A digital Visa on Arrival (e-VoA) system is being introduced by Indonesia as part of efforts to boost tourism.
The electronic service is due to go live next month.
The initiative comes as the country reported a “significant recovery” from the impact of the pandemic with 335,000 UK arrivals last year.
Bali is a key destination in the country with UK tourists being the largest European contributors to the island’s tourism representing about 1.74 million visitors recorded in the past decade.
Indonesia aims to attract 14 million global travellers this year, having achieved almost 10 million in the first eight months of 2024.
This new e-VoA service aligns with ongoing efforts to boost tourism infrastructure and services, according to the government.
his service will allow travellers from the UK, as well as citizens from 95 other nationalities, to complete their visa applications online before departure to receive a pre-approved e-VoA to smooth the entry process into Indonesia.
The e-VoA can obtained via the website of visa specialist VFS Global, submitting all the required documents, and paying the necessary fees online prior to travel. The current visa on arrival fee is almost £25.
Once the application is submitted, travellers can receive visas via email before departure.
Immigration director general Silmy Karim said: “The Directorate General of Immigration offers the latest digital solutions that enhance the experience for foreign nationals who wish to visit Indonesia.
“In our collaboration with VFS Global, we aim to effectively contribute to increasing the arrival of foreigners, taking into account the network and digital platform owned by our partners.”
VFS Global will offer dedicated email and live support in multiple languages, including English, Mandarin, Japanese, Korean, Arabic, German and French. The platform will also feature group booking facilities beneficial for travel trade and conventions.
VFS Global founder and chief executive Zubin Karkaria said: “Indonesia is a very popular destination for travellers across the globe, and we are excited to unveil a service that will make their visa application process quicker, simpler and much more convenient.
“This user-friendly and highly secure digital e-VoA service will considerably enhance the visa application experience, thereby facilitating increase in tourism to the country.”
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