Tourism Ministry Revises Visa-Free Proposal for Indonesia, China Included, Belarus and Kazakhstan Removed
Tangsellife.com - The Ministry of Tourism (Kemenpar) has changed the proposed list of countries eligible for Visa-Free Visits (BVK) to Indonesia. If previously a 8+1 country scheme was proposed, now the proposal has been cut to a 7+1 scheme.
This change means several countries are no longer on the proposed list. Conversely, China has become one of the prioritized countries to receive visa-free facilities to Indonesia.
Kemenpar Changes Scheme to 7+1
Ministry of Tourism Spokesperson, Nia Niscaya, explained that initially Kemenpar proposed around 20 countries to receive visa-free visit facilities.
However, after cross-ministerial and institutional discussions, the number was reduced to a 7+1 scheme.
"When the question is (8+1 countries), we need to clarify. We initially proposed 20 countries, but it was reduced during the discussions. Finally, we issued 7+. The seven include permanent residents (PR) of Singapore," said Nia at a press conference in Central Jakarta, Thursday (25/6/2026).
Here is the List of Proposed Countries
In the latest scheme, Kemenpar proposes six countries plus permanent residents (PR) of Singapore.
Here is the latest proposed list:
- China (PRC)
- India
- Japan
- South Korea
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Permanent Resident (PR) of Singapore
According to Nia, the PR status of Singapore is also proposed because the number is quite large and is considered to have the potential to increase the spread of tourists to various regions in Indonesia.
"We are asking for this, can they not only get free (visa-free) but also to other parts of Indonesia because this is also good for the spread or distribution of tourists and also for regional development," she said.
Belarus and Kazakhstan No Longer Included
In the previous proposal, the list of countries eligible for visa-free entry included Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, India, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Macau, and PR of Singapore.
However, in the latest proposal, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Macau are no longer on the priority list. Instead, China is proposed to receive visa-free facilities.
Selected Based on Three Considerations
Nia explained that the countries included in the proposed list were selected based on the 3S concept, namely:
- Size, which is the number of foreign tourists from that country visiting Indonesia in the last 10 to 15 years.
- Spending, which is the amount spent by tourists during their holidays in Indonesia.
- Sustainability, which is the potential for sustainability and growth of the tourism market from that country.
These three indicators are considered the main basis for determining which countries are eligible for visa-free facilities.
Decision Still Awaiting Government
Although the proposal has changed to a 7+1 scheme, Kemenpar emphasizes that the final decision has not yet been made.
Discussions are still ongoing with the Directorate General of Immigration and related ministries under the coordination of the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs.
"It is still in process. The decision is not ours. Let us wait for the results and hope for the best decision for economic growth through tourism development, especially in the area of visa visits for foreign tourists," said Nia.
