Bali Expat Forum - Bali Travel Forum

[Roy]

The Bali Post reported in today’s issue that the first day of the new visa on arrival caused delays of up to two hours for tourists to be processed through Ngura Rai airport. Is anyone surprised?

[newquay]

The new policy, in effect, will shift earnings from ordinary people's pockets to the state's coffers due to the $10 to $35 fee per visa
Jakarta Post - VOA

It's sad but simply true. The money I spend on the visa would have been spent in local shops and restaurants.

Why are the Indonesian government doing this to the local people. Shouldn't they be following a policy of encouraging tourists or are they just relying on the fact that people will come anyway and just reduce their spending? WIll it really be invested into the right places.

I am waiting in the next few weeks to hear my Balinese friends saying "No Businesss Today, Very Quiet!" much more often: I feel very bad for them. But what can I do?

Regards
Glen

[garaji]

So sorry but true. Thank you for the heads up. It will save time, RB......[/quote]

[newquay]

So sorry but true. Thank you for the heads up. It will save time, RB......

What will save time? Sorry I didn't understand.

[Roy]

All I’ve heard in the last five or so days from newly arrived tourists is horror stories of incredible delays, lack of any sound information, and the need to sleep for two days after arrival at Ngura Rai. As one put it, “the Keystone Cops” were far better organized. The worst I’ve heard though, is of tourists being sent away, denied entry. This has happened to several Swis, Austrian and Spanish passengers who did not acquire visas in their home countries prior to departure. Several European countries are not on the “approved” and able to purchase a tourist visa on arrival. For me this stupidity is beyond description, let alone any understanding. To come to Paradise these days, it seems to be a requirement to enter via the gates of hell.