The Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration has officially expanded its Visa Free Visit (Bebas Visa Kunjungan) programme, granting visa-free entry privileges to citizens of Kazakhstan and Macau. The decision reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen international tourism, improve connectivity, and support economic growth while maintaining strict immigration oversight and national security standards.
The announcement follows a high-level coordination meeting held in Jakarta involving multiple government institutions, including the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections, the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Law, and the Coordinating Ministry for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections.
For travellers, tourism operators, and businesses monitoring Indonesia’s immigration landscape, the development signals another step in the country’s gradual reopening and tourism expansion strategy.
Indonesia’s Visa-Free Policy Continues to Evolve
Visa-free entry has long been one of Indonesia’s most effective tools for encouraging international tourism and facilitating short-term travel.
Under the Visa-Free Visit scheme, eligible foreign nationals may enter Indonesia without applying for a visa in advance, subject to specific immigration conditions and permitted activities.
The latest approval adds Kazakhstan and Macau to Indonesia’s list of visa-free jurisdictions, allowing citizens from both territories easier access to Indonesia for tourism-related visits.
Government officials emphasised that the decision was not taken solely from a tourism perspective. Instead, the evaluation considered multiple factors, including:
- Reciprocity between countries
- Immigration compliance history
- National security considerations
- Economic benefits
- Tourism potential
- Bilateral diplomatic relations
According to government representatives, Indonesia continues to apply a cautious and selective approach when expanding visa-free facilities.
This reflects a broader immigration policy that seeks to balance convenience for international visitors with effective border management and security controls.
Why Kazakhstan and Macau Were Added
The inclusion of Kazakhstan and Macau comes amid Indonesia’s efforts to diversify its tourism markets beyond traditional visitor sources.
Both destinations have demonstrated growing outbound travel demand and increasing interest in Southeast Asia.
Kazakhstan, in particular, has emerged as an important tourism source market for several Asian countries, supported by expanding middle-class travel and improved international flight connectivity.
Macau, meanwhile, serves as a significant travel hub with strong regional mobility and established tourism networks.
The government believes that facilitating travel from these markets could contribute to increased visitor arrivals while strengthening broader economic and cultural exchanges.
Potential Benefits of the New Visa-Free Access
| Benefit | Impact |
| Easier travel planning | No pre-arrival visa application required |
| Faster entry process | Reduced administrative procedures |
| Tourism growth | Increased visitor arrivals |
| Business opportunities | Improved regional connectivity |
| Bilateral relations | Stronger international cooperation |
While visa-free entry simplifies access, visitors must still comply with Indonesian immigration regulations and permitted activities during their stay.
Several Countries Remain Under Government Review
While Kazakhstan and Macau have received approval, discussions regarding several other countries are still ongoing.
Government agencies are currently reviewing proposals concerning:
- Japan
- South Korea
- India
- Australia
- New Zealand
Authorities are also evaluating proposals related to Visa on Arrival eligibility for Australian permanent residents entering Indonesia.
At present, no final decisions have been announced regarding these additional proposals.
Officials have indicated that further assessments are required before any expansion can be implemented.
The review process includes considerations such as:
- Security assessments
- Immigration compliance data
- Tourism impact projections
- Reciprocal treatment for Indonesian citizens abroad
- Regulatory implications
This measured approach reflects Indonesia’s commitment to maintaining a balanced immigration framework while supporting international mobility.
Indonesia Maintains a Selective Immigration Policy
Despite efforts to simplify travel procedures, Indonesia continues to emphasise what immigration authorities describe as a “selective policy” approach.
Under this framework, not every country automatically qualifies for visa-free access.
Instead, immigration authorities evaluate each proposal based on broader national interests.
Key priorities include:
- Border security
- Immigration compliance
- Prevention of visa misuse
- Economic contribution
- Tourism development
- International relations
Even where visa-free access is available, travellers remain subject to immigration screening procedures upon arrival.
The Directorate General of Immigration has reiterated that entry into Indonesia remains conditional upon meeting all applicable immigration requirements.
Government Targets Continued Tourism Growth
The latest visa-free expansion aligns with Indonesia’s broader tourism recovery strategy.
The Ministry of Tourism has identified international visitor growth as a major priority as the country seeks to strengthen its position as one of Asia’s leading travel destinations.
Government targets continue focusing on restoring foreign visitor arrivals to pre-pandemic levels while encouraging longer stays and increased tourism spending.
Several immigration initiatives have already been introduced to support this objective, including:
- Electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VoA)
- Digital immigration systems
- Expanded visa categories
- Improved border processing
- Long-term residence visa programmes
These measures aim to create a more accessible travel experience while preserving regulatory oversight.
List of Indonesia Visa Exemption Countries Updated for 2026
Following the addition of Kazakhstan and Macau, Indonesia’s Visa-Free Visit programme currently applies to citizens of the following countries and territories:
| SEA | Non SEA |
| Brunei Darussalam | Suriname |
| Cambodia | Colombia |
| Laos | Hong Kong |
| Malaysia | Macau |
| Myanmar | Kazakhstan |
| Philippines | |
| Singapore | |
| Thailand | |
| Timor-Leste | |
| Vietnam |
Visitors entering Indonesia under the Visa-Free Visit scheme must still comply with the applicable entry requirements and permitted stay conditions established by Indonesian immigration authorities.
As immigration regulations may change periodically, travellers are encouraged to verify the latest requirements before departure.
Read more about Indonesia Free Visa
Indonesia Single Entry Visit Visa
For visitors planning to remain in Indonesia for several months, the Single Entry Visa often provides significantly more flexibility than the standard VoA. The Single Entry Visit Visa is one of the most flexible options for foreigners wishing to stay in Indonesia for a longer continuous period.
Unlike the Visa on Arrival, this visa is obtained before entering Indonesia through the e-visa system or authorised visa service providers.
Read more about Single Entry Tourist Visa
Streamline Your Visa Application with LMI Consultancy
Indonesia’s immigration policies continue to evolve as the government balances tourism growth, foreign investment, and border security. While visa-free travel may simplify entry for some visitors, many travellers, expatriates, investors, and business professionals still require the appropriate visa or stay permit for their activities in Indonesia.
At LMI Consultancy, we provide end-to-end assistance for individuals and businesses navigating Indonesia’s immigration framework.
Our services include:
- Visa on Arrival and e-VoA assistance
- Tourist and business visas
- Investor KITAS applications
- Work permits and Working KITAS
- Family and Dependent KITAS
- Retirement and long-term stay visas
- Visa extensions and immigration compliance support
Whether you are visiting Indonesia for leisure, exploring investment opportunities, relocating with your family, or establishing a business presence, our consultants help ensure your immigration process is handled efficiently, accurately, and in full compliance with the latest regulations.
