Eighteen cruise ships carrying foreign passengers are scheduled to dock at Bali's Benoa Harbor throughout 2022. Head of the Denpasar Immigration Office, Tedy Riyandi, said that until early November four cruise ships had brought foreign tourists to the Island of the Gods. Baca selengkapnya

BALI - The reopening of Benoa International Port in Bali for the arrival of cruise ships for the first time after the Covid-19 Pandemic which brought billionaire foreign tourists on Thursday (27/10/2022) was a momentum to boost the entry of foreign tourists through the immigration facility policies offered such as VOA, Second Home Visa and Immigration on Shipping. In the near future, a stimulant policy in the form of eVisa and eVOA will make tourists easier to have Indonesia Tourist Visa.

This was conveyed by the Acting Director General of Immigration, Widodo Ekatjahjana when conducting surveillance and inspections in Benoa Harbor on the occasion to ensure all immigration facilities and infrastructure were running well.

"The first arrival of the cruise after the Covid pandemic brought foreign tourists. I think we have to start improving our services, providing convenience and comfort and pampering these foreign tourists through immigration services that are easy, fast, and friendly" said Widodo.

He is optimistic that Immigration can facilitate the improvement of the tourism sector by cooperating with relevant ministries/institutions.

The first cruise ship that docked at Benoa was the MV. National Geographic Orion from the Bahamas carrying 53 passengers and 66 crew. The ship previously departed from Sumbawa and will continue its journey to Singapore. The Acting Director General of Immigration directly checked and greeted the crew and passengers.

The increase in non-tax state income can also be increased by the arrival of cruise ship tourists.

Immigration invites Pelni, Pelindo, Jakarta Dloyd and Benline stakeholders to attract as many tourists as possible to Bali and other destinations in Indonesia.

"That Bali will become an entry point for other tourism destinations through the arrival of foreign cruise ships," concluded the Acting Director General of Immigration

The Directorate General of Immigration issued Circular Number IMI-0700.GR.01.01 on 14 September 2022 to support sustainable tourism after improving the Covid-19 pandemic. The circular states that foreign nationals eligible for Visa on Arrival (VoA) can use the visa for traveling and activities other than tourism, such as business talks.

"Foreign nationals can use VoA for activities, namely tourism, government official visit, business talks, purchasing goods, meetings, and transits," said Sub-Coordinator of Public Relations of the Directorate General of Immigration, Achmad Nur Saleh on Monday (17/10/2022).

In addition, nine countries subject to visa exemption arrangements can also use the facility for such activities. Nine countries subject to visa exemption are Brunei Darussalam, the Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Read also : Foreigners can Apply for Visa on Arrival in Indonesia Without Travel Agent

"We must emphasize that the use of VoA is strictly limited to these six activities, nothing more. As for foreigners who come for purposes such as attending seminars/training or conducting inspections/audits, they must apply for another more suitable visa," he said.

The requirements to apply for a Visa on Arrival are as follows:
1. Passport that is valid for at least 6 (six) months
2. A return ticket or onward ticket to continue the trip to another country
3. Invitation letter from the Ministry/Agency/Agency of the Republic of Indonesia for an official visit
4. Proof of payment of Visa on Arrival (Rp. 500,000)

The public who wants to know more about Immigration Border Control that provides Visa on Arrival service can check at https://www.imigrasi.go.id/id/visa-kunjungan-saat-kedatangan/ or contact the Directorate General of Immigration Live Chat at www.imigrasi.go.id.This service is available Monday-Friday from 09.00-15.00 WIB.

Reporter: Ajeng Rahma Safitri
Editor: Muhammad Fijar Sulistyo

Foreign nationals who want to visit Indonesia can apply for a Visa on Arrival (VoA). Unlike eVisa, which can only apply through the immigration official website, foreigners apply for a VoA by themselves upon arrival in Indonesia without a third party.

