Foreigners not allowed in Sorong

[outofofficebrb]

Thanks, @Dan

It seems it discusses not selling tickets to foreigners starting now, but I do wonder about people who already have tickets....would they let you board the flight and continue? I know you don't have the answer to that but I am just bringing that question up out loud.

 

[aquabluegreg]

Just to add more confusion into the mix... I am in contact with Misool Eco, the Dami, and the Dewi Nusantara who I believe have good on-the-ground information. That said, they too are confused.

The Visa on Arrival is in fact cancelled and worldwide airport info is available from IATA and ARC as updated daily. And a visa must be obtained from an embassy or consulate as noted in the thread. A number of documents are required with the visa application as well as a fee. I have see some express services (5 days) and a fee between $50 USD and $150 USD.

Where some confusion lies is in Sorong. The Mayor has "closed" the airport to foreign travellers but there is disagreement between this individual and the Indo president who says closure must come from his office. The mayor has replied that the airport is closed to foreign travellers. Based on this, visa or no, I would not book a flight to Sorong. Understand that this situation is flexible and changes fast. Sorong has gone from easy to impossible in one day. Although there is a date range, there is nothing that prevents the closure from being extended. And the restricted country list is growing as the virus expands.

I do have a LOB with a trip on the 26th of March who is going to reschedule the trip to depart Ambon rather than Sorong. However for those who cannot make the boat, they are offering a credit for any future trip.

The unfortunate thing is that is is reasonable to assume many remote resorts and LOBs operate on a slim margin so their ability to refund an entire week or two or more of booking could be financial ruin. At the same time I believe this event is not covered by travel insurance. So the traveller is left with the risk or loss.

I have seen several resorts and LOBs who understand the value of their guests step up fast and offer revised cancellation policies with no restrictions, no change fees, extended credit for future travel.

I will be pleased to share any information I collect. Send me a message or Skype.

 

[outofofficebrb]

Just to add more confusion into the mix... I am in contact with Misool Eco, the Dami, and the Dewi Nusantara who I believe have good on-the-ground information. That said, they too are confused.

The Visa on Arrival is in fact cancelled and worldwide airport info is available from IATA and ARC as updated daily. And a visa must be obtained from an embassy or consulate as noted in the thread. A number of documents are required with the visa application as well as a fee. I have see some express services (5 days) and a fee between $50 USD and $150 USD.

Where some confusion lies is in Sorong. The Mayor has "closed" the airport to foreign travellers but there is disagreement between this individual and the Indo president who says closure must come from his office. The mayor has replied that the airport is closed to foreign travellers. Based on this, visa or no, I would not book a flight to Sorong. Understand that this situation is flexible and changes fast. Sorong has gone from easy to impossible in one day. Although there is a date range, there is nothing that prevents the closure from being extended. And the restricted country list is growing as the virus expands.

I do have a LOB with a trip on the 26th of March who is going to reschedule the trip to depart Ambon rather than Sorong. However for those who cannot make the boat, they are offering a credit for any future trip.

The unfortunate thing is that is is reasonable to assume many remote resorts and LOBs operate on a slim margin so their ability to refund an entire week or two or more of booking could be financial ruin. At the same time I believe this event is not covered by travel insurance. So the traveller is left with the risk or loss.

I have seen several resorts and LOBs who understand the value of their guests step up fast and offer revised cancellation policies with no restrictions, no change fees, extended credit for future travel.

I will be pleased to share any information I collect. Send me a message or Skype.

Thanks for the information and your insight.

Yes, I agree that refunding an entire week or two multiplied by so many guests would be financial ruin. My issue currently isn't even asking about a refund. I am simply asking for the same trip at a later date, no refund. As of last night, they refused. I hope that changes soon. While they have the immediate future in mind, the long term effect is much more lasting should they decide to stick to that, especially when everyone else is being flexible. We will see. I was scheduled for a 12 day departing April 1, a 10 day departing April 12, and another 10 nights in Ambon. I think 2 out of the 3 are being good about it.

Dive Assure is covering cancels and interruptions with this pandemic if you purchased before a certain date and also booked the trip before a certain date. I have them, but I bought mine 6 days too late. Doh.

I am so glad to hear things are working out for you! Please keep us informed as you know more.

 

[pclark2]

I think the win-win for everyone would be if they issued vouchers for future trips. No refunds ruining them, and they could then fill in gaps in later schedules. I personally would be happy if my Raja Ampat resort does that. Waiting to hear back from them now. Earlier contact made it sound promising from them.

 

[TabeaK]

Thanks for the information and your insight.

Yes, I agree that refunding an entire week or two multiplied by so many guests would be financial ruin. My issue currently isn't even asking about a refund. I am simply asking for the same trip at a later date, no refund. As of last night, they refused. I hope that changes soon.

Dito, same here - I would probably go for that, but our LOB thus far has been completely inflexible according to our travel agent. Being repeat customers hasn't helped either and nor it being one of the high end boats...

 

[acidrush]

people should seriously consider coming to Indonesia or anywhere in SE Asia in the next few weeks or months. It will get much worse.

 

[pclark2]

I hope at the end of this, someone puts together a list of the businesses that were great to their customers and the ones that weren't. Or broken into categories of actions taken and not specifically saying good or bad.

 

[outofofficebrb]

I hope at the end of this, someone puts together a list of the businesses that were great to their customers and the ones that weren't. Or broken into categories of actions taken and not specifically saying good or bad.

I've started a post earlier, albeit just for Asia but great minds think alike!

Canceled/postponed trips due to COVID - please share your outcomes

 

[pclark2]

I've started a post earlier, albeit just for Asia but great minds think alike!

Canceled/postponed trips due to COVID - please share your outcomes

Ah perfect! Once I hear back from my resort, and then deal with the other transit hotels and airlines, I'll add my post.

Thank you!

 

[pclark2]

Just heard this from my resort:

Quick update based on the latest info I received from my boss (and he has direct contact with people very close to the president)

This info is subjected to change. I hope not but it is possible.


Raja Ampat remains currently open as a region for tourism and has to stay accessible. Sorong airport accepts tourists but are only allowed to transit through Sorong.