Ever since 9/11 visa requirements around the world have become stricter and it seems no passport is immune these days. I am sure we all remember the days when a trip to Mexico only required a valid drivers license. The ease of border crossing and entry into a foreign country was almost as smooth in much of Asia however a passport was, as it is today, required. It used to be that arriving in Indonesia meant a quick information check followed by a series of stamps. You then moved through immigration with a little more color in your passport and permission to travel the islands unperturbed for 90 days.
This is not the current situation but you do have options.
The first one, the one requiring the least effort, is to simply obtain a VOA or Visa on Arrival. On landing in Indonesia you hand over US$25 and a 30 visa, which you can extend, is stamped in your passport and you are free to enjoy the wonders of the land.
The second option is to obtain a visa from the consulate office in your local area before you depart. This will cost US$45 and is valid for 60 days from the date of entry thus allowing a lengthier stay that doesn’t include the hassle of seeking out an extension.
It should be noted, just so you are prepared, that countries and their governments do tend to change visa requirements every now and then and without much of a warning. Indo Discovery Travel does attempt to keep the information on the website current however it is always strongly recommended that you contact either the local consulates of the countries you are visiting, your own governments travel advisory service, or an independent visa specialist who can assist you in obtaining the relevant papers you will need for your journey.
For a list of countries in Asia and their individual visa requirements please click on this link…right here!
© Written and photographed by Tim O’Callaghan, Indo Discovery Travel
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