VOA Eligible Countries Increased: Indonesia

I really miss the days when you landed in Indonesia and instantaneously were issued a two month visa free of charge. But someone in the government thought it would be a great idea to make money out of tourists and so now we have the VOA or Visa on Arrival.

In the Bali Discovery an article reported that the Indonesian Government increased to 52 the number of countries whose nationals can enjoy the Visa on Arrival Facility upon landing at an Indonesian international gateway.

Meant to boost international tourism to Indonesia, the VOA is intended attract investments and business as well as improve relations between Indonesia and these countries. Therefore, the VOA may also be given to those who come to visit for social or business purposes, as well as for those on official duty according to a press release from the office of the Directorate General of Immigration.

So if you want to hop over to Bali for a seven day shopping splurge or fry your bod on the white sand of Kuta for seven days then it will cost you US$10 or if you really want to get a handle on the situation in Bali and do some tripping (non-hallucinogenic of course) then hang around on the island for a mere US$25.

As for your truly I will be heading to the Indonesian Consulate and pay my AUS$60 for sixty days. When you work the figures out it is not too far from the 30 day cost on conversion of Oz to US dollars. At least then you can stay longer if you decide to do so without having the hassle and cost of trying to extend your visa.