"Recently, news has circulated that Indian citizens and several other countries can use fast-track facilities from third parties for VoA applications. We inform you that VoA can only apply directly upon arrival in Indonesian territory, with payment made at the bank counter available at the arrival area and a sticker stamped by the Immigration Border Control officer," said Sub-Coordinator of Public Relations of the DGI, Achmad Nur Saleh on Monday (10/10/2022).

Meanwhile, foreigners from countries not on the VoA countries list  who want to travel, conduct business meetings, or do other activities can apply for a visa online through a website-based application, visa-online.imigrasi.go.id. Before making an application, a foreigner's sponsor in Indonesia must apply online as a visa sponsor on the website.

"On the other hand, Immigration is taking steps to improve VoA arrangements. We hope that the data entry, payment, and VoA issuance procedures can be carried out digitally before foreigners arrive in Indonesian territory," he said.

However, he continued implementing the new VoA procedure requires careful preparation with the cooperation of the relevant agencies. The applicant's VoA payment as a Non-Tax State Revenue will need adjustments in the state's payment system.

"We emphasize once again that Immigration (DGI) currently does not collaborate with other parties for the issuance of Visa on Arrival and eVisa. The DGI would officially inform all cooperation arrangements through the official website and social media of the Directorate General of Immigration," he concluded.

Reporter: Ajeng Rahma Safitri
Editor: Muhammad Fijar Sulistyo

JAKARTA (15/9) – Foreigners can now attend business meetings with a Visa on Arrival (VoA) or a Visitor Visa Exemption arrangement (VVE). It is stated in the Acting Director General of Immigration Circular Letter Number IMI-0700.GR.01.01 of 2022, dated 14 September 2022, which is effective on Thursday, 15 September 2022.

It also regulates the addition of 11 countries subject to VoA: Albania, Andorra, Chile, Ecuador, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Palestine, San Marino, Suriname, Uzbekistan, and the Vatican. Meanwhile, the subject of the VVE still consists of nine ASEAN member countries, namely Brunei Darussalam, the Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

"That's right, in the latest circular letter, there are 11 additional VoA subject countries. There is also an addition to the activities permitted to use VVE and VoA. Among them are tourist visits; government duties; business talks; purchase of goods; meetings; or transit," explained the Sub-Coordinator of Public Relations of the Directorate General of Immigration, Achmad Nur Saleh.

Achmad further explained that there was a change in the Immigration Border Control (IBC) which provided VVE and VoA.

"It must be noted that there is a change in the IBC list, which offers services for both VVE and VoA, especially the airports. There have been several additions to the IBC list. However, some airports previously provided VVE or VoA services, but now they are no longer on the IBC list. Some of them are Adisumarmo Airport – Surakarta; Raja Haji Fi Sabilillah – Tanjung Pinang; Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II – Palembang; Syamsuddin Noor – Banjarmasin.”

To obtain VVE or VoA, foreigners must show a nationality passport that is still valid for at least 6 (six) months, a return ticket or a one-way ticket to continue their journey to another country and VoA payment receipts.

"The VoA tariff is Rp500,000, the same for a stay permit extension. The stay permit originating from VoA can be extended only once for 30 days and carried out at the immigration office according to the area where the foreigner lives in Indonesia. Foreigners cannot convert the VoA's stay permit to another type of stay permit," concluded Achmad.

Tuesday, 21 June 2022, 15.00 WIB
Reporter: Ajeng Rahma Safitri
Editor: Muhammad Fijar Sulistyo

The increasing interest of international tourists to travel to Indonesia and the gradual operations of business back to normal have inevitably raised more and more questions about the provisions for entering Indonesian territory. This is understandable, bearing in mind that over the past two years there have been many changes in regulations that have taken place due to adjusting to pandemic conditions. Following are some questions from the public regarding the travel requirements of foreign nationals to enter Indonesia compiled by the editorial team of the Directorate General of Immigration:
1. I will come to Indonesia in June 2022, please advise whether health insurance/travel insurance and RT PCR test results are needed?
2. What are the travel requirements for Visa on Arrival users?
3. Can I pay for Visa on Arrival in US Dollars or other foreign currencies?
4. Can I apply for a Visa on Arrival if I enter Indonesia by land?
5. Can a foreign citizen without a state (stateless person) apply for a visa?

