Bali ends $50 visa-on-arrival fee—what you need to know
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Bali's tropical allure has long been a siren call for Australian travellers. It offers sun-soaked beaches, vibrant culture, and an escape from the everyday.
For many, the additional costs associated with international travel can be a deterrent, particularly when the cost of living rises.
However, there's good news on the horizon for holidaymakers planning to indulge in the Balinese paradise: the $50 Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) fee is set to be scrapped, potentially saving a family of four a substantial $200.
This isn't Indonesia's first move to ease the financial burden on tourists.
The VoA was abolished in 2016, leading to a significant 15 per cent increase in Australian visitors to Bali, which hit a record high of 1.2 million arrivals.
Removing the fee was a boon for tourism, but the onset of COVID-19 restrictions saw the VoA reinstated, once again adding to the cost of a holiday in Bali.
The decision to remove the fee is a relief and is seen by Indonesian authorities as a strategic move to reinvigorate tourism.
This industry has been hit hard since then by the pandemic.
The elimination of what Gaspar calls an 'arrivals tax' is expected to encourage more Australians to visit Bali.
‘We understand that Indonesia’s Minister for Tourism, Sandi Uno, will recommend that some 20 countries, including Australia, will be given visa-free entry into Indonesia, including Bali, before October when the nation’s new president is inaugurated,’ he said.
‘This will make it cheaper for Aussie families, and we therefore expect to see another jump in the number of holidaymakers heading to our favourite island’
Arrival numbers have already shown a strong recovery post-COVID, with over 410,000 West Australians making the trip to Bali in the last 12 months.
However, Australia's visa policy changes have clouded the VoA fee removal timing.
Australia increased visa application fees for Chinese and Indonesian nationals by a staggering 35 per cent—or $190 per person—as of late last year.
‘Not only has this decision frustrated Indonesian authorities but has also acted as a significant disincentive for tourists from Indonesia and our region to holiday in Australia, ’ Gaspar explained.
This increase in visa costs for inbound travellers to Australia contrasts sharply with China's visa-free entry offer to Australians and Indonesia's proposed removal of the VoA fee.
It raised the question about Australia's commitment to fostering international tourism and the economic benefits it brings.
WA Premier Roger Cook's announcement of direct air links between Perth and China, scheduled to start in the coming months, adds another layer to the conversation.
While these links could facilitate travel and strengthen ties, the increased visa fees for inbound travellers to Australia may counteract these efforts.
‘We still see Asia through the eyes of caution and still believe we need to make it more difficult for people within our region to come and get to know us. This is really disappointing,’ he said.
Meanwhile, Australian families must pay the VoA arrival fee upon entering Bali.
They await the formal announcement of new regulations to allow families to save more as they begin their Christmas holiday from Bali’s international airport.
In related news, an Australian woman cautioned fellow travellers after a minor visa mistake in Bali cost her an additional $2000.
She had inadvertently overstayed her 30-day visa and mistakenly purchased a second visa instead of extending her original one. Read more about it here.
Have you been to Bali recently? Will you go once the VoA fee is removed? We’d love to hear your stories in the comments below.
For many, the additional costs associated with international travel can be a deterrent, particularly when the cost of living rises.
However, there's good news on the horizon for holidaymakers planning to indulge in the Balinese paradise: the $50 Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) fee is set to be scrapped, potentially saving a family of four a substantial $200.
This isn't Indonesia's first move to ease the financial burden on tourists.
The VoA was abolished in 2016, leading to a significant 15 per cent increase in Australian visitors to Bali, which hit a record high of 1.2 million arrivals.
Removing the fee was a boon for tourism, but the onset of COVID-19 restrictions saw the VoA reinstated, once again adding to the cost of a holiday in Bali.
Indonesian authorities waive the Visa-on-Arrival fee for Australians visiting Bali. Credit: Shutterstock
The decision to remove the fee is a relief and is seen by Indonesian authorities as a strategic move to reinvigorate tourism.
This industry has been hit hard since then by the pandemic.
The elimination of what Gaspar calls an 'arrivals tax' is expected to encourage more Australians to visit Bali.
‘We understand that Indonesia’s Minister for Tourism, Sandi Uno, will recommend that some 20 countries, including Australia, will be given visa-free entry into Indonesia, including Bali, before October when the nation’s new president is inaugurated,’ he said.
‘This will make it cheaper for Aussie families, and we therefore expect to see another jump in the number of holidaymakers heading to our favourite island’
Arrival numbers have already shown a strong recovery post-COVID, with over 410,000 West Australians making the trip to Bali in the last 12 months.
However, Australia's visa policy changes have clouded the VoA fee removal timing.
Australia increased visa application fees for Chinese and Indonesian nationals by a staggering 35 per cent—or $190 per person—as of late last year.
‘Not only has this decision frustrated Indonesian authorities but has also acted as a significant disincentive for tourists from Indonesia and our region to holiday in Australia, ’ Gaspar explained.
This increase in visa costs for inbound travellers to Australia contrasts sharply with China's visa-free entry offer to Australians and Indonesia's proposed removal of the VoA fee.
It raised the question about Australia's commitment to fostering international tourism and the economic benefits it brings.
WA Premier Roger Cook's announcement of direct air links between Perth and China, scheduled to start in the coming months, adds another layer to the conversation.
While these links could facilitate travel and strengthen ties, the increased visa fees for inbound travellers to Australia may counteract these efforts.
‘We still see Asia through the eyes of caution and still believe we need to make it more difficult for people within our region to come and get to know us. This is really disappointing,’ he said.
Meanwhile, Australian families must pay the VoA arrival fee upon entering Bali.
They await the formal announcement of new regulations to allow families to save more as they begin their Christmas holiday from Bali’s international airport.
In related news, an Australian woman cautioned fellow travellers after a minor visa mistake in Bali cost her an additional $2000.
She had inadvertently overstayed her 30-day visa and mistakenly purchased a second visa instead of extending her original one. Read more about it here.
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