Bali to simply procedures for obtaining visa

DENPASAR (indo.com): The Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali will simplify the procedures for obtaining visa on-arrival (VOA)in response to the growing complaints lodged by tourists visiting the Island of Gods.

Local Immigration Office has studied the possibility of reducing times and steps needed to obtain visa.

Sources at local immigration office said that foreign travelers wishing to visit Indonesia can apply for a visa at Indonesia honorary consulate in their respective country.

Earlier report said that the government had issued a new visa policy requiring nationals of 21 countries to pay US$25 for a 30-day visa and US$10 for a three-day visa. The new policy exempts nationals of 11 countries and territories from paying fee to obtain a visa upon landing in Bali.

In terms of validity, the visa is grouped into two categories. Tourist visa with index number 411 is valid for a month and extendable to one month. Visa for social and cultures is valid for six months.

The Bali's Directorate General of Immigration has been studying the possibility of simplifying the visa-on- arrival (VOA) procedure in response to the growing concern over the length of time required for nationals of countries to purchase a visa upon arrival in Indonesia.

It is hoped that uncomfortable effect caused by this new regulation on visa-on-arrival will gradually decrease and the policy can be implemented smoothly by the end of this year.