TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The government planned to expand the application of Visa on Arrival (VoA) to boost the number of foreign tourist visits. The policy has thus far been applied in Bali which has opened its doors to international tourists.

"The government will also implement Visa on Arrival at several other airports, such as Jakarta and Surabaya,” said Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan at an online press conference, Monday, March 14.

According to Luhut, the application of a Visa on Arrival in Bali since March 7, 2022, has pushed an increase in foreign tourist visits. There were 449 tourists visiting the island by applying for Visa on Arrival.

“The total PNBP (Non-Tax State Revenue) amounts to Rp224 million,” Luhut added.

In addition, Luhut said his side will add more countries allowed to apply for Visa on Arrival, especially countries that have great tourism potential and G20 countries. To date, the policy is only eligible for 23 countries.

After the reopening of international gates via Bali and the Riau Islands, the government enforced Visa on Arrival and quarantine-free entry in an effort to revive tourism. The two regions were chosen because of their controlled COVID-19 trend and high vaccination rate.

Read: Foreign Tourist Applying for Visa on Arrival in Bali Increases

ANTARA