Asia Pacific Superyachts Indonesia last week successfully trialled the passage of an 80-metre luxury superyacht to a Bali berth.
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Superyacht owners waiting to cruise Indonesia will be delighted to learn of a new E-visa introduced in the country. The new Visa is for 60 days and extendable up until 180 days (6 months), single entry only.
This new visa came about after Thomas Taatjes of Asia Pacific Superyachts (APS) met with the local government (Bupati) beforehand to seek permission for a visit from the 80-metre luxury superyacht Amevi.
APS Indonesia made the protocols for COVID19 clearances which they believed were best appropriate. These protocols were approved by Belitung and are now being used as an example for all other yachts and agents to follow.
“The process now makes it easy for crew to leave and return to the yacht and for all to fly in or out. All our clients need is the PCR test showing ‘negative’, and there is no Quarantine. Now there is no need to go to the Embassy and lose valuable time, we can do it for you”, reports Taatjes.
The visit by Amevi was deemed as a trial for Indonesia in welcoming yachts during this time of Coronavirus.
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Once the process was completed (without a hitch), 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.”
Indonesia is now open to international yachts; however, there is 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. Only one type of visa is possible and this must be obtained prior to coming to Indonesia by an agent.
Visas were granted to crew in various embassies around the world including the USA, England, Spain, Greece, Thailand and Australia. All crew flew in and/or arrived onboard with these correct visas. The local newspaper reported the superyacht from Singapore docked around the waters of Lengkuas Island, Sijuk District, Belitung Regency after obtaining permission from the authorities.
Taatjes reported, “Some crew members have now gone on leave in Bali and other places in Indonesia and around the world.”
“PCR tests were done for sign off crew in Jakarta in 6 hours turnaround in order to meet their outbound flights and airline/country of destination requirements”, added Taatjes.
He noted that the local government and people were very happy to have Amevi in Belitung which greatly helps 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 and beaches of Belitung and the friendly local people and ground support personnel of APS Indonesia”, he added. “The crew also stated the ‘crew change’ was even smoother than pre-Covid days.”
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