Attractions galore ... The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is one of Australia’s most popular destinations. Picture: Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
AUSTRALIA will relax the rules for Indonesian visitors next year in the hope our northern neighbour will reciprocate with free entry for Aussie tourists heading to Bali.
From January 1, Indonesian residents will be able to apply for a three-year multiple entry visa to Australia, an extension of the current one-year permit.
And from 2017, all Indonesian citizens will be able to lodge their application online, making the process much simpler and more streamlined.
Easier ride ... Travelling to Australia will get a bit easier for Indonesian citizens next year. Picture: AP Photo/Firdia LisnawatiSource:AP
The move appears designed to appease Indonesian authorities, who have refused to add Australia to their list of “free entry” countries because of the tough visa demands on their citizens.
Australia’s Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, Peter Dutton announced the new initiatives in Jakarta, and said they would benefit both countries.
“This change reflects Australia’s close relationship with Indonesia and is part of the Government’s agenda to boost our tourism sector and to reduce red tape,” said Mr Dutton.
In the year to September, 150,500 Indonesian people travelled down under, only slightly up on the previous 12-months.
Popular ... Australia’s visa changes for Indonesian residents may be enough to get us on to the free entry list to Bali. Picture: iStockSource:Supplied
Tourism Australia Managing Director John O’Sullivan said the new visa arrangements would significantly enhance the tourism potential of the Indonesian market.
“Global tourism is a fiercely competitive marketplace and our research shows that, for many travellers considering Australia as a destination, visas arrangements are an important part of the decision-making process,” Mr O’Sullivan said.
Dream city ... Who wouldn’t want to come to Australia? Picture: Andy WangSource:Supplied
“The new three-year multi-entry visas really opens the door to repeat visits and a provides us with a great marketing platform.”
Scrapping the $50 entry fee for Aussies travelling to Indonesia would benefit more than 100,000 people a month, most of whom head to Bali.
Currently 45 countries are granted free entry to Indonesia, including New Zealand, China, Japan, Germany, the US, the UK and France.
On the volcanic ash front, conditions were favourable for flying in and out of Denpasar yesterday, with Jetstar and Virgin Australia both operating most of their scheduled services.
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