Responding to the questions that often pass through the Directorate General of Immigration's communication channels, the Public Relations Sub-Coordinator, Achmad Nur Saleh, gave the following complete answers:

Health Protocols are not the Authority of the Directorate General of Immigration
"This question is one of the most frequently asked on our various channels because some people might think that the health protocol for International Travelers (PPLN) is the responsibility of Immigration. However, please be advised that the most important health protocol regulators are the Covid-19 Task Force and the Ministry of Health," he explained.

Therefore, people who want to get updated information on PPLN health protocol can check the latest circular letter on this website: https://covid19.go.id/. The latest PPLN health protocol regulation to date is the Circular No. 19 of 2022 issued by the Covid-19 Task Force, which can be downloaded HERE.

As additional information, on June 8, 2022 the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a Circular number SE/00081/PK/06/2022/64 which is an addendum to the Covid-19 Task Force Circular No. 19/2022 on Health Protocols. In the addendum it is stated that foreigners who wish to enter the territory of the Republic of Indonesia do not need to show proof of ownership of health insurance. This policy is temporary, and will be readjusted based on the global health development.

"PPLN will also undergo a health check at the airport or seaport. It is better to prepare funds/cash for this examination process, in case you are eligible for a test," he said.

Foreigners subject to Visa on Arrival (VOA) need to ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months
Meanwhile, continued Achmad, foreigners from countries that are the subject of a Visa on Arrival must ensure that their passport validity period is at least 6 (six) months from the date of arrival in Indonesia. They are also required to show a travel ticket to leave Indonesia after their vacation is over.

VOA fee is IDR 500,000
Foreigners who wish to apply for a VOA but have not exchanged currency do not need to worry. At the arrival hall, before passing through the immigration check, they will find the Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) counter. They can exchange currency and make VOA payments at the counter.
"After that, they can proceed to the immigration check to verify the complete documents and be granted a VOA," said Achmad.

VOA is provided at several Air, Sea and Land Immigration Check Points (TPI).
On May 27, 2022, Acting Director General of Immigration, Widodo Ekatjahjana issued Circular No. IMI-0603.GR.01.01 of 2022 which provides immigration facilities to support sustainable tourism during the Covid-19 pandemic. In the Circular, there are several TPI determined to provide Visa on Arrival facilities, namely:

Airport Immigration Checkpoints:
(a) Hang Nadim in the Riau Islands,
b) Hasanuddin in South Sulawesi,
c) Juanda in East Java,
d) Kualanamu in North Sumatra,
e) Ngurah Rai in Bali,
f) Sam Ratulangi in North Sulawesi,
g) Soekarno Hatta in DKI Jakarta,
h) Yogyakarta in DI Yogyakarta, and
i) Zainuddin Abdul Majid in West Nusa Tenggara;

(2) Seaport Immigration Checkpoints:
a) Benoa in Bali,
b) Bandar Bentan Telani Lagoi in the Riau Islands,
c) Bandar Seri Udana Lobam in Riau Islands,
d) Batam Center in Riau Islands,
e) Citra Tri Tunas in Riau Islands,
f) Dumai in Riau,
g) Senimba Bay Marina in the Riau Islands,
h) Nongsa Marine Terminal in Riau Islands,
i) Sekupang in the Riau Islands,
j) Sri Bintan Pura in the Riau Islands, and
k) Tanjung Balai Karimun in the Riau Islands;

(3) Land Border Crossing Immigration Checkpoints:
a) Aruk in West Kalimantan,
b) Entikong in West Kalimantan,
c) Mota'in in East Nusa Tenggara, and
d) Tunon Taka in North Kalimantan.

A stateless foreigner can apply for a visitor visa

People who have previously applied for a visa must have seen the column "Immigration Documents (Dokim)" listed on the document upload page. Achmad explained that the Immigration Documents are passport or other documents in lieu of a passport.
"Thus, a stateless foreigner (stateless person) can apply for an Indonesian visa, as long as they have other documents recognized by the granting country as having functions like a passport. For example, there are countries where residents within their borders are not issued regular passports, but are given 'Alien Passport'. This passport can be used for visa application," Achmad explained.

