Tourists on a beach in Bali, Indonesia. Photo by AFP
Tourism officials in the popular resort island of Bali have called on the Indonesian government to rethink its current visa-on-arrival policy, saying disrespectful tourists continue to disrespect the once-sacred island.
In a petition submitted to the government, the Bali Tourism Industry Association urged the government to investigate whether changes to the visa on arrival policy are necessary. Bali Sun report.
The move comes amid a series of long-running reports of foreigners flouting immigration laws and breaking local customs in Bali, tarnishing the island's tourism reputation.
Currently, tourists from over 90 countries can visit Indonesia, including Bali, for up to 30 days with a Visa on Arrival and e-Visa on Arrival.
The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy has agreed to consult with immigration authorities on policy changes that “may be effective,” at least. Social Foreigner The news site reported.
More than 130 foreigners have been deported from Bali so far this year.
Last year, the government deported 300 foreign tourists for visa fraud and overstaying their visas.
Indonesia attracted more than three million foreign tourists in the first quarter of this year, up 25 percent from the same period last year.
