Hong Kong residents have officially been granted visa-free access to Indonesia, just in time to fuel autumn wanderlust. This move positions Hong Kong as one of the three places outside the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) bloc to be given visa-free access. From paving the way for smooth international business to making those impromptu Bali vacations a breeze, this move has harboured applause from varied sectors.
Hong Kong was included in the latest list of 13 countries and regions with visa-free access to Indonesia, signed by President Joko Widodo. Other places on the list include all members of the ASEAN, South American nations Suriname and Colombia, as well as an observer, East Timor.
Before June 2023, 169 countries and regions were granted visa-free entry into Indonesia. However, this arrangement is no longer in effect for travellers from non-ASEAN countries.
Visiting Indonesia visa-free: What it means for Hong Kong folks
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Official data from Indonesia indicates that 3,550 passport holders from Hong Kong arrived in July. Regular visas in Indonesia cost USD 32 (HKD 249.41), upon arrival.
In line with the announcement, Malaysian low-cost carrier Air Asia is all set to launch direct flights from Hong Kong to Bali and Jakarta in October 2024. The airline will also be rolling out special fares for flyers starting at USD 122.92 (HKD 958) for a one-way ticket to Denpasar.
Currently, two daily flights serviced by Cathay Pacific Airways and Hong Kong Airlines operate from Hong Kong to Bali. Cathay Pacific Airways also offers a daily flight from the city to Indonesia’s second-largest city Surabaya. Additionally, 20 weekly flights operate between Hong Kong and Jakarta.
(Feature image credit: David Dwipayana/Pexels)
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Writer by day, reader by night, Yashita has a flair for all things travel, wellness and food. She has previously worked at Condé Nast India and Times Internet. When not working, you can catch her binge-reading the latest thriller on the block, re-watching Friends, trying a new recipe or hosting her friends.
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