Visa changes in Indonesia

The VOA (visa on arrival) system is now well understood, both by the tourists to Bali and the people who implement it. I personally think it sucks (charging people to come into your country!!!), but what the heck, this is what they do over here.

Indonesian vice-President Yusuf Kalla stated today that tourists will be allowed to get 120 day visas, instead of 30 visas. The current VOA is 30 days, but you can get a 60 day tourist visa is various countries, such as Thailand.

When I came to Indonesian 1993, I spent 2 weeks in Bali, followed by another 6 weeks spending my dollars all over Java and Sumatra. The Indonesian government decided its better to have access to free money for 30 days, rather than 60, hence the VOA. VP Kalla is obviously a smart guy who understands that keeping the shop open longer, makes it easier for the shoppers.

The Antara news article quotes VP Kalla saying “It is now being processed, that tourists get four months.” How soon this will take is anyone’s guess, but the fact he said it is great news.