Bally gets his controversial visa from Aussie

In the coming months, Australian travelers wishing to travel to Bali in Indonesia may be exempted from paying the Rp500,000 ($50) visa-on-arrival (VoA) fee.

Visa Guide.World reports that Indonesian officials have said the country is considering waiving the fee before October this year, in a bid to make vacations in the country affordable for Aussie families.

We understand that Indonesia’s Tourism Minister, Sandiaka Uno, will recommend that about 20 countries, including Australia, be granted visa-free entry into Indonesia, including Bali.

The new move is expected to save Aussie families $200

He added that the plan would make travel affordable for Aussie families, and said he expected another boost in holidaymakers visiting their favorite island. According to him, for a family of four, this would mean a savings of $200.

This decision not only frustrated the Indonesian authorities, but also acted as a significant deterrent to tourists from Indonesia and our region coming to Australia on holiday.

Although tourism has yet to return to pre-pandemic levels, millions flock to the destination each year, and more than seven million tourists are expected to visit Bali by 2024.

VoA was removed in 2016, resulting in recorded visits to Bali from Australia, but has been reinstated post-Covid.

Last December, the Indonesian ministry proposed visa-free entry to 20 countries, including Australia, to boost visitor numbers and boost the economy.

During the same period, 9.1 million Indonesians traveled abroad, but only 11,000 chose Perth. Travelers take advantage of visa-free entry now offered from more than 70 countries. At the same time, the province’s authorities began issuing good behavior guidelines to visitors to prevent bad behavior.

Bali visitors are stymied with a $15 tourist tax

Bali eliminated its $50 fee and introduced a new tourist tax of about $15 per person earlier this year.. Added tourist taxes to protect the island’s environment and culture from mass tourism.

The initiative benefits travelers and the Bali provincial government as it is projected to generate more than $80 million annually. However, for a family of four, VoA charges and tourist tax will add nearly $300 to their vacation cost.