Indonesia Partners with VFS Global to Simplify e-Visa on Arrival Process

Indonesia: In a strategic move aimed at boosting tourism and facilitating foreign investment, VFS Global has been selected to provide a new e-Visa on Arrival (e-VoA) service for Indian citizens and 96 other nationalities. The service is set to launch in the first half of December 2024, just in time for the peak travel season, and will simplify visa procedures for travelers wishing to visit.

The initiative is the result of an exclusive partnership between the Directorate General of Immigration, under Indonesia’s Ministry of Law and Human Rights, and VFS Global. This collaboration is expected to make the visa application process smoother, quicker, and more accessible, attracting more international tourists and encouraging foreign investments in Indonesia’s growing economy.

Indonesia: Simplifying the Visa Process for Global Travelers

“Indonesia is a very popular destination for travelers across the globe, and we are excited to unveil a service that will make their visa application process quicker, simpler, and much more convenient,” said Zubin Karkaria, Group Founder and CEO of VFS Global. The service will not only simplify visa applications but also enhance Indonesia’s global appeal as a tourist and investment destination.

The collaboration also involves the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, ensuring that the e-Visa on Arrival service aligns with the country’s goals of boosting international tourism and driving economic growth.

Multilingual Support to Enhance Customer Experience

To further improve the experience for travelers, VFS Global will offer comprehensive multilingual support through email and live assistance. Available in seven languages—English, Mandarin, Japanese, Korean, Arabic, German, and French—this service ensures that travelers from diverse backgrounds can navigate the visa application process with ease.

The introduction of this feature reflects VFS Global’s commitment to delivering a seamless customer experience, addressing any queries efficiently, and helping travelers feel more at ease as they plan their visit to Indonesia.

Tourism Growth Strategy

Tourism sector has set ambitious goals for 2024, aiming to welcome 14 million international visitors. From January to August 2024, the country already saw 9.92 million arrivals, signaling strong momentum as the nation continues to emerge as a key global destination.

Director General of Immigration, Silmy Karim, emphasized the importance of the partnership with VFS Global: “In our collaboration with VFS Global, we aim to effectively contribute to increasing the arrival of foreigners, taking into account the network and digital platform owned by our partners.”

This new e-Visa on Arrival service is expected to not only make Indonesia more accessible to international visitors but also strengthen the country’s position as a top travel destination. By removing barriers to entry and making the visa process more efficient, the Indonesian government hopes to attract a broader range of travelers, including those from India and the 96 other nations covered under the e-VoA scheme.

A Timely Initiative for the Peak Travel Season

As global tourism continues to recover, the introduction of the e-Visa on Arrival service comes at an ideal time, with Indonesia expecting a surge of travelers during the upcoming peak season. The initiative is designed to reduce the hassles associated with traditional visa applications, allowing visitors to focus on experiencing Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and investment opportunities.

Zubin Karkaria added, “We are thrilled to have partnered with the Directorate General of Immigration under the Ministry of Law and Human Rights and the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy of the Republic of Indonesia for this service. This initiative is a testament to our commitment to making travel easier for millions of global citizens.”