In the following months, Australian travelers wishing to visit Bali in Indonesia may be exempted from paying a fee of Rp500,000 ($50) for a Visa-on-Arrival (VoA).
The Indonesian authorities said that the country is considering dropping the fee before October of this year, intending to make holidaying in the country cheaper for Aussie families, Visa Guide.World reports.
We understand that Indonesia’s Minister for Tourism, Sandiaga 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.
New Move Expects to Save $200 for Aussie Families
He also added that this plan would make traveling cheaper for Aussie families, stating that he expected another jump in the number of holidaymakers heading to their favourite island. According to him, for a family of four, for instance, this could represent a saving of $200.
Not only has this decision frustrated Indonesian authorities but has acted as a significant disincentive for tourists from Indonesia and our region to holiday in Australia.
Although tourism has yet to return to pre-pandemic levels, millions still visit the destination every year, and more than seven million tourists are expected to visit Bali in 2024.
The VoA was scrapped in 2016, resulting in record arrivals to Bali from Australia, but was reinstated after Covid.
Last December, the Indonesian ministry proposed that 20 countries be granted visa-free entry to boost visitor numbers and stimulate the economy, including Australia.
During the same period, 9.1 million Indonesians traveled abroad, but only 11,000 chose Perth. Travellers took advantage of the visa-free entry now offered to them from over 70 other countries. At the same time, the province’s authorities began issuing visitors with a good behaviour guide to curb bad behaviour.
Bali Visitors Also Slugged With a $15 Tourist Tax
In addition to scrapping its $50 fee, Bali introduced a new tourist tax of roughly $15 per person earlier this year. Adding tourism taxes was made to preserve the island’s environment and culture from mass tourism.
This initiative benefits travelers and the Bali Provincial Government, as it is projected to generate over $80 million annually. However, for a family of four, the combined VoA fees and tourist tax would add nearly $300 to their holiday expenses.
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