Indonesia is taking a more selective approach to immigration, significantly reducing the number of Visa-Free Visit (Bebas Visa Kunjungan/BVK) permits issued while maintaining strong tourism arrivals and increasing visa-related state revenue.
According to the Directorate General of Immigration, the Government reduced the issuance of free visit visas by 87.91% during the first half of 2026, reflecting a broader strategy to prioritise quality over quantity when welcoming foreign nationals.
The policy forms part of Indonesia’s ongoing selective immigration approach, which aims to attract visitors, investors, skilled professionals, and long-term residents who can contribute to the country’s economic growth while strengthening national security.
Indonesia Shifts Towards a “Quality Visitor” Policy
Speaking on the latest immigration performance, Director General of Immigration Hendarsam Marantoko said Indonesia is combining digital transformation with stricter immigration screening to ensure incoming foreign nationals provide meaningful value to the country.
Rather than focusing solely on increasing visitor numbers, the Government is placing greater emphasis on improving immigration services, strengthening supervision, and encouraging productive economic contributions.
The results are already evident.
Between January and June 2026, the number of Visa-Free Visit permits issued fell dramatically from 438,423 in the first half of 2025 to just 52,999 during the same period this year.
Despite the sharp decline, non-tax state revenue (PNBP) from visa services increased by 6.42%, reaching approximately IDR 2.81 trillion, demonstrating that higher-value visa categories are generating stronger returns for the Government.
Visa on Arrival Continues to Dominate
While free visa entries have been reduced, Indonesia continues to welcome millions of international visitors through paid visa schemes.
During the first six months of 2026:
- 3.92 million visas were issued across all categories.
- Visa on Arrival (VoA) remained the most popular option, with 3.48 million visas issued.
- Paid Visit Visa (Index C1) increased by 2.76%, reaching 3.83 million visas.
- C20 Equipment Installation Visas totalled more than 83,800.
The figures suggest that Indonesia is not discouraging international visitors, but instead encouraging travellers to enter through regulated visa pathways that allow for better immigration oversight.
Read more about Indonesia Visa on Arrival Programme
Golden Visa Programme Continues to Grow
Indonesia’s long-term residency initiatives also continue to gain momentum.
During the first half of 2026, Immigration issued 143 Golden Visas, adding to the programme’s steady expansion since its launch in 2024.
Designed for investors, global talent, former Indonesian citizens, and qualified long-term residents, the Golden Visa programme forms part of Indonesia’s strategy to attract quality investment, encourage knowledge transfer, and strengthen the country’s global competitiveness.
Earlier this year, Immigration announced that the programme had already exceeded its initial target while generating tens of trillions of rupiah in investment commitments.
Australia Remains Indonesia’s Largest Source of Visitors
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Australia continued to be Indonesia’s largest source of international visitors during the first half of 2026.
The top five countries of origin were:
- Australia – 848,802 visitors
- China – 668,432
- India – 334,107
- South Korea – 202,101
- United States – 186,463
The figures highlight Indonesia’s continued appeal as both a tourism destination and an investment hub despite tighter immigration screening.
Immigration Enforcement Also Increased
Alongside visa reforms, Immigration has strengthened enforcement against immigration violations.
Between January and June 2026, authorities recorded:
- 10,911 administrative immigration actions
- 3,260 stay permit cancellations and deportations
- 2,102 foreign nationals refused entry after appearing on immigration blacklists
- 23 foreign nationals processed through criminal immigration proceedings
According to Immigration, 93.2% of blacklist cases were related to previous immigration violations.
Authorities also delayed the departure of 1,704 high-risk travellers, while preventing 401 Indonesian citizens and 36 foreign nationals from leaving the country following requests from law enforcement agencies.
The increased enforcement reflects Indonesia’s commitment to ensuring immigration policies support both national security and orderly migration.
More ITAS, ITAP and GCI Applications
The latest figures also show continued demand for Indonesia’s long-term stay permits.
During the first half of 2026, Immigration issued:
- 23,082 Limited Stay Permits (ITAS)
- 3,330 Permanent Stay Permits (ITAP)
- 54 applications under the Global Citizenship of Indonesia (GCI) programme
These figures demonstrate Indonesia’s continued efforts to attract long-term residents while ensuring applicants meet the country’s increasingly selective immigration standards.
What Does This Mean for Expats?
For most expatriates, tourists, investors and digital professionals, the latest announcement is not about making Indonesia more difficult to enter—it is about ensuring applicants use the correct visa category for their intended activities.
Whether you’re visiting Indonesia for tourism, business, employment, retirement or investment, choosing the right visa has become increasingly important as immigration authorities continue strengthening supervision and compliance.
Applying under the appropriate immigration pathway can help avoid delays, administrative sanctions or complications during your stay.
Stay Updated with Indonesia’s Immigration Rules
Indonesia’s immigration landscape continues to evolve, with regular updates affecting visa categories, long-term residency options, business immigration, and compliance requirements.
If you’re planning to relocate, invest, work, retire or establish a business in Indonesia, staying informed about the latest immigration policies is essential.
For professional guidance on Indonesian visas, KITAS, Golden Visa, Global Citizenship of Indonesia (GCI), business establishment, and immigration compliance, LMI Consultancy Indonesia provides comprehensive advisory services for expatriates, investors, entrepreneurs, and international businesses.
Stay updated with the latest immigration, business, and regulatory developments through LMI Consultancy Indonesia to ensure your plans in Indonesia remain compliant and future-ready.
