Indonesia makes end of visa-free regime for 159 nationalities official
Indonesia has officially ended visa-free entry for 159 nationalities, citing public order concerns and uncertified disease screening, leaving only ASEAN members exempt for up to 30 days.
Indonesia has officially suspended its visa-free entry policy for 159 nationalities following an announcement by the Minister of Justice and Human Rights, Yasonna Laoly. The decision was made amid concerns over public order disruptions and the potential spread of diseases from countries not certified as disease-free by the WHO.
Previously, these 159 nationalities were part of a group of 169 countries eligible for visa-free visits since 2016. The policy change has since revised the number of countries benefiting from this arrangement.
Only 10 countries remain exempt from visa requirements, comprising ASEAN member states: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam. Visitors from these nations may stay in Indonesia for up to 30 days with a valid passport and confirmed onward travel ticket.
Notably, these nationalities had already seen their visa-free regime suspended during the Covid-19 pandemic, which allowed Indonesia to begin implementing the e-VOA system for over 90 nationalities. This official announcement formalizes a transitional arrangement. The 159 affected nationalities must now obtain a visa—whether electronic, if eligible—or obtain one upon arrival in Indonesia.
Indonesia’s international tourism sector shows strong growth, with visitor numbers up more than 500% in early 2023 compared to the previous year.
A specialist in regulatory monitoring and a content destination expert, she analyzes daily changes in entry formalities to turn complex administrative processes into practical guides. Her role blends ground-level expertise with technical precision to ensure the reliability of the information provided to travelers.
