INDONESIA’S immigration authority has shocked the trade with a surprise increase in the price of visas for international travellers implemented today.
According to a media statement issued by the country’s Immigration Offices, the price of a seven-day visa on arrival (VoA) has been increased from US$10 to US$15, while a 30-day VoA now costs US$35 from the initial US$25.
The increment, said the authority, is part of a new government regulation issued this year on the types and tariff of non-tax revenue as regulated by the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights.
Indonesian inbound operators said they were not informed of the new pricing earlier.
Wayan Sandi, operations manager of Floressa Wisata Bali said: “I only learned about the increase last night. I’m afraid guests arriving today will be taken by surprise and take it up with us for not telling them about the increment.”
Similarly, Ricky Setiawanto, director of business development at Panorama Destination, commented: “I learned about it from the media yesterday and only got a copy of the regulation document last night.
“Our packages include VoA fees, so we have no choice but to bear the balance for today’s arrivals.”
The document containing the regulation in question is available on the Indonesia Directorate General of Immigration website, signed by president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on May 30 and enacted on June 3.
However, tour operators TTG Asia e-Daily spoke to did not think the price increase will significantly impact travellers’ decision to visit Indonesia.
Ricky said: “I have yet to see a reaction from our overseas partners, but I don’t think the increase will have much impact on our clients.”
On the possible effect on MICE travellers, Ketut Salam, managing director of PACTO Convex, said: “Visa fees have never been an issue in the MICE business as far as I know. The fee is a small component compared to the other MICE components and most of the time the fee is paid by the client.”
