The European Commission has formally approved a visa cascade facility for Indonesian citizens, allowing eligible travellers to apply for long term multi-entry Schengen visas.
The announcement was delivered by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during a joint press conference with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Brussels, Belgium, on Sunday, 13 July 2025.
President von der Leyen stated, “I am pleased to announce that the European Commission has adopted a decision on visa cascade. From now on, Indonesian citizens visiting the EU for the second time will be eligible for a multi-entry Schengen visa.”
This development marks a significant shift in mobility policy, enabling Indonesian nationals with a proven record of compliance on previous Schengen visas to benefit from a simplified and more flexible application process. The policy was described as part of the “people-to-people connections” pillar underpinning the EU and Indonesia strategic partnership.
“In short, we are building bridges between our peoples,” said von der Leyen, expressing confidence that this policy will deepen ties between the citizens of Europe and Indonesia. She also acknowledged President Prabowo’s visit to Brussels, highlighting the importance of maintaining open, cooperative international relations.
“Mr. President, thank you once again for your visit. The message we convey today is very strong and clear: In difficult times, when some parties choose isolation and fragmentation, Europe and Indonesia choose a different path, a path that emphasises openness, partnership, and shared opportunities,” she said.
Visa Cascade Offers Indonesian Citizens Long-Term Mobility and Flexibility
@officialinews Kunjungan Presiden Prabowo Subianto ke Brussel membuahkan hasil konkret bagi Warga Negara Indonesia (WNI). Dalam konferensi pers bersama Presiden Komisi Eropa Ursula von der Leyen, diumumkan bahwa WNI yang melakukan kunjungan kedua ke Uni Eropa kini berhak memperoleh visa Schengen multi-entry. Kebijakan ini disebut sebagai bagian dari sistem visa “cascade” yang memudahkan akses lintas negara Eropa bagi pemohon yang memiliki rekam jejak kunjungan sebelumnya. Ursula menekankan bahwa langkah ini bukan semata untuk mempermudah perjalanan, melainkan juga untuk mempererat hubungan jangka panjang antara masyarakat Uni Eropa dan Indonesia, termasuk dalam bidang pendidikan, investasi, hingga pertukaran sosial. Ia menyebut keputusan ini sebagai bagian dari strategi konektivitas antarmasyarakat dan simbol bahwa di tengah dunia yang terpecah, Indonesia dan Uni Eropa memilih jalan keterbukaan dan kerja sama. #VisaSchengen #PrabowoDiBrussel #EUDanIndonesia #KemitraanStrategis ♬ suara asli – OfficialiNews
Under the new cascade system, Indonesian passport holders who have previously travelled to the Schengen Area without violating visa rules may apply for longer validity, multiple-entry visas.
Previously, even repeat visitors were typically granted single-entry visas with limited validity closely tied to their travel dates.
The new scheme follows a progressive structure:
- First-time applicants will likely be issued a short-term single or multiple-entry visa (typically for 90 days).
- On the second application, if the rules used the previous visa, applicants may be granted a one year multi-entry visa.
- Subsequent applications may lead to three or five year multi-entry visas, depending on the applicant’s record of compliance.
This system is intended to reward travellers who demonstrate consistent respect for Schengen regulations by reducing administrative burdens and extending access.
The benefits for Indonesian citizens are substantial. In terms of cost and time, the need for repeated visa applications is significantly reduced. The system also facilitates more spontaneous and varied travel plans across the 29 countries in the Schengen Area.
Speaking in Brussels, President Prabowo welcomed the development, calling it an example of the strengthening partnership between Indonesia and the EU, particularly in the realm of citizen mobility.
“Once again, I emphasise that in Southeast Asia, especially Indonesia, we see Europe playing an important role in maintaining global stability. We think Europe remains a leader in many aspects of modern life, and we continue to view Europe as an important partner,” he said.
The cascade visa facility is expected to not only increase travel efficiency but also enhance mutual trust and strengthen diplomatic and cultural ties between Indonesia and Europe.
