New e-visa brings superyachts to Indonesia

Superyachts waiting to cruise Indonesia will be delighted to learn of the new e-visa in Indonesia. The new visa lasts for 60 days and is extendable to up to 180 days for single entry only.

“The process now makes it easy for crew to leave or return to the yacht. All our clients need is a negative PCR test to prevent quarantine. Now there is no need to go to the embassy and lose valuable time… we can do it for you”, said Thomas Taatjes of Asia Pacific Superyachts (APS).  

Taatjes met with the local government (Bupati) beforehand to seek permission for a visit from the 80-metre (262-feet) luxury superyacht M/Y AMEVI, which was granted. APS Indonesia made the protocols for COVID-19 clearances, which they believed were best appropriate. These protocols were approved by the islands of Belitung and are now being used as an example for all other yachts and agents to follow.

Indonesia is now open to international yachts, with a strict protocol for entry. There are now new rules and policies related to foreign visit visas with Indonesia opening its borders to accept yachts for extensive stays. However, only one type of visa is possible and this must be obtained prior to coming to Indonesia. The visa application process uses an online system and this must be carried out by a guarantor (agent).

The visit by M/Y AMEVI was deemed as a trial for Indonesia in welcoming yachts during this time of coronavirus. Once the process was completed, the government released a letter stating, “Now all ports in Indonesia are open for yachts, provided they follow the protocol as per those set out by AMEVI and Asia Pacific Superyachts Indonesia.”

Visas were granted to crew in various embassies around the world including the USA, England, Spain, Greece, Thailand and Australia.

“Some crew members have now gone on leave in Bali and other places in Indonesia and around the world,” reported Taatjes. “PCR tests were done to sign off crew in Jakarta with a six-hour turnaround in order to meet their destination country requirements,” added Taatjes. He also noted the local government and citizens were very happy to have AMEVI in Belitung which helps greatly in supporting their tourism industry.

“The crew were also happy, reporting they enjoyed the smooth operation of the APS Indo team, the beautiful offshore islets, the beaches of Belitung, the friendly local people and the ground support personnel of APS Indonesia,” Taatjes added. “The crew also noted the ‘crew change’ was even smoother than pre-COVID days!”

For more information, visit Asia Pacific Superyachts. Subscribe to our newsletter to get the best of Yachting Pages delivered to your inbox every month.