Bali Expat Forum - Bali Travel Forum

Someone has suggested that since Timor is not a part of the country of Indonesia and is, at least theorhetically, independant that one could do a visa run to there instead of to Singapore, KL, Bangkok or wherever. Never heard of such a theory expounded. Does anyone know if such a thing is possible? It seems far fetched to me.

On a related money saving note; Over at Highway Immigration and Visa service in Ubud, they are saying that if you have a business visa that, although you're SUPPOSED to leave Indonesia every 6 months, in practice you do not NEED to if you grease the wheels of the machine as it were. Is this recommended? The owner is saying that many people have been doing that for a long time.

Can't comment on the business visa, but a member of this forum has done the Timor visa run for a social visa renewal. Timor is indeed a country independent from Indonesia and has an Indonesian consulate that issues visas. She posted about the experience - sorry can't recall which forum - it was at least 2 years ago. I do recall her saying it was quite a hassle but maybe it's improved now. Personally I would not want to go to Dili it's too unstable. Singapore is quick and easy and relatively inexpensive. If you are really hard pressed for funds, search Thorn Tree forum - there are some overland options I've read about there.

Someone has suggested that since Timor is not a part of the country of Indonesia and is, at least theorhetically, independant that one could do a visa run to there

I don't see why you couldn't do that if you wanted to. I don't know if it would be cheaper to travel there though.

Gongchime,

Martial, at Highway, had the right police "protection" just few months after he arrived in Ubud, 5 years ago, so no doubts, he also has the right connections at imigrasi, and it is possible to do so, with any type of visa for that matter. However, you are openning yourself to blackmail, sooner or later. Over the years, I have known couple of fellows who tried such a scheme, and they soon regreted it. Not recommended at all.