### Indonesia to Offer Visa-Free Entry to 20 More Countries

Indonesia to Offer Free Visas to Boost Tourism: What You Need to Know

Indonesia is taking significant steps to revitalize its tourism industry by expanding its visa-free entry policy to citizens of 20 additional countries. This initiative, announced by President Joko Widodo and endorsed by Tourism Minister Sandiaga Uno, aims to attract more international visitors and stimulate economic growth. Here’s everything you need to know about this exciting development and what it means for travelers and the Indonesian economy.

Why the Change?

The COVID-19 pandemic hit Indonesia’s tourism sector hard, with international arrivals plummeting from over 16 million in 2019 to just 1.6 million in 2021. Although recovery is underway, with 9.49 million foreign visitors recorded from January to October this year, Indonesia is still striving to return to pre-pandemic levels【6†source】【8†source】.

To accelerate this recovery, the Indonesian government has decided to offer visa-free entry to 20 more countries. This move is expected to attract tourists who tend to spend more time and money in the country, significantly boosting the local economy【9†source】.

Which Countries are Included?

While the final list is still being confirmed, the proposed countries include major tourism sources such as:

Australia
China
India
United States
United Kingdom
France
Germany
Japan
South Korea
Netherlands
Russia
Taiwan
New Zealand
Italy
Spain
Saudi Arabia
United Arab Emirates
Qatar

These countries were selected based on their potential to contribute significantly to tourism revenue and investment in Indonesia【8†source】【9†source】.

New Tourism Hubs

In addition to expanding visa-free entry, Indonesia is developing five new tourism hubs to diversify tourist destinations beyond Bali, which currently attracts the majority of tourists. The new hubs are:

Borobudur in Central Java
Labuan Bajo in East Nusa Tenggara
Lake Toba in North Sumatra
Mandalika in West Nusa Tenggara
Likupang in North Sulawesi

These hubs aim to alleviate the pressure on Bali and distribute the economic benefits of tourism more evenly across the country【7†source】.

Economic Impact

The government expects this initiative to bring significant economic benefits. For 2024, Indonesia is targeting between 9.5 to 14.3 million foreign arrivals, contributing an estimated 220 trillion rupiah (US$14.1 billion) to the GDP. The tourism sector is forecasted to grow at an annual rate of 12.03% until 2026, driven by both foreign and domestic tourists【7†source】.

What This Means for Travelers

For travelers from the selected countries, this policy change means easier access to Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities. Whether you’re planning to explore the ancient temples of Borobudur, the pristine beaches of Mandalika, or the bustling markets of Jakarta, Indonesia is making it simpler for you to visit.

More Than Just Tourism

Indonesia’s decision to expand its visa-free policy also reflects its broader economic strategy. By making the country more accessible to tourists, the government hopes to attract not only leisure travelers but also business visitors and investors. This aligns with Indonesia’s goal to boost foreign investments and further integrate into the global economy. Additionally, the focus on developing new tourism hubs will create jobs, support local businesses, and promote regional development【7†source】【8†source】.

Conclusion

Indonesia’s proactive steps to expand its visa-free entry policy and develop new tourism hubs underscore a dedicated effort to bolster its tourism sector and enhance economic growth. As the world continues to recover from the pandemic, these initiatives will likely position Indonesia as a top destination for international travelers.

Stay tuned for more updates on the finalized list of countries and the official implementation of this policy. For now, start planning your Indonesian adventure and get ready to explore everything this beautiful country has to offer!

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