The tourism industry in Brunei has played a major role in improving the economy of the country. Therefore, many strategies and changes have been implemented to attract more tourists into the Sultanate. From 2007 to 2008, there was a 36% rise in tourist arrivals, from 176,000 to 240,000 visitors. With the large rise in the number of tourists, it suggests that Brunei has the potential for large growth in the tourism industry.
One of the ways that can improve the tourism industry is by having E-Visa application, i.e. applying for visas online. Australia is one of the countries that uses this E-Visa service.
What is E-Visa?
An E-Visa or electronic visa is an online service that allows tourist to apply for visas online without needing to get any stamps on their passport. This process can be completed without the need of emailing the documents to the foreign nation. Furthermore, it includes different types of visas such as a student visa or a tourist visa. One of the most common types is the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) visa which is for tourists who wish to visit the country for less than 3 months.
Below is the screenshot of the Australian Government website: http://www.eta.immi.gov.au/
How the system would work?
This system provides services 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, unlike a normal visa office. Many unnecessary steps are cut down to simplify the process of E-Visa. Due to this, it can reduce the processing time from a few days to just 20 minutes. Therefore, there is no need to send our passports across borders or go to the embassy for applications. Upon approval the E-Visa can be printed out and brought along for the trip.
The steps for applying for a E-Visa:
First, we need to answer a few questions to ensure that we have selected the right application. After that, information regarding the specific application we are making will be provided to ensure it is the right visa we wish to apply for. Then, we fill in the application form, submit it and proceed to pay the services by credit card. After the bank and Immigration Department have accepted the payment, a Transaction Reference Number will be given to generate the application. Finally, we need to print out the receipt and documents that required by the Immigration Department such as the health form.
How E-Visa can benefit the country?
This service does not require the submission of any paper-based application form and supporting documents as most of the important details are being asked throughout the process. With the simple steps of applying visas online, it can increase the volume of foreign visitors visiting our country, as it is much easier for them to get the tourist visa. This will therefore improve the economy of the country through the tourism industry. This online service also helps the government to reduce the cost of service. In addition, it can increase data integrity and improve reporting capability too. The service is also as secure as a normal visa application as immigration can easily check that the details on the E-Visa matches their passport, and refuse entry into the country for any inconsistencies. With all these benefits, the Brunei government should include this system in their e-government services.
References:
1) http://www.eta.immi.gov.au/ accessed on 4th April 2010
2) http://www.bt.com.bn/en/home_news/2009/03/14/accurate_statistics_vital_in_development_of_tourism_sector accessed on 4th April 2010
3) http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-an-electronic-visa.htm accessed on 6th April 2010
4) http://unpan1.un.org/intradoc/groups/public/documents/Other/UNPAN022289.pdf accessed on 6th April 2010
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