Indian travellers are getting good news after good news! After stunning travel destinations like Malaysia and Thailand have offered visa-free entry to Indian travellers, the next in line might be Indonesia. Yes, you read this right! Indonesia might soon offer visa-free entry to travellers from 20 nations, including India. Here’s what is in store.
Indonesia Mulls Introducing Visa-Free Entry To Indian Tourists Like Malaysia & Thailand
As per an article by Hindustan Times (HT), the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy proposed to offer visa-free entry to Indian travellers. This news comes as the destination has a telos to increase tourist visits which will in turn have a domino effect on the economy. Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, the Indonesia Tourism minister stated to Hindustan Times that the ministry has proposed to entry visa-free for 20 countries with the highest number of foreign tourists. But this doesn’t include those countries with existing visa exemptions.
With free entry visas to the 20 countries, Indonesia sees this as an opportunity to increase foreign tourist visits. It will be a way for the island nation to boost domestic consumption, increase the development of the digital economy and attract foreign investments. Also, according to Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, Indonesia is now looking to attract quality tourists. By this, he means tourists who will stay longer and have higher spending capacity in the local economy.
Indonesia will offer visa-free entry to citizens from 20 countries namely India, Australia, China, France, Germany, the United States and South Korea. This will not only stimulate tourism but will also provide a necessary boost to the economy. As per a TOI report, Indonesia’s Tourism Minister informed that the government has provided directives to the ministry to explore visa waiver options.
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Earlier, The Nation Introduced Golden Visas To Attract Foreign Investments
The pre-pandemic tourism stats show that Indonesia welcomed 16 million foreign tourists in 2019. From January to October 2023, there was a noteworthy increase in foreign tourists totalling 9.49 million. This is a substantial 124.3 per cent rise in tourists from January to October 2022. It’s worth noting the global trend of issuing visa-free entry into countries like Malaysia and Thailand. Recently, Malaysia offered visa-free access for visitors from India and China.
Also Read: US To Start Visa Free Travel For Israeli Citizens; Here’s More About It
Interestingly, Indonesia in September this year, unveiled an attractive golden visa programme targeting corporate investors and foreign individuals. Director-General of Immigration, Silmy Karim under the golden visa, individuals will get residence permits lasting between 5 to 10 years. For the 5-year visa, a person must establish a company in Indonesia valued at $2.5 million. to qualify for the 10-year visa, one must make an investment worth $5 million.
If corporate investors seek a 5-year golden visa for directors and commissioners, must invest $25 million/ For a 10-year visa the investment will double, amounting to $50 million.
Meanwhile, travellers, are you looking forward to a visa-free travel to Indonesia? With the onset of nations in Asia offering visa-free entries, does it motivate you to focus your travel adventures within Asia?
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva
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