 20 countries, including Australia, should return to visa-free status.
“At the top are Australia, China, India, South Korea, the United States, England, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Japan, Russia, Taiwan, New Zealand, Italy (and) Spain,” Uno revealed.
Also making the cut “are countries related to investment contributions and the economic impact on Indonesia” including the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
“We are targeting quality tourists, especially those with longer stays and higher spending in the local economy.”
The proposal to swing those countries back in the visa-free group was progressing and “in the next month it will be finalised,” Uno said, “and after that, we will receive direction from the president and the policy will be followed up with immigration.”
But not all of that $50 will remain in travellers’ pockets, with Bali introducing a new $15 (IDR150,000) tourism levy coming into force from February 14, 2024.
This will apply to all overseas visitors to the popular island getaway, including those arriving into Bali from other parts of Indonesia. It will be paid electronically be collected at their point of arrival.
Are you bound for Bali? Don’t miss our list of the best luxury hotels in Bali – including the family-friendly Mulia, which is like three resorts in one along a kilometre of Nusa Dua beachfront.
Bali set to scrap $50 visa fee for Australians
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