More VOA Eligible Countries on the Way?

(11/13/2004)

Recommendations by Indonesia's Minister of Culture and Tourism, Jero Wacik, to increase the number of 21 countries eligible to purchase visas on arrival (VOA) at Indonesia's gateways is apparently receiving serious consideration by the Government.

Speaking in Jakarta on Friday, November 12, 2004, Minister Wacik said the matter would soon be tabled and discussed at a meeting of political and security ministers in Jakarta.

The Minister has remained tight-lipped on what countries are under consideration for addition to the current 21 countries whose nationals can purchase a visa on arrival (VOA). Speculation is rife, however, that at a minimum - Holland together with Belgium and Luxembourg will soon be eligible for VOA.

Longer Validity, Too?

In a separate forum the Minister has hinted that the period of validity of the current VOA will be extended. It is expected that the US$10 three-day visa will be extended to 7 days and the US$25 thirty-day visa will be extended to 60 days validity.

Better Service at Airports

Acknowledging that the new visa fees have become an important source of income for the Nation, Minister Wacik said that surveys of visiting tourists show they were less concerned with the added expense and more concerned with improving the ease and efficiency of service at airports upon arrival in Indonesia. For this reason, according to the Minister, he has coordinated with the relevant agencies to add 20 more visa booths at Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport in the near future.