Indonesia has expanded its Free Visa to Indonesia framework by formally adding Brazil and Turkey to the Visa Exemption (Bebas Visa Kunjungan / BVK) regime.
The policy has been effective since 3 July 2025, following the issuance of Minister of Immigration and Correctional Services Regulation No. 9 of 2025, reflecting a measured recalibration of Indonesia’s border and mobility policy.
The decision was confirmed by Yuldi Yusman, Acting Director General of Immigration, who noted that the inclusion of Brazil and Turkey was the outcome of a coordinated evaluation involving multiple government institutions.
Visa exemption, he said, is granted on the basis of ongoing assessment and reciprocity, with Brazil and Turkey having already extended visa-free access to Indonesian passport holders.
Legal Basis and Policy Direction
The expansion is anchored in Presidential Regulation No. 95 of 2024, which requires visa-free facilities to observe the principles of reciprocity, national security, tourism development, and economic and investment benefit. Taken together, the framework highlights Indonesia’s increasingly selective approach to immigration liberalisation—maintaining openness while tightening controls to mitigate misuse.
From a policy perspective, the move signals Indonesia’s intent to support global mobility while reinforcing compliance, particularly at high-traffic entry points such as Jakarta and Bali.
What the Indonesia Visa Exemption Allows
Under Visa Category A – Visa Exemption (Free of Charge), eligible foreign nationals may enter Indonesia without prior visa application and without a local guarantor.
Key conditions are summarised below:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum stay | Up to 30 days |
| Extension | Not permitted |
| Status conversion | Not allowed to any other stay permit |
| Permitted activities | Tourism, business meetings, medical treatment |
Foreign nationals must exit Indonesia upon expiry of the permitted stay. Overstays or activities outside the allowed scope may result in administrative sanctions, financial penalties, or future entry restrictions.
Countries Eligible for Free Visa to Indonesia (Updated 2026)
As of early 2026, the following jurisdictions qualify for Indonesia’s visa-free entry regime:
| Eligible Jurisdictions for Indonesia Visa Exemption |
|---|
| Brazil |
| Brunei Darussalam |
| Cambodia |
| Colombia |
| Hong Kong |
| Laos |
| Malaysia |
| Myanmar |
| Peru |
| Philippines |
| Singapore |
| Suriname |
| Thailand |
| Timor-Leste |
| Turkey |
| Vietnam |
| Foreign nationals holding Singapore Permanent Residency (selected checkpoints) |
Regulation Alignment and Ongoing Review
Indonesia’s Directorate General of Immigration has reiterated that the BVK policy is applied on a selective and closely monitored basis. Oversight of foreign nationals continues to be strengthened, alongside periodic reviews to ensure alignment with prevailing laws and policy objectives.
Yuldi added that immigration policy is expected to support economic development while ensuring that only foreign nationals who contribute positively enter Indonesia.
Staying Longer Than 60 Days in Indonesia
For visitors seeking to remain in Indonesia beyond short-term visa-free limits, alternative visa pathways should be considered. One commonly used option is the Single Entry Tourist Visa, which allows an initial 60-day stay and can be extended for a total stay of up to 180 days.
As a single-entry facility, the visa becomes invalid once the holder exits Indonesia. Proper planning is therefore essential for travellers intending to remain longer while maintaining full immigration compliance.
Also read: Single Entry Tourist Visa Indonesia
Advisory Standpoint
From an advisory standpoint, visa exemption is not a substitute for long-term residence, employment, or business activity in Indonesia. Misalignment between visa type and on-the-ground activities remains a key compliance risk for foreign nationals.
LMI Consultancy advises individuals, investors, and corporates on Indonesian and ASEAN immigration strategy, legal structuring, business setup, and tax compliance. As regulations continue to evolve, early and informed planning remains critical to managing regulatory exposure and ensuring a smooth stay in Indonesia.
