Indonesia plans to draft a visa-free visit program for 20 destinations, including Australia, China and India, to be implemented in October, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy. Sandiaga Uno, Indonesia's Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, said the proposal has reached the final stage of preparation.
The policy's performance will be evaluated six months after its implementation. The proposal, which was submitted last December, is expected to be enacted before the end of the current government's term.
In December 2023, the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy proposed visa-free visits to Indonesia for 19 countries and one territory, including Australia, China, India, South Korea, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, the Netherlands, Japan, Russia, New Zealand, Italy, Spain, two other Middle Eastern countries, and Taiwan.
These destinations are among the top 20 contributors of international tourists, including several Middle Eastern countries with investment ties. The policy is expected to increase international tourist visits, boost domestic consumption, attract investment, and expand the development of the digital economy.
If implemented, the policy could also have a significant impact on travel agents and their clients planning trips to Indonesia. This marks a continued effort to simplify travel processes and support the tourism industry in the post-pandemic era.
