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Post by pjmpjm on Sept 19, 2015 20:03:42 GMT 7
by Debbie McTaggart
While Indonesia’s Maritime Affairs Minister Rizal Ramli has announced that Australia would be added to the list of countries on its visa-free policy by October 2015, there is still some doubt as to whether or not Australian travellers will be able to travel visa-fee free.
Currently Australians travelling to Indonesia for 30 days or less for tourism purposes have to pay a visa on arrival fee of US$35. The sticking point to adding Australia to the list of countries entitled to a fee-free visa, is that Australia will not extend the same policy to Indonesians visiting Australia. Currently, the visa charge for Indonesians wishing to enter Australia is $130 and requires the completion of a 15-page form.
On the issue of granting reciprocal fee-free visas, Foreign Affairs Minister, Julie Bishop said, "Australia remains committed to a universal visa regime, which requires all non-citizens to hold a valid visa to enter Australia. There is no intention to provide visa free access for any country".
According to the Indonesian statistics bureau, Australians accounted for 12 per cent of visitors to the country in 2014, third only to Singaporeans and Malaysians.
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Post by Banjo on Sept 19, 2015 20:18:34 GMT 7
Full page visas are a pain in the butt for frequent travelers. I lived in Laos for a while, full page visa and four stamps every month, the passport filled up before my eyes.
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Post by anotherdsp on Sept 21, 2015 9:42:53 GMT 7
i think indoneasia stated that when they get an reciprocal agreement of free visa it will happen??
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Post by Banjo on Sept 21, 2015 18:04:20 GMT 7
In other words, it wont, Australia wont be granting even visa on arrival to Asian countries in our lifetimes.
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Post by anotherdsp on Sept 22, 2015 9:04:42 GMT 7
to banjo,sounds about right!
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Sept 22, 2015 17:32:07 GMT 7
Visa moneys are needed to pay for their Sovereign Border Costs
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