Indonesia Expands Visa-Free List to Include Two More Countries

Visa policy is now a front line in the global travel race and Indonesia is finally showing up to compete. But if it truly wants to compete with Thailand or Vietnam, it will need to drop visa barriers for proven tourism source markets.

Indonesia now allows travelers from Brazil and Turkey to visit the country without a visa for up to 30 days. The change is part of a wider strategy to attract more international tourists, especially from non-traditional markets, as the country works to rebuild its tourism sector and strengthen global partnerships.

According to the government, the main reason for offering visa-free entry to Brazilian and Turkish passport holders is straightforward: both countries already allow Indonesians to enter without a visa.

“The primary consideration for granting visa-free entry to Brazil and Turkey is reciprocity, as both countries already offer visa-free entry to Indonesian citizens,” said Yuldi Yusman, acting director general of immigration.

Under the new policy, Brazil and Turkey visitors can enter visa-free for tourism, business meetings, or medical treatment, but they can't extend their stay or convert it into another type of permit.

Yusman also noted that the country is implementing the move carefully to ensure it aligns with Indonesia’s economic goals and security policies.