Travel Trade Gazette (TTG) Asia is reporting that the Indonesia Directorate General of Immigration has partnered with VFS Global to launch a new e-Visa on Arrival (e-VoA) service for 97 eligible nationalities, including the US, Canada, India and Australia, starting in December 2024, complementing the existing e-VoA system that the immigration office has been operating for the past few years.
Silmy Karim, deputy minister for immigration and corrections of Indonesia, said: “This new service will enable visitors to apply for the e-VoA online before their departure, ensuring a smooth, hassle-free process that reduces delays and enhances the overall traveller experience. Upon arrival, the e-visa can be used to enter Indonesian airports seamlessly via the e-gates,” adding that “We believe digitalisation can simplify the process, and VFS has the technology to make it easier for visitors.”
The service will also include a group booking option, making it useful for travel agents and event organisers managing large groups and conventions.
TTG Asia reports that the new service also offers Emirates passengers an e-VoA application service. “If you go to the Emirates website and buy a flight ticket to Jakarta or Bali, you can also apply for an e-VoA (at the same time),” explained Silmy. He also mentioned that his office is in discussions with Garuda Indonesia to provide the same service.
To further support the initiative, VFS Global has established dedicated counters in Dubai, Mumbai, and Shanghai, with plans for additional locations in Australia. This expansion aims to enhance services in key markets, including India, China, Australia, South Korea, Japan, and the Middle East, says TTG Asia.
In response to the partnership, Jongki Adiyasa, executive director of Ina Leisure, stated that the new service ensures quicker entry into Indonesia. “It provides travellers with a new option for processing their documents. The more options available, the better the chance for travellers to receive the best services.”
Monas Tjahjono, managing director of Monas Tours & Travel, noted that the VFS service would be particularly useful during the peak season, as the immigration website can sometimes face glitches due to high traffic.
Source: Travel Trade Gazette (TTG) Asia
Stock Image by Rudy and Peter Skitterians from Pixabay
