Bali scraps On-Arrival Visa fee for this country

JAKARTA – The authorities in Bali have announced to drop the ‘visa-on-arrival’ fee for Australians, to encourage tourism and boost the local economy.

The upcoming changes include the removal of a mandatory (AU$50) fee starting in the new year, bringing delight to numerous families who will see substantial savings on their travels. For instance, a family of four would save $200 AU in total.

Currently, Bali mandates Australians to get a Visa on Arrival, often colloquially referred to as a ‘tax’ rather than a true visa. The proposed reforms signal an end to this perceived ‘taxation’ practice, potentially streamlining the travel process and reducing financial burdens on Australian visitors to Bali.

It’s important to note that this particular tax, being scrapped, should not be confused with another tourist tax recently announced by authorities. Starting February 14th next year, a tourist tax of about IDR150,000 ($10) for all foreign visitors will be charged. Besides, Indonesia is also planning to expand its visa-free entry program for travelers from 20 countries to boost tourism.

Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno proposed this extension during a meeting with President Joko Widodo, and the formalities for this initiative are expected to be completed soon.

The president has urged the finalization of the list of eligible countries by the end of the month. While unofficial details suggest that nine ASEAN member countries may be excluded from this proposal, countries like Australia, India, China, South Korea, the United Kingdom, the United States, France, Qatar, and Germany are expected to benefit.

Bali, a popular destination for partygoers and globetrotters, continues to attract visitors. According to the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS), tourist arrivals on the island increased by 14.59% in March 2023 compared to February 2023.

Indonesia is a Southeast Asian gem known for its cultural diversity and stunning landscapes. Home to over 270 million people, it is the fourth most populous nation globally. Indonesia’s economy relies on sectors like agriculture, mining, and tourism, attracting visitors to idyllic destinations such as Bali.