The outbound travel industry sending visitors to Indonesia has been thrown into confusion by a new Jakarta policy that demands British National (Overseas) passport holders get visas before entering Indonesia.

The sudden new move came to light last weekend when three Hong Kong BNO passport holders were denied entry. Until then, people with BNO passports could enter visa-free.

The British government has not been informed of the move. The decision has stirred outrage among about three million Hongkongers who hold the documents. The policy does not recognise such passport holders as British. Other Britons can enter Indonesia by paying US$10 for a three-day stay on arrival.

Travel Industry Council executive director, Mr Joseph Tung, was told by an Indonesian consulate spokesman that they had
issued a press statement on January 20. They felt this was adequate. They did not tell airlines. Nor did Indonesian officials inform Hong Kong Immigration.

When he eventually got the press release 13 days after it was issued, Mr Tung found details confusing. The travel industry remains in a state of irritation about the situation. They simply do not know if they can advise BNO holders to travel to Indonesia.