I had a “problem” with my VISA getting into Indonesia. There wasn’t a blank page in my passport. Actually, there were 4 pages but they did not say VISA. They said endorsements.
So we had a standoff until I removed one of the expired Chinese VISA s. He said he could not accept this, but for a small payment, he would look the other way. I had him call my contact who put an Indonesian on the line to negotiate. Net result - $200 bribe. I asked for my passport back, removed the page out of eyesight, inserted the money and returned the passport. I asked him to check again and everything was fine. Never been hit up so blatantly by a government official.
Yes, I am a jackass for not researching carefully and accepting such an amount. They knew I was on business and had no options.
This was a well rehearsed and commonly used process. Word to the wise.
Reply to this I have visited Indonesia 7 times and have never ever experienced this type of behaviour. But then I have always had all my documents in order. Pamela.
Reply to this I have had this happen a couple of times .....they usually try it with people who are traveling on business.
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