Indonesia’s Minister for Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Uno, has urged the government to include 20 more countries in the current visa free (bebas visa kunjungan) list, which currently covers only nine ASEAN members.
While the policy changes have eliminated visa-free ease for most visitors to Bali, tourists from neighbouring ASEAN countries can still enter Indonesia for free for a maximum of 30 days.
Previously, citizens from various countries enjoyed a visa-free policy to enter Indonesia, but this was officially ended by the Indonesian Immigration Department during the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020.
Indonesian Immigration then brought in the Visa on Arrival programme at the beginning of 2023 as an option, providing quite similar benefits in the easy and simple process except for one crucial change – the fee. Presently, visitors from 98 countries are required to pay IDR 500,000 per person for their Visa on Arrival, allowing them to stay in Indonesia for up to 30 days which can be extended one time for another 30 days.
With the proposed return of the free visa policy, the Minister of Tourism believes that including these specific 20 countries will boost tourism and strengthen the national economy.
The Minister’s recommendation for visa free facilities was part of a video uploaded to the Indonesian State Secretariat’s YouTube Channel.
The 20 countries recommended for visa free access to Indonesia are:
– Australia
– China (PRC)
– India
– South Korea
– USA
– UK
– France
– Germany
– Qatar
– United Arab Emirates
– Saudi Arabia
– The Netherlands
– Japan
– Russia
– Taiwan
– New Zealand
– Italy
– Spain
– Plus, two unspecified Middle Eastern countries
Meanwhile, the nine ASEAN members currently eligible for visa-free countries (visa exemptions) to Indonesia are:
– Brunei Darussalam
– Cambodia
– Laos PDR
– Malaysia
– Myanmar
– Philippines
– Singapore
– Thailand
– Vietnam
According to data from the National Statistic Agency (BPS), the cumulative total of foreign visitors to Indonesia from January to October 2023 was 9,942,004, marking a 124.30% increase compared to the same period in 2022.
The list of countries recommended by Sandiaga for visa free access has been submitted to Joko Widodo for Presidential review.
Airport Development and New Tourism Tax in Bali
Meanwhile, the Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises has suggested that 13 Indonesian airports be prioritized as international gateways.
Five airports have been designated as “Super Priority Airports:” Yogyakarta International Airport, Lombok International Airport, Komodo International Airport, and Sam Ratulangi International Airport.
Among the other airports targeted for development as international gateways are Batam, Jakarta, Surabaya, Makassar, Banda Aceh, Jayapura, and Kertajati.
Additionally, Bali is set to implement a new tourism tax on February 14, 2024.
All foreign arrivals must pay a mandatory IDR 150,000 fee, and the funds collected from this new tax will be utilized to address the island’s waste management issues.
More About Indonesia Visas 2023
What are the popular types of visas available for Indonesia?
Currently, Indonesia offers several visa options to aid your travel to the country. These visas are:
Visa on Arrival
The Visa on Arrival is a visa allowing a 30-day entry into Indonesia which can be applied for online through the official molina website or upon your arrival in Indonesia. The Visa on Arrival (VOA) provides the option to extend for an additional 30 days, making it a total of 60 days. The cost for the Indonesia Visa on Arrival is US$35 or around 500,000 IDR.
For a comprehensive understanding of the Visa on Arrival process, you can explore our article: “Visa on Arrival – Everything You Need to Know.”
If you plan to extend your Visa on Arrival, you may also like to check our Visa on Arrival Extension page for detailed information: Visa on Arrival Extension.
Single Entry Visa
The Single Entry Tourist/Business visa grants a 60-day stay in Bali. Extending this visa allows an additional 60 days, enabling a total stay of up to 180 days in Indonesia. You can choose between tourist and business options based on your travel purpose.
Find out all the details about the Single Entry Tourist Visa here.
Temporary Stay Permit (KITAS)
If you’re a foreign national seeking an extended stay in Indonesia for specific purposes and have secured sponsorship from an Indonesian entity, the KITAS (temporary stay permit) is designed for you. There are various KITAS options available based on your specific purposes, including Working KITAS, Dependent KITAS, Spouse KITAS, Retirement KITAS, Investor KITAS, Impresario KITAS, and Investor KITAS. Each type of KITAS has its own set of requirements and application processes.
For more information about the different types of KITAS visas and essential details to consider before initiating your application, visit our dedicated Visa Page.
How can I apply for a visa to Indonesia?
There are two ways you can choose to apply for a visa to Indonesia – by yourself or by partnering with a visa agent to simplify the process.
LetsMoveIndonesia has been the pioneer visa consultant in Jakarta and Bali and we assist thousands of expats with the simplest guides for their Visas every year. Our multiple office locations are filled with expert visa staff and we are proud to have the most competitive service fee of any national visa agency in the country.
What documents do I need to apply for a visa to Indonesia?
The documents you need to apply for a visa to Indonesia will vary depending on your nationality and the type of visa you are applying for. However, some common documents include:
- A valid passport
- A recent passport-sized photograph
- A visa application form
- Proof of travel insurance
- Proof of sufficient funds
- A sponsor letter (if applicable)
How long does it take to process a visa application to Indonesia?
The application of every visa scheme is different according to the requirements and locations. Engaging a reliable visa consultant agency to streamline the right regulations and requirements for your desired visa plan is recommended to ensure a hassle-free visa journey in Indonesia.
Can I get a visa on arrival in Indonesia?
Citizens of certain countries can obtain a visa on arrival in Indonesia. To check if your country is eligible for a visa on arrival, you can visit the official website of the Directorate General of Immigration of Indonesia: The Indonesia Visa on Arrival VOA 2023 – Everything You Need to Know Now!
Get the Latest Indonesia Visa Information with LetsMoveIndonesia
Staying informed about the latest visa requirements for Indonesia can be tricky. At LetsMoveIndonesia, we understand this challenge and are committed to providing you with the most up-to-date information.
Found this article interesting? Check out our other useful articles about visas here!
The Indonesia Visa on Arrival – Everything you need to know now!
Bali Visas – Guide to Bali Visa for UK Citizens
The Indonesia Visa on Arrival 2023 – Everything you need to know now!
LetsMoveIndonesia – 2022 Bali Visas Recap
Jakarta Visas – How to Get a Jakarta Visa on Arrival
Electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VOA) is Now Available For 27 Nationalities
