24-12-2023 (JAKARTA) Indonesia has unveiled a new policy offering five-year multiple-entry visas to foreign visitors for tourism or business purposes, effective from Wednesday, according to reports from both local and international media.
This initiative is a strategic move by the government to enhance the number of foreign tourists and stimulate economic growth, stated Silmy Karim, the immigration chief. Karim highlighted the convenience these multiple-entry visas bring to foreigners with high mobility, emphasizing their potential to simplify the entry process and make Indonesia more appealing to prospective travellers.
Under this new policy, visitors holding these visas will be permitted stays of up to 60 days per visit. The introduction of this extended visa duration aims to attract more tourists by providing greater flexibility.
Applicants can conveniently apply for these visas online through evisa.imigrasi.go.id, with the option to make payments using a credit card, as outlined by Karim. This digital application process aligns with global trends, offering a streamlined and efficient approach for travellers seeking entry to Indonesia.
In comparison, the standard tourist visa for Indonesia is typically valid for 30 days with a single entry, extendable for an additional 30 days before expiration. The introduction of the five-year multiple-entry visa reflects a progressive approach to tourism and aligns with similar visa schemes implemented by neighbouring countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore.
Indonesia, a nation comprising a sprawling archipelago of 17,000 islands, has set an ambitious target of attracting 40 million foreign tourists by 2025. As of December 8, the country had already surpassed the Tourism Ministry’s 2023 goal of 8.5 million visitors, welcoming nearly 10 million foreign tourists.
The tourism sector’s growth is further supported by substantial investments in infrastructure projects, including airports and roads. These developments aim to enhance connectivity and accessibility to Indonesia’s diverse array of attractions, ranging from ancient temples and volcanoes to pristine beaches and lush rainforests.
