19-6-2023 (JAKARTA) Indonesia has taken the decision to suspend its visa-free visits policy for 159 countries due to concerns over public order disruptions and the potential transmission of diseases, as reported by local media on Sunday. The Ministry of Law and Human Rights issued the order to halt the visa-free visits policy, according to the Bali Times, a local English daily.
These 159 countries were previously among the group of 169 countries eligible for visa-free visits, along with the 10 member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). However, the recent decision has reset the number of policy recipients.
The main objective of this measure, as stated by the ministry, is to address concerns related to potential public order disruptions and the transmission of diseases originating from countries that have not been certified as disease-free by the World Health Organization.
Consequently, only the 10 ASEAN countries—Brunei Darussalam, the Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam—will remain exempt from the visa requirement. Visitors from these countries will still be able to stay in Indonesia for a maximum of 30 days, provided they possess a valid passport and a confirmed departure ticket.
This move by Indonesia reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring public safety and health, especially in light of the ongoing global health challenges. By temporarily suspending the visa-free visits policy, the authorities aim to mitigate potential risks associated with the entry of individuals from countries where disease control measures may not be as stringent.
It is important to note that this decision may impact international travel plans and arrangements for individuals intending to visit Indonesia. Therefore, travelers are advised to stay informed about the latest visa requirements and regulations before planning their trips to Indonesia.
The Indonesian government continues to closely monitor the situation and remains committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for both its citizens and visitors during these challenging times.
