Bangladeshi tourists and businessmen are now eligible for visas upon arrival in Indonesia for trips lasting up to 30 days.
Indonesia waived visa requirements for nationals of Bangladesh and 78 other countries, expanding its list of visa-free nations to 169.
Confirming the matter of visa exemption, Bangladesh Ambassador to Indonesia Nazmul Quaunine told the Dhaka Tribune yesterday: “Bangladeshi travellers will be granted a 30-day stay in Indonesia upon payment of a $30 entry fee.
“Visa-free arrivals have begun at Jakarta and Bali airports, but are expected to be offered at other airports soon. Our embassy has requested the Indonesian authorities to inform us of visa-free opportunities for Bangladeshis at other ports of entry as they become available.”
Bangladeshis who wish to visit Indonesia must have hotel bookings, return tickets and be able to demonstrate financial solvency. Travellers who overstay their visas will be charged $30 per day.
Earlier, a statement released on March 18 from the Indonesian cabinet secretary said President Joko Widodo had signed the decree into a law, granting visa-free entry to tourists from these 169 countries.
The statement said the presidential decree will come into effect once it is ratified, adding that the Legal and Human Rights Ministry authorised it on March 10.
Another statement released on March 18 from the Foreign Affairs Ministry in Jakarta said the waiver was made to continue government efforts to boost the number of foreign visitors.
The government seeks to fulfil a target to attract 20 million tourists every year by 2019, in order to improve economic growth.
“Last year alone, 9.73 million tourists visited Indonesia,” it said.
Ambassador Nazmul Quaunine warned the general public to avoid middlemen who may be involved in human trafficking, taking advantage of the fact that Australia and Malaysia border Indonesia.
Nazmul said: “This opportunity is for prospective tourists and businessmen from Bangladesh who can build a positive relationship between the two countries.”
The Indonesian Embassy in Dhaka has already sent a note verbale to the Foreign Ministry regarding the approval.