Indonesia unveils new 5-year multiple-entry visas for business and tourism

In a significant stride towards welcoming global visitors, Indonesia’s Directorate General of Immigration (DGI) introduced groundbreaking 5-year Multiple-Entry Visas (MEVs) on December 20, 2023. This strategic move aims to revolutionize visa and immigration procedures, fostering increased tourism and business activities.

Director General of Immigration, Silmy Karim, highlighted the user-friendly nature of the MEV application process. Foreigners seeking to visit Indonesia for tourism (D1) or business (D2) can conveniently apply through the dedicated online portal. The online application process eliminates the need for physical visits to Indonesian representative offices abroad, aligning with the government’s broader digitalization agenda.

The D1 and D2 visas grant holders the flexibility of multiple entries into Indonesia over five years. With a maximum stay of 60 days per arrival, these MEVs cater to the needs of tourists and business travellers alike. This extended duration is expected to attract a more diverse range of visitors, contributing to the growth of Indonesia’s tourism and business sectors.

The online application policy, effective January 2023, marks a paradigm shift in visa acquisition. Foreigners can now effortlessly complete the application process and make payments using credit cards, reducing bureaucratic hurdles and enhancing accessibility. This initiative aligns with President Joko Widodo’s directive to prioritize digitalization for faster, more efficient services.

Positive Impact on Tourism

The early success of the new policy is evident in the tourism statistics. As of December 8, 2023, a staggering 9,869,348 foreign tourists have entered Indonesia, surpassing the annual target of 8,500,000 set by the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy. The 16% increase underscores the positive response to the simplified visa application process.

Director General Silmy emphasized that the DGI’s visa policies aim to attract high-quality foreign citizens, aligning Indonesia with global standards. Notably, many countries, including Australia and those in Europe, mandate visas for entry.

“The Directorate General of Immigration is dedicated to facilitating an easier online visa application process, in line with the President’s vision for efficient and advanced services through digitalization,” reiterated Director General Silmy Karim.

This transformative visa policy positions Indonesia as a frontrunner in facilitating seamless entry for global travellers, propelling the nation’s tourism and business sectors into a new era of growth and prosperity.