Indonesia Expands Visa-Free List to Include Two More Countries

Skift

3 days ago

Visa policy is now a front line in the global travel race and Indonesia is finally showing up to compete. But if it truly wants to compete with Thailand or Vietnam, it will need to drop visa barriers for proven tourism source markets.
Indonesia now allows travelers from Brazil and Turkey to visit the country without a visa for up to 30 days. The change is part of a wider strategy to attract more international tourists, especially from non-traditional markets, as the country works to rebuild its tourism sector and strengthen global partnerships.
According to the government, the main reason for offering visa-free entry to Brazilian and Turkish passport holders is straightforward: both countries already allow Indonesians to enter without a visa.
'The primary consideration for granting visa-free entry to Brazil and Turkey is reciprocity, as both countries already offer visa-free entry to Indonesian citizens,' said Yuldi Yusman, acting director general of immigration.
Under the new policy, Brazil and Turkey visitors can enter visa-free for tourism, business meetings, or medical treatment, but they can't extend their stay or convert it into another type of permit.
Yusman also noted that the country is implementing the move carefully to ensure it aligns with Indonesia's economic goals and security policies.
'The Directorate General of Immigration supports economic development by ensuring that only quality foreign nationals who contribute positively enter Indonesia,' he said.
Who Else Can Enter Without a Visa?
Brazil and Turkey now join a relatively small list of 15 countries that Indonesia allows visa-free entry. These include most of its neighbors in Southeast Asia — Brunei, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Cambodia, Singapore, Myanmar, and Laos — as well as Timor-Leste, Suriname, Colombia, and Hong Kong.
Also, citizens from about 97 other countries, including U.S., UK, India and Australia can get a visa on arrival. This allows entry for tourism or business for 30 days, with the option to extend once.
What's Behind the Policy Shift?
The visa-free policy is part of a broader set of changes Indonesia is rolling out to reshape its international image and reduce its dependence on Western tourists. The goal is to draw in more travelers from what is often called 'middle power' countries with growing economies and large populations that may not have been traditional tourism source markets.
It also fits with President Joko Widodo's larger vision to make Indonesia a more attractive destination not just for tourists, but also for investors and long-term foreign residents. Other recent efforts include the 'Second Home' visa, which lets wealthy individuals stay for up to 10 years, and the 'Golden Visa' for investors putting significant funds into the country.
The Golden Visa program offers a clear link between tourism and investment. Launched in 2023, it gives five- or ten-year residency permits to foreigners who invest at least $350,000 in government bonds, shares, or real estate. While aimed at high-net-worth individuals, it sends a message that Indonesia is serious about attracting long-term capital—especially in tourism infrastructure.
Tourism Is on the Rebound
Tourism in Indonesia has picked up strongly. In 2024, the country welcomed 13.9 million international visitors, a 19% increase from the year before and the highest since the pandemic. In 2019, Indonesia had received 16.1 million foreign tourists. The government now aims to draw up to 16 million foreign tourists in 2025, hoping to bring in as much as $22.1 billion in foreign exchange earnings.
Malaysia, Australia, and Singapore remain the biggest sources of foreign visitors. But tourism officials believe more can be done to reach growing markets in South America, the Middle East, and Asia.
One area of focus is expanding travel beyond Bali. Projects like the '10 New Balis' campaign are spotlighting lesser-known destinations across the archipelago, from North Sumatra's crater lakes to West Papua's coral reefs. The aim is to spread tourism income across more parts of the country and promote sustainable travel that benefits local communities.
Industry Wants More Countries Added
Travel agents and tour operators have also urged the government to offer visa-free entry to travelers from countries like South Korea, India, and Australia, strong source markets for the country.
Indonesian tourism minister, Sandiaga Uno, had announced last year that the country plans to introduce visa-free entry for tourists from 20 nations, including India. He had said the government would finalize this by October, but there's been no update so far on that.
Indonesia's travel agents association has pointed out that while visitors from these countries are eager to come, the visa requirement is a stumbling block.
The hope is that simplifying entry will lead to more arrivals, particularly in regions that depend heavily on tourism.
Data from the World Travel & Tourism Council shows that Indonesia is on track to reach record-breaking levels of spending by international visitors in 2025. Travel is expected to make up 5.5% of the country's GDP, supporting nearly 14 million jobs. And by 2035, that figure could rise to 17 million jobs, with over IDR 1,897 trillion (around US$115 billion) in total economic contribution.
This growth depends on many moving parts: better infrastructure, clear visa policies, and support for local businesses. But it also relies on Indonesia positioning itself as a destination that's open, welcoming, and easy to visit. The new visa-free entry for Brazil and Turkey is a small but telling step in that direction.