Indonesia to Offer Free Visas to Tourists from 20 Countries Including India

Bali, Indonesia Golden Visa

Indonesia Free Entry Visas

This exciting initiative, spearheaded by Indonesia’s Tourism Minister Sandiaga Uno, aims to finalize the free visa program before the October 2024 government change.

By eliminating visa hassles for travellers from India and other major tourism markets, Indonesia hopes to see a surge in foreign tourist arrivals. This, in turn, is expected to stimulate domestic spending, attract foreign investment, and accelerate the digital economy’s growth.

Focus on Quality Tourism

Pre-pandemic, the average tourist spent around $900 in Indonesia. However, recent trends show a significant increase, with visitors spending an average of $1,600 each. Minister Uno believes this program will attract “quality tourist arrivals” – travellers who tend to stay longer and contribute more to the local economy.

List of Countries Eligible for Free Entry Visas

The proposed list of 20 countries to enjoy free visa access to Indonesia includes some of the world’s biggest tourism hubs:

  • 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
  • Two Unspecified Middle Eastern Countries

This initiative adds to the existing visa-free entry for nine ASEAN nations:

  • Brunei Darussalam
  • Cambodia
  • Laos PDR
  • Malaysia
  • Myanmar
  • Philippines
  • Singapore
  • Thailand
  • Vietnam

Visa Types for Travellers to Indonesia

As Indonesia prepares to offer free entry visas to tourists from 20 countries, including India, Indian travellers also have a range of visa options tailored to their specific travel needs. Here’s an overview of each visa type available:

Transit Visa: Indonesia’s Transit Visa is for travellers stopping over in Indonesia en route to another destination. It allows a stay of up to 14 days from arrival, ideal for short layovers.

Visit Visa: The Visit Visa of Indonesia permits stays up to 60 days for tourism, business, or social activities. It’s extendable on a case-by-case basis, offering flexibility for diverse travel purposes.

Visa for Limited Stay: Visa for Limited Stay supports longer stays for work, investment, family issues, or repatriation. Approval from the Directorate General of Immigration is required for this visa.

Diplomatic Visa: Indonesia’s Diplomatic Visa is for holders of diplomatic or service passports, allowing a stay of up to six months. It requires official documentation to support the diplomatic mission.

Visa on Arrival: The Visa On Arrival allows foreign travellers to stay for one month, extendable under certain conditions. It’s suitable for tourism, family visits, cultural exchange, and short-term business.

Tourist Visa Options for Travellers

Indians and other international travellers can choose from several tourist visa options tailored to their visit duration and activities. For those who require a tourist visa currently, here’s a breakdown of the available options;

Type B1 – 30 Days

  • Stay: Up to 30 days (extendable for an additional 30 days).
  • Cost: Rp 500,000 (Rs 2,557).
  • Activities: Tourism, family visits, meetings, conventions, exhibitions, yachting.
  • Requirements: Passport valid for at least 6 months, outbound ticket.

Type D1 (1 Year)

  • Stay: Up to 60 days per entry.
  • Cost: IDR 3,000,000 (Rs 15,344).
  • Activities: Meetings, conventions, tourism, family visits.
  • Requirements: Passport valid for at least 6 months, proof of living expenses, recent photograph, supporting documents.

Type D1 (2 Years)

  • Stay: Up to 60 days per entry.
  • Cost: IDR 6,000,000 (Rs 30,689).
  • Activities: Similar to Type D1 (1 Year).
  • Requirements: Similar to Type D1 (1 Year).

Type D1 (5 Years)

  • Stay: Up to 60 days per entry.
  • Cost: IDR 15,000,000 (Rs 76,723).
  • Activities: Similar to Type D1 (1 Year).
  • Requirements: Similar to Type D1 (1 Year).

  • Final Words

    Indonesia’s forthcoming visa-free entry policy for 20 countries, including India, marks a significant advancement in the nation’s tourism strategy. By easing entry requirements, Indonesia aims to attract a higher number of international tourists, which is expected to stimulate economic growth and elevate the overall tourism experience.

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