TRAVEL TO BALI - INDONESIA

BALI MATTERS - CONFUSION ABOUT TRAVEL TO INDONESIA

At last report, DFAT had not upgraded it's Bali (or Indonesia for that matter) alert as a result of heightened security since the execution of the "Bali Bombers". With reprisals threatened, the alert remains the same since beginnings of the trial process, some seven years ago.

The matter is, Travel Insurance won't cover the costs of cancellations unless DFAT upgrade the alert to reflect that Indonesia is a "No go zone" and passengers have little alterative than to travel, or forgo any costs associated with the purchase of air tickets and the likes.

Yesterday, both Virgin & Jetstar announced they are prepared to "waiver" and/or offer deferred travel to Bali and today (Tuesday 11th Nov 08) AFTA represented the industry in organising a meeting with DFAT's 'Smartraveller" advisory committee to have the case heard.

A reminder was however made: DFAT's current position is "Reconsider your need to travel" to Bali, Indonesia. This has been in place for 7 years so travellers would have been well aware of this at the time of making a booking.

Business Travel customers are asked to view the information at DFAT and make their own interpretations before organising travel to the region.