Following in the footsteps of Thailand, Indonesia is all set to make amendments for free-entry visas for tourists from as many as 20 countries. This modification, however, could be of severe importance for Indian tourists, as India has officially made it onto this list. The initiative emerged from Indonesia’s efforts to boost its tourism sector and, ultimately, the nation’s economy.
After the imposition of this alteration, Indian tourists can visit Indonesia with a free entry visa alongside tourists from 19 other nations. This change is the result of Indonesia’s efforts to boost the tourism sector to help grow the nation’s economy. The Indonesian government is thus planning to allow free-entry Indonesian visas to tourists from 20 nations, including India.
Sandiaga Uno, the tourism minister of Indonesia, gave an official statement last week that the initiative to relax and grow the visa-free policy is in progress. The strategy will be finalised “before the change of government in October 2024,” he promised reporters.
As per the announcement by Minister Uno, free entrance visas to these 20 nations are anticipated to increase the number of international visitor arrivals, which would have a multiplier effect on the economy. The prime objectives of this project are to encourage investment, increase domestic consumption, and aid in the growth of the digital economy.
The 20 countries which offer Free-entry visas
- 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
- 2 unspecified Middle Eastern countries
The ASEAN member nations that at present qualify for visa-free entry to Indonesia are :
Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Laos PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
After the COVID-19 pandemic was over, any Indian tourist travelling to Indonesia had to spend as much as Rs. 1,33,601 per person for visa fees, which was about Rs 75,151 per person before the pandemic.
Tourist Visa Options in Indonesia
Type B1:
Duration: 30 days
Extension: Up to 30 days possible
Fee: Rp500,000 (Rs 2,557)
Permitted Activities: Tourism, visiting friends or family, attending meetings, conventions, exhibitions, yachting
Requirements: a valid passport (minimum 6 months of validity), an outbound ticket from Indonesia
Type D1 (1 year):
Duration: 60 days per entry
Fee: IDR 3,000,000 or Rs 15,344 (for one year)
Permitted Activities: Meetings, conventions, tourism, visiting friends or family
Requirements: a valid passport (minimum 6 months of validity), proof of living expenses, a recent colour photograph, and supporting documents
Type D1 (2 years):
Duration: 60 days per entry
Fee: IDR 6,000,000 or Rs 30,689 (for two years)
Permitted Activities: Same as Type D1 (1 year)
Requirements: Same as Type D1 (1 year)
Type D1 (5 years):
Duration: 60 days per entry
Fee: IDR 15,000,000 or Rs 76,723 (for five years)
Permitted Activities: Same as Type D1 (1 year)
Requirements: Same as Type D1 (1 year)
As the visa policy will be diluted, Indonesia is expecting an inundation of tourists from this October onwards, especially Indian tourists, as Indians have always preferred Indonesia for vacationing; hence, there wouldn’t be a better time to visit Indonesia if it was on your bucket list.
