New visa measures to enhance Australia-Indonesia tourism links

The Australian Government will introduce an option of a three-year, multiple-entry visa for Indonesian visitors to Australia next year, thus extending the existing arrangement of issuing a one-year visa.

The government will also expand online visa application submission facility to all Indonesian citizens by 2017, making the process of applying for an Australian visa simpler for Indonesian tourists and business people, the Australian Embassy here said on its official website.

The Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Peter Dutton, along with Ministers Robb and Colbeck, announced these initiatives while attending the Indonesia-Australia Business Week in Jakarta.

"These initiatives will benefit Indonesia and Australia as we look to promote stronger business and tourism links between our two countries," Dutton said.

He said the change reflects Australias close relationship with Indonesia and is part of the governments agenda to boost our tourism sector and cut down red tape.

"Indonesia is already an important source country for Australia with the number of visitors increasing over the last 10 years," Colbeck said.

He added that the government will continue improving visa procedures to make it easier for international tourists to come to Australia.

The measures will enhance opportunities for Indonesian citizens to visit Australia and will contribute to the growth of people-to-people and economic links.

There were 150,200 visitors from Indonesia to Australia in 2014, up six per cent compared with 2013. These visitors generated $600 million for Australias economy.

Ability to file an online application offers benefits such as 24/7 accessibility, electronic payment of the visa application charge and provision to check the status of applications lodged online.

On-line visa application procedure is currently under trial through approved agents in Indonesia.

The government is committed to expanding client access to online visa application for visitor visas (Business and Tourist Streams) globally and supporting Australias position as an attractive business and tourism destination

Source: ANTARA