Indonesia to extend visa-free entry to citizens from 20 countries

WEB DESK: Indonesian authorities have announced plans to allow citizens from 20 additional countries to visit without needing a visa, aiming to boost tourism and economic growth.

The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy revealed that this new policy will come into effect in October this year. The selection of these 20 countries targets key tourism markets and is designed to maximize economic impact.

“The selection process is nearly complete, and the list of 20 destinations has been submitted. We are advocating for visa-free entry for tourists from countries that provide the greatest economic impact,” stated Minister Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno.

The list, compiled last December, includes significant tourism markets such as Australia, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, Qatar, South Korea, the UK, and the US.

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This move comes as many countries are easing entry restrictions and boosting tourism following the lifting of social distancing protocols after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Indonesia welcomed approximately 11.7 million tourists last year, a figure lower than other Southeast Asian countries. In the first three months of 2024, around three million foreign visitors arrived in Indonesia. The government aims to increase this number to 17 million by the end of the year.