Thursday, 14 April 2022, 2.30 p.m.
Reporter: Ajeng Rahma Safitri
Editor: Muhammad Fijar Sulistyo

The opening of Immigration Checkpoints (TPI) for foreigners in several airports and seaports in Indonesia has attracted foreign arrivals from various parts of the world, especially after the implementation of Visa-Free Entry (BVK) and Visa On Arrival (VOA). However, some foreigners come to Indonesia using a Temporary Stay Visa (Vitas). The Vitas users are required to report to an immigration office and convert their Vitas to a Temporary Stay Permit (ITAS) no later than 30 days after arrival.

The Public Relations Subcoordinator of the Directorate General of Immigration, Achmad Nur Saleh, explained that based on Government Regulation (PP) Number 48 of 2021, the application for ITAS must be submitted no later than 30 (thirty) days after arrival.

“This regulation is especially emphasized on foreigners entering Indonesian territory using Vitas. The public understanding is that Vitas has a longer validity period, so they don’t need to immediately report to Immigration office. However, according to the PP No. 48 of 2021, foreigners entering Indonesia using Vitas are required to report to an Immigration office and convert the Vitas to ITAS no later than 30 days after their arrival, "said Achmad.

Meanwhile, a Single-Entry Visitor Visa (B211 A) is also valid as a visitor stay permit. Foreigners using this type of visa only need to come to immigration office if they want to extend their stay permit.

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"In addition, the PP No. 31 of 2013 Article 143 Section (2) states that if an ITAS application is not submitted within the specified period, fees will be charged in accordance with the provisions of the legislation," he added.

Therefore, Achmad encourages foreigners and their sponsors to be aware of this and immediately report the convertion of Vitas to ITAS. ITAS will be issued within 4 (four) working days after the foreigners report and apply for the permit.

Tuesday, 12 April 2022, 6 p.m. WIB
Reporter: Ajeng Rahma Safitri
Editor: Muhammad Fijar Sulistyo

After issuing the Visa-Free Entry and Visa on Arrival policy through the Circular of the Director General of Immigration (DGI) dated 5 April 2022, DGI records a significant number of foreign arrivals. As of April 10, 2022, it was observed that a total of 7,449 foreign nationals entered 7 Immigration Checkpoints (TPI) at airports and seaports.

The DGI Public Relations Subcoordinator, Achmad Nur Saleh, explains that the majority of foreigners applying for the Visa On Arrival enter through I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport.

"According to the crossings data recapitulation for the period of 6 - 10 April 2022, I Ngurah Rai Airport has issued 6,699 VOA. Meanwhile, 612 foreigners entered through Soekarno-Hatta Airport. The opening of the Visa-Free Entry and VOA facilities receives a very good response from the public, including foreigners meeting their family members or relatives and those who has long planned to marry Indonesian citizens," concluded Achmad.

The arrival of foreigners using VOA is also seen at Bandar Telani Lagoi and Batam Center Terminal Seaport, which have issued 67 and 37 VOA respectively. This number is followed by 16 VOA issued by Juanda Airport, Surabaya, 14 by Nongsa Seaport, Batam, and 14 by Citra Tritunas Seaport. The highest foreign arrival flow with VOA in the first week of the facility opening occurred on Saturday (10/04/2022) with a total of 2,030 people.

Of the total foreign arrivals during the four days, Australians were the largest users of VOA, with 2,032 arrivals. The next largest VOA users include 898 arrivals from the United Kingdom, 701 from Germany, 700 from the United States and 589 form France.

“Foreign tourists arriving with VOA are mostly from high spender countries, whose many of its citizens allocate their money for tourism activities. We hope that the global COVID-19 situation will get better, so that our tourism can be revived as it used to be. If conditions continue to improve, there is a possibility that countries added to the list of VOA subject may be increased," he added.