BALI TRAVEL TIPS

 

Visa to Visit Indonesia

The Department of Justice and Human Rights has officially determined that as of August 2005: Indonesia Government had granted visa on arrival favor to 52 countries to be able to purchase the visa on arrival facility upon their arrival in Indonesia's designed “International Gateway” at 15 airports and 21 seaports.

They are: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bulgaria, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, India, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Laos, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Maldives, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, RRC, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, Surinam, Taiwan, The Netherland, United Arab Emirate, United Kingdom and United States of America.

And started per 28 May 2007, Indonesia will be added its Visa on Arrival (VOA) favors to more 11 countries joined with previous 52 other favored countries according to the Directorate General of Immigration recent released paper.

The 11 countries are Algeria, the Czech Republic, Fiji, Latvia, Libya, Lithuania, Panama, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Tunisia.

Tourists from those selected countries will not oblige to apply abroad for a visa but can purchase a visa on arrival at 15 gates of Indonesia's international airports and seaports. The fee for this visa, payable upon landing, is US$10 for a 7 day visa and US$25 for a 30-day visa.

The official entry requirements for the issuance of a 30 or 7 days visa-on arrival:

1. Passport must be from one of the countries listed above.
2. Passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 (six) months from the date of entry into Indonesia.
3. Payment of US$10 or US$25 must be paid at the gateway, depending on the length of visa required.
4. Onward or return tickets are compulsory.
5. Visitors must enter and exit through one of the 15 airports or 21 seaports officially approved as an “international gateway” by the Indonesian Immigration department. 

11 countries and territories are eligible for a "Visa Free" facility. Those holding valid passports from the following countries will be granted a non-extendable 30-day Visa-Free Short Visit Permit upon arrival at an Indonesian international gateway without charge:

Brunei Darussalam, Chile, Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR, Malaysia, Morocco, Peru, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore.

Others nationals that not granted with either visa on arrival favor nor visa free favor from Indonesia government may apply for tourist visa at Indonesia embassy abroad.

 

Do's and Dont's

Things that you should pay attention for your smooth travel experience in Bali and to avoid local faux pas.

DON'T

• - Take drugs. This carry the death penalty according to Indonesian laws.
• - Step on offerings in the street - walk around them.
• - Attempt to swim outside designated areas on the beach.
• - Touch people's heads. It's very offensive to Balinese Hindus.
• - Enter temples during menstruation.
• - Use your left hand in sacking or handing over something to someone as it is considered impolite. If there is no other option then express your apology.

DO

• - Consider to put salt on your food and drink water - you will probably
  sweat a lot.
• - Convert money at a reputable looking money changer shop and independently calculate before changing. Shop around as the rate may vary, check whether the commission is added or not.
• - Put on loads of high factor waterproof Sun Cream especially if you intend to spend a lot of time in the water.
• - Drink a lot of bottled water and eat a lot of fresh fruits - do your body a favor.
• - Be careful with your belonging at all times. Leave your important documents in your hotel safe and wander around with the copies.
• - Respect the slow pace of processions - don't honk.
• - Haggle when buying, except on price-tagged goods.
• - Reconfirm your outbound flight.
• - Show your respect by wearing sarong when entering temples.