Indonesian visa update

Cruisers visiting Indonesia now have access to an extended Visa On Arrival (VOA) from clearing-in ports that offer such a visa.

Cruising Helmsman correspondent Rachel Robertson, who is currently cruising in Indonesia, reports that Indonesia has just changed its visa regulations.

"Prior to this year, if you wanted to cruise in Indonesia for any longer than one month, you were required to get a sponsor letter (usually from the Cruising Permit Provider), which then allowed you to apply for a Social Visa, from  an Indonesian Embassy prior to arrival," Rachel said.

 "This visa allows you 60 days on arrival, renewable within Indonesia for up to six months. Your other option is a one-month VOA. However, you can now extend this for one month within Indonesia, giving you  two consecutive months. Previously, the VOA was only for one month.

"So, depending on your cruising plans in Indonesia, you at least now have the option of extending your VOA for another month, without having to leave the country. Noonsite has an up-to-date list  of CAIT (Cruising Permit Providers) who can guide you through the maze (and the beauty) of cruising Indonesia."

Cruisers planning to obtain a VOA should check the port they plan to clear-in offers it. A number of cruisers were caught out two years ago after a last-minute decision to head for Ambon instead of Kupang; while Kupang and Ambon Airport offered a VOA, Ambon Harbour did not and it took a day's negoations by rally organisers before the three sailors in question were allowed to step ashore.

- Caroline Strainig

 * Please send your cruising news to carolinestrainig@yaffa.com.au