Indonesia is revisiting plans to eliminate the expensive visa-on-arrival policy for tourists, a move that could significantly impact Bali, one of the country’s top tourist destinations.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, international tourists to Bali, particularly from countries like Australia, were allowed visa-free travel for up to 30 days. However, the current policy requires tourists from 97 countries to either pay for a visa on arrival or apply for an e-visa before entering Indonesia.
The visa on arrival costs IDR 500,000 and is valid for 30 days, with a one-time extension for an additional 30 days. This relatively new policy has been controversial, especially among Bali’s frequent international visitors, due to the added costs. The introduction of the IDR 150,000 Bali Tourism Tax Levy in February 2024 has further increased the cost of vacationing on the island.
Earlier this year, Indonesia’s Minister for Tourism and Creative Economies suggested the government might consider removing the visa-on-arrival fee for the country’s top 20 international markets. This change would benefit tourists from countries like Australia, China, the UK, the USA, India, and South Korea. Although there were indications that the policy could be revised by October 2024, no official updates have been provided.
The discussion has resurfaced as Indonesia aims to improve its ranking on the World Tourism Index, following the World Economic Forum’s updated listings for 2024. Minister Uno revealed that both the World Economic Forum and the World Travel and Tourism Council criticized Indonesia for maintaining the visa-on-arrival fee, urging the country to follow the example of other nations that have removed such fees or expanded visa-free travel options. For instance, Thailand now offers a 60-day visa-free stay for most tourists.
Minister Uno confirmed that the decision to revoke the visa-on-arrival fee is still under consideration, though no timeline for a final decision was given. He mentioned that currently, only ASEAN countries enjoy visa-free access to Indonesia, but the government is exploring the possibility of expanding this privilege to the top 20 countries that contribute the most to sustainable tourism.
The visa-on-arrival policy was initially introduced to generate funds for sustainable tourism development and to discourage “low-quality” tourists. Minister Uno has often cited Bhutan’s exclusive tourism model, which imposes high visa fees of over USD 200 per day and strict visitor quotas, as an example. However, many believe that Indonesia’s current approach is caught in between, unable to fully transition to a Bhutan-style model while also hesitant to eliminate the visa-on-arrival policy.
For now, tourists planning to visit Bali and other parts of Indonesia are advised to apply for the e-visa on arrival at least 14 days before their trip. Indonesia’s Immigration Department has launched an Instagram account to assist tourists with the process, offering detailed information and a live chat option for additional support. The e-visa on arrival can be completed for up to five people at a time, streamlining the process for families and groups. This visa permits foreign visitors to travel within Indonesia for tourism, social purposes, and a limited range of business activities.