The Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration has entered into a partnership with VFS Global to simplify the Visa on Arrival (VOA) process for international tourists. This initiative aims to attract more visitors while improving the overall immigration experience for those entering Indonesia. By leveraging VFS Global’s expertise in visa and passport issuance, the collaboration is expected to significantly enhance the efficiency of border crossings for foreign tourists.
A Digital Transformation
VFS Global, a leading outsourcing and technology services specialist, will facilitate online applications for the VOA. This digital transformation aims to streamline the visa application process, making it more convenient for tourists. General Director of Immigration Silmy Karim highlighted that the partnership will allow tourists to apply for a VOA prior to their arrival in Indonesia. By obtaining an e-visa, travelers can enjoy a smoother and faster experience when passing through automatic gates at Indonesian airports.
“The hope is that this will further increase foreign tourist visits through VFS’s network in 153 countries and their cooperation with airlines,” Karim stated after the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) with VFS Global in Jakarta on October 16.
Eligibility and Entry Points
Foreign tourists from all countries, except citizens from the 13 nations granted visa-free entry by the Indonesian government, are eligible to apply for a VOA. The visa allows entry through various international arrival points, which are currently dominated by I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali and Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Banten.
Silmy Karim noted the positive trends in tourist arrivals to Indonesia, reporting a significant increase in travelers. In Bali alone, there was a 30% rise in visitors from January to September 2024 compared to the previous year. Notably, this figure represents an increase of over 25% compared to pre-COVID-19 levels. Meanwhile, Soekarno-Hatta Airport has experienced a single-digit growth rate of 7% for foreign travelers, excluding Indonesian citizens.
Visa Options During Ticket Purchases
In addition to the online VOA application process, foreign tourists can also apply for a visa while purchasing their flight tickets, although this option is currently limited to Emirates Airlines. Silmy expressed optimism that national carriers such as Garuda Indonesia and IndiGo would join this initiative in the near future. “Garuda is presumably in the process, followed by IndiGo. That would be very good because when buying tickets, foreign nationals can obtain a visa,” he explained.
Collaboration Duration and Future Prospects
The partnership between VFS Global and the Directorate General of Immigration is set to remain in effect for the next two years, with the possibility of extension. Silmy Karim hopes that this collaboration will yield numerous benefits for Indonesia, including increased foreign exchange earnings and a surge in tourist visits.
Kaushik Ghosh, Head of Australasia at VFS Global, revealed that the online platform for prospective tourists to Indonesia is scheduled to be ready by December 2024. Tourists will be required to fill out application forms, upload necessary documents online, and pay a visa processing fee of IDR 500,000 (approximately USD 35) per person, along with a service fee of IDR 230,000.
Quick Processing and Comprehensive Support
According to Ghosh, travelers can expect to receive their visas within 24, 48, or 72 hours, depending on the immigration processes. The online platform will also provide services in six languages—English, Mandarin, Japanese, Korean, and French—enhancing accessibility for a diverse range of tourists. Furthermore, 24/7 customer support will be available through call centers, chatbots, and email assistance, ensuring that tourists have the necessary support throughout the application process.
The platform also accommodates group visa applications, simplifying the process for travel agents managing group tours. This feature aims to ease the visa application burden for organizations that frequently bring large groups of tourists to Indonesia.
A Step Towards Modernization
This partnership marks a significant milestone in modernizing Indonesia’s immigration services while promoting tourism. By making the country more accessible and welcoming to international visitors, Indonesia aims to capitalize on the growing interest in its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.
With the collaboration between the Directorate General of Immigration and VFS Global, Indonesia is poised to enhance its appeal as a travel destination, thereby boosting its economy through increased tourism revenue. The initiative reflects the country’s commitment to improving the visitor experience and positioning itself as a competitive player in the global tourism market.
Conclusion
As Indonesia embraces this partnership with VFS Global, it stands on the brink of a transformative shift in its immigration services. The streamlined VOA process not only simplifies entry for international tourists but also underscores the nation’s dedication to enhancing the overall travel experience. By investing in digital solutions and improving support services, Indonesia is set to attract a greater number of visitors, ultimately benefiting its economy and cultural exchange on the world stage.
Related Topics:
