The Directorate General of Immigration under Indonesia’s Ministry of Law and Human Rights has appointed VFS Global, the leading outsourcing and technology services provider for governments and diplomatic missions, as the exclusive service provider for the Electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VoA). This partnership aims to streamline the visa process, boost inbound tourism, attract investments, and enhance the overall traveler experience.
Launching in the first half of December 2024, VFS Global’s e-VoA platform will serve nationals from 97 eligible countries, including India. Travelers will benefit from a faster and smoother application process by completing their visa applications online before departure and receiving a pre-approved e-VoA via email. All necessary documents can be submitted, and fees paid online, allowing for expedited entry through E-gates or immigration counters upon arrival.
Mr. Silmy Karim, Director General of Immigration in Indonesia, emphasized the initiative's goal to improve the visitor experience while increasing foreign arrivals through advanced digital solutions in collaboration with VFS Global.
Support for travelers applying for the e-VoA will include dedicated email assistance and live support in seven languages: English, Mandarin, Japanese, Korean, Arabic, German, and French, with plans for additional languages in the future.
Mr. Zubin Karkaria, CEO of VFS Global, expressed enthusiasm for the service, highlighting its role in simplifying the visa application process for Indonesia, a popular destination for global travelers. He noted that the user-friendly, secure e-VoA service will significantly enhance the visa experience and support tourism growth.
The new platform ensures applicants submit complete and accurate documents, featuring OCR technology for automatic population of applicant details. It will also include a group booking option, beneficial for travel trade and conventions.
Indonesia aims to welcome 14 million visitors in 2024 and has already recorded 9.92 million arrivals from January to August. The e-VoA solution aligns with ongoing efforts to enhance the country’s tourism infrastructure.
To support this initiative, VFS Global has partnered with Emirates to facilitate a seamless e-VoA application process for their passengers. Dedicated Indonesia counters will be established at VFS Global offices in Dubai, Mumbai, and Shanghai, with plans for additional locations in Australia. The extensive network aims to promote Indonesia in key markets including India, China, Australia, Korea, Japan, and the Middle East.