The Indonesian Consulate in Jeddah has announced that there has been no change in the visa policy for Saudis and that they can still obtain their visas on arrival in Jakarta.
The statement from the consulate authorities on Monday follows the publication of an article alleging that airport authorities warned that Saudis arriving in Indonesia without a visa would be sent back home.
Nur Ibrahim, vice-consul for information and socio-cultural affairs, said there was no change in policy.
“We contacted a senior immigration officer in Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta seeking clarification on this issue. We were informed that authorities at the airport still provide visas on arrival (VOA) for Saudis,” said Ibrahim. In addition to Saudi Arabia, 64 other countries are on the list of VOA countries, including Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Egypt and Iran.
“The rules for fulfilling visa requirements on the spot include a minimum of six months’ validity on the passport, a return ticket and a $ 25 visa fee for a 30-day stay,” he said.
Around 8 million tourists visited Indonesia last year, of whom 86,645 were Saudis.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on citizens who are holidaying abroad to adhere to local laws and regulations.
The ministry has issued guidelines for citizens traveling abroad. It recommends the most important things a traveler should do to ensure a safe and peaceful journey.
“Keep your passport safe because it is your personal document, and also your airline tickets and other personal belongings,” the instructions said. It also stressed the need to ensure that passports are valid for at least six months.
Those who do not have individual passports, should always travel with the relative in whose passport their names are shown. It also urged travelers to learn about regulations in different foreign countries. They should check for information on the Internet. Saudis are advised to keep in touch with the Kingdom’s embassy or mission and register their passport details, contact numbers and addresses. They should also inform the mission if they are in a difficult situation.
In the event of a natural calamity or other disturbance, the travelers should inform the Kingdom’s mission about their whereabouts and other details.
They should also inform the nearest Saudi embassy if they are arrested.
They should also deal only with licensed agencies when making travel and lodging bookings.
Saudi travelers are also instructed not to carry cash, jewelry and other valuables. They should carry credit cards and traveler’s checks, the guidelines said. Some countries also require travelers to register the valuables they have at entry points.
They are also warned against participating in voluntary activities or charities without permission because such activities may lead to their arrest in some countries.
Saudis traveling with domestic workers to a foreign country should also follow the regulations in that country about worker rights, working hours, the minimum wage and the custody of the worker’s passport.
They should also have their entry visas and vaccinations done if the country they plan to visit requires it, the book said.
No visa changes for Saudis traveling to Indonesia
