Mon, 11/17/2008 10:47 AM | Reader's Forum
I find the contributions to your forum on "Visa-on-Arrival Services" somewhat one-sided and I would like to add my views.
In comparing arrival and departure procedures at the international airports of Bali and Darwin, Australia, the actual difference is not much.
Admittedly, the Darwin airport is better appointed and more comfortable than Bali's Ngurah Rai; but aside from that, immigration and customs personnel are the same no-nonsense professionals. Why travelers expect to be processed in a friendlier manner in Bali than in Darwin escapes me.
Many tourists arrive at these airports; often after a long flight passengers are understandably tired and not in a frame of mind to wait in line and be scrutinized by immigration and customs officials.
It is true that many Southeast Asian countries provide a free tourist visa on arrival which quickens immigration processing. On the other hand, most European countries, Australia, Japan, the United States and Canada do not, and one has to apply for and purchase such a visa at these countries' embassies or consulates before traveling.
This is inconvenient and costly. Some countries, such as Australia, provide tourist visa application services on the Internet, but not for all nationalities; Indonesians cannot use it.
I agree that a friendly and hassle-free arrival, giving a good first impression, promotes tourism.
However, security enforcement by immigration and customs still is indispensable to safeguard one's boarders. Finding a happy medium is not an easy task. Perhaps the only difference between the two airports is that the arrival process may be greatly facilitated at Ngurah Rai with a little money passed to the right official. In Darwin that would likely land you in prison or on the first return flight out of Australia.
JOSE DINOY
Denpasar
i want canada immigration pl tell me what i do
Posted by: mohammed ilyas | May 29, 2009 at 02:16 PM