Immigration requirements eased

Immigration requirements eased

JAKARTA: Senior citizen tourists are invited to visit
Indonesia as the government eases its immigration restrictions
and cuts the required deposit and funds for accommodation costs
in half.

The director general of immigration at the Ministry of Justice
and Human Rights, M. Iman Santoso, issued the policy on April 18,
overturning a 2000 decree, which was considered obsolete.

Indonesian representatives abroad or other designated
officials have the authority to issue an entry and stay permit
for senior citizen tourists, while the proposals for visas and
immigration permits can be submitted to Indonesian travel
agencies for older tourists or their correspondents abroad.

The original minimum amount of required funds of US$2,500 per
month has been reduced to $1,500, while the amount set aside for
accommodation costs has been halved from $1,000 to $500 per month
in Jakarta, Bandung and Bali.

This amount is much lower in other cities on Java, Batam and
North Sumatra's Medan, which only sets the amount at $300 per
month, while other tourist locations set the minimum funds for
$200 per month. --JP