Why has Indonesia stopped visa-free and visa-on-arrival entry for India and 158 countries?
Indonesia has gained significant popularity as a tourist destination, attracting people from all over the world due to its visa-free entry and affordable options. Thanks to social media, Indonesian hotspots like Bali, Jakarta, and Yogyakarta have become extremely popular with tourists.
However, the country has recently temporarily suspended its visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry policy for tourists from 159 countries including India.
What?
On June 19, the Indonesian Ministry of Law and Human Rights issued an order to temporarily halt visa-free entries, according to a report in Bali Times. The purpose behind this suspension is to "address worries about disturbances to public order and the risk of disease transmission from countries not certified as disease-free by the World Health Organization (WHO)".
- The ban on visa-free entry has been imposed on 159 countries. However, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam are exempted from the ban.
- Nevertheless, individuals from the ASEAN region can also stay in Indonesia for a period of 30 days by presenting a valid passport and a confirmed departure ticket.
- If they wish to extend their stay, they can explore various immigration visa options available in Indonesia, including the e-VOA (Electronic Visa on Arrival), Visit Visa, or Limited Stay Visa.
The list also includes India, in case you're wondering.
Here's the complete list of countries no longer on Indonesia's visa-free entry list:
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Previously, Indian citizens were eligible for visa-free entry to Indonesia, allowing them to stay in the country for a maximum of 30 days. However, the ban is temporary and not permanent, according to Balitimes.
This was because Indians could get a visa on arrival (VOA) for Indonesia, meaning that Indian citizens could travel visa-free to Indonesia and get a visa stamp on arrival.