I have done a least dozen trips with Qatar Airways from Copenhagen to Bali. Every time my return date is past the 30 days that a Visa on Arrivial gives you. I have never had any problems. Just extend the VISA once in Bali and pay up the agent fee. Everyone is happy.
This time I was flying with Qatar from Oslo. At check in a pop up came up on the computer screen to alert the check in attendant to check for a valid VISA in my passport because my return leg was beyond 30 days. I had no VISA in my passport. I was planning on VOA + extention this time like so many times before. I explained carefully that the VOA could be extended once in Bali. I showed several examples of this in my passport. The attendant then called the airline representative to double check and no I am not boarding the plane without a valid VISA. IfI were not to be allowed to enter Bali Qatar must bring me back and he’s ass would be on the line with his managers.
Next I am off to the Qatar ticket counter to review my options together with the airline representative. They were basically limited to get a new ticket or not to go at all. I had bought my ticket with miles and there was simply was no seats available for any dates within the VOA 30 days. That door was firmly shut.
I asked what other options there could be except buying a whole new ticket doing my best to open any doors possible. By now the rep was starting to realize that he was about to boot a member of their miles club of the plane and suggested that a reservation receipt with a return date within the 30 days would be acceptable. Unless I paid up it within 24 hours the reservation would be forfeited but I had something to show imigrasi.
I was more than relieved when I boarded the plane and took my seat.
So I suggest you double check with the airline in good time about their policy so you don't get any nasty surprises at the airport like did. For me it is the social visa next time.
This time I was flying with Qatar from Oslo. At check in a pop up came up on the computer screen to alert the check in attendant to check for a valid VISA in my passport because my return leg was beyond 30 days. I had no VISA in my passport. I was planning on VOA + extention this time like so many times before. I explained carefully that the VOA could be extended once in Bali. I showed several examples of this in my passport. The attendant then called the airline representative to double check and no I am not boarding the plane without a valid VISA. IfI were not to be allowed to enter Bali Qatar must bring me back and he’s ass would be on the line with his managers.
Next I am off to the Qatar ticket counter to review my options together with the airline representative. They were basically limited to get a new ticket or not to go at all. I had bought my ticket with miles and there was simply was no seats available for any dates within the VOA 30 days. That door was firmly shut.
I asked what other options there could be except buying a whole new ticket doing my best to open any doors possible. By now the rep was starting to realize that he was about to boot a member of their miles club of the plane and suggested that a reservation receipt with a return date within the 30 days would be acceptable. Unless I paid up it within 24 hours the reservation would be forfeited but I had something to show imigrasi.
I was more than relieved when I boarded the plane and took my seat.
So I suggest you double check with the airline in good time about their policy so you don't get any nasty surprises at the airport like did. For me it is the social visa next time